Did you feel that?

The recent earthquakes that those in Haiti and Chile have experienced bring these disasters into conversations. I remember many years ago feeling one here in Central Indiana. Everyone was asking the same question: "Did you feel that?"
So often when talking about the need for a personal property inventory, people state that they don't think "it" will happen to them, whether you're talking about burglary, fire or a natural disaster. But when these headlines hit the news, we are all reminded that it does happen.

According to CNNMoney.com:

• Approximately 5,000 earthquakes strike each year.
• Since 1900, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states and caused damage in all 50.
• The potential damage and cost of earthquakes is increasing all the time because there's simply more buildings and development in risky areas. Plus, older buildings tend to be more vulnerable to a quake.
• While the United States experiences only 2% of the world's earthquakes, some 90% of its population lives in seismically active areas. Some of the most vulnerable cities include: major metro areas in California, Seattle, Portland, New York City, Salt Lake City and St. Louis.
• Earthquakes in the United States are not covered under standard homeowners policy. You'll have to buy a separate policy.
• Rates vary widely by each insurance company, and premiums can be expensive.

It's important to also point out that an earthquake doesn't just stop at the earthquake. Ofter there are fires, floods and tsunamis as a result. Your standard homeowners policy should cover the fire, and if you have flood insurance, that should cover it. But, as with all types of coverage, check with your insurance agent. Policies are different, and it's best to know what yours will and won't cover