Natural Disasters and Protection on the East Coast.

This week Philadelphia experienced its first earthquake since the small earthquake on December 10th 1968 and the slight damage caused by the tremors in 1972. The earthquake that hit this week was of magnitude 5.8 with the epicenter in mineral Virginia and the effects being felt along the east-coast all the way up to Boston. In Philadelphia the effects were extremely mild, some buildings experienced noticeable movement but nothing too dramatic most of Philadelphia's prime real estate went unscathed. Offices throughout the city were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure, no deaths serious injuries or property damage were recorded throughout the county and its neighboring states. The majority of the damage occurred in Mineral Virginia the epicenter of the disaster. Probably the biggest effect of the earthquake was the shock and surprise expressed as the event occurred. Many at the Keller Williams Real Estate office that I work in thought that the construction next door was the cause of the builndings movement, only after everything had settled down did we realize that it was an earthquake. When Nnamdi Asomugha a Philadelphia Eagles player was interviewed, he jovially said something along the lines of; when he was offered a contract by the eagles he asked his agent what natural disasters there were in Philly to which his agent described none. Ironically shortly after he landed in Philly from Earthquake plagued California this earthquake occurred.

Onlookers assess earthquake damage
 as buildings are evacuated.

Are we protected enough from natural disasters. Spurned by the imminent arrival of Hurricane Irene this weekend this question has since arisen. As I'm writing this blog Hurricane Irene has already claimed its first casualties as reports are surfacing of eight people suffering injuries from rough seas in Florida. One person reportedly nearly drowned and several others where knocked over by a huge wave that hit a Jetty of Boynton Beach just North of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The path of the storm is along the eastern coast of the United states. New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Delaware have all been claimed states of emergency ahead of the storm. Though Pennsylvania is not yet included Philadelphia is scheduled to bare sizable brunt of the storm. Philadelphia has some great resources, get to know your city, get to know Philly. Philadelphia natives must brace themselves by preparing adequately for what is to come. The best way to answer the question; are we protected enough from natural disasters, in this case Hurricane Irene, is (in my opinion) to prepare a checklist. Use this check list to assess what has been done and what needs to be done to give you sufficient piece of mind circumstances considered.

Hurricane Irene Path.

Here are some simple tips that could help protect for Hurricane Irene and any future Hurricanes and other natural disasters. (These tips are not hurricane specific).

1. Prepare a supply kit. This is something you should have on hand all the time so that you are prepared well before an event occurs. The supply kit should include:
    -A generator.
    -Extra Gasoline
    -A minimum of a gallon of water per person
    -Food, non perishable items, canned items and don't forget a can opener.
    -A flashlight (battery operated)
    -A weather radio
    -A small tool kit
    -A brand new first aid. Keep the kit current.

2. Make sure to carry important papers and special photos. Keep them secure and safe. Include items such as Identification, hurricane insurance policy, title & deeds to property, diplomas etc.

3. Take videos and photos of your property. This will help assess damage especially when it comes to insurance claims.

4. If you are unable to find relatives or friends to take you in, book a room in a neighboring state, keeping you safe from storm but not to far from home.

5. Carry entertainment, board games, books etc. focus on non electrically charged if possible as those will like be bulky and may not function.

6. Try and stay down wind, as this is the area that will be least affected in comparison to other areas.

7. Carry extra cash, as electronics may not always work. Cash is simple and convenient, it will also save you head aches in the event of a power-cut.

8. Most importantly, stay indoors, don't venture out into the storm. Keep inside, keep calm and keep safe, protect your real estate.

Residents in other states may be more accustomed to earthquakes and hurricanes and other natural disasters. For example their buildings may be built in a way that they are more able to deal with Earthquakes. We do not have this privilege in Philadelphia, zoning ordinances and building permits do not require Philadelphia real estate to be built in a way that protects the properties structurally from earthquakes and hurricanes. Do your research, investigate insurance policies. Assess the best way to protect your investment.

Contact your local real estate expert for more information on how to protect your investment. All things considered, try to enjoy your weekend, stay safe and prepared. Do not hesitate to contact your local emergency numbers if you have issues.