Earthquakes happen without warning and they can cause damage even in areas where tremors aren't a known issue. If you've experienced a seismic event, here's what you need to do to be safe in the aftermath.

Earthquakes have inflicted damage in all 50 U.S states. As urban development and other factors increase vulnerability to quakes, it makes sense to minimize their seismic impact on your family and property with these facts and suggestions.

Protecting yourself and your family

• Be sure that all family members know how to turn off utilities (gas, water and electricity) in an emergency.
• Make sure every family member knows where safe spots are in each room, such as under sturdy tables or desks or in strong doorways.
• Identify danger zones in each room, such as windows, bookshelves and furniture, that may fall over and cause injuries.

Insuring yourself against wildfires

If the area in which you live is at risk for wildfires, make sure to take appropriate measures to protect your home against these catastrophically destructive events.

However, as it's not always possible to avoid the devastation of a wildfire, it's important to protect yourself financially by having adequate insurance for:

Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Fortunately there are steps you can take to minimize a hurricane’s impact.

Para la temporada de huracanes de 2006 el Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recomienda que todos residentes de las zonas costeras de Estados Unidos desde Texas hasta el estado de Maine tomen ciertas previsiones en caso de verse amenazados por la llegada de un huracán o tormenta tropical mayor en su área.

El I.I.I. aconseja que todos preparen un P-L-A-N con los siguientes pasos:

Yes. Floods, earthquakes and acts of terrorism are generally not covered.

Protection against flood damage.

Property insurance policies usually exclude coverage for flood damage. Find out from your local government office or your commercial bank whether your business is located in a flood zone. Also ask around to find out whether your location has been flooded in the past. Government projects to map flood zones may be slow to keep up with new developments.

Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home—and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid the expense and inconvenience of winter damage—and even help you save on heating costs. Get started when the leaves begin to turn so your home is well prepared when the cold, harsh weather hits.

Lightning can cause damage to your home and belongings—and can cause bodily harm. It's prudent to take steps to prevent the dangerous effects of lightning and to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are some things you can do.