Earthquake Insurance for Floating Homes

Recently we reported that the Bay Area is overdue for a major earthquake, which raised the question of earthquake coverage for floating homes. According to Samantha Fazio of Hawser Marine Insurance, both the California Fair Plan (CAF) and Red Shield offer earthquake coverage as required for all California homeowners. CAF’s...

Get Finances in Order Before a Quake Hits

“Earthquakes are an inevitable part of life in California, a threat we live with daily,” states a recent supplement to the San Francisco Chronicle. Bringing that closer to home, the paper declares: “Experts predict, and history suggests, that we are overdue for a major quake, particularly along the Hayward Fault...

Houseboat Living in Earthquake Country

Last week’s early morning (3:39 a.m.) earthquake, which roused some floating home residents from a deep sleep, is a reminder that we are definitely on Terra Non Firma. The December 17 temblor was centered in El Cerrito—only 10 miles away—and was measured at a magnitude 3.6. The tide was about...

Register Your Cell Phone with AlertMarin

Marin County’s AlertMarin Emergency Notification System’s primary purpose is to advise citizens of any situation occurring or about to occur that threatens harm to life and/or property or is deemed dangerous by officials. Originally, these alerts were sent to land lines; now you can receive them on your cell phone...

Tech Tools for Disaster Planning

On July 18, the Sunday Chronicle published a Survival Guide Supplement chock full of helpful tips. Here are some excerpts from one article: “Tech tools can help prepare you for disaster.” There are some free apps for your phone, numbers to text, systems to register for and technology to buy...

New Earthquake Alert Available

After being shaken up by the earthquake on Thursday afternoon, July 8, I was pleased to learn of a new earthquake warning app from the Southern Marin Fire District. By downloading the free MyShakeApp  and adjusting phone settings, people can get a jump start, in some cases before shaking can...

Give Everyone Emergency Information

Another weekly tip for Emergency Preparedness Month, provided by Emergency Preparedness Chair Flo Hoylman: You probably have an emergency contacts list attached to your fridge or on your home office bulletin board. Put a copy in your child’s backpack, the glove box of your car, your wallet or purse, and...