Earthquake Awareness Month: Is Your Home Prepared?

When most homeowners in Central Texas think about natural disasters, earthquakes usually fall pretty low on the worry list. We’re far more familiar with hailstorms, flash flooding, and the occasional tornado. Still, February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and it’s a good reminder that while earthquakes are less common here, they’re not impossible—and preparation is always a smart move.

Whether you’re in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Austin, New Braunfels, San Marcos, or San Antonio, a little planning now can help protect your home, your family, and your finances later.

Start with Smart Home Upgrades

Structural integrity matters when the ground starts shaking. In more earthquake-prone regions, homeowners often invest in upgrades like bolting the home to its foundation or bracing cripple walls (the short walls between the foundation and the first floor). While these upgrades aren’t always standard in Central Texas, older homes or homes with raised foundations may benefit from a professional evaluation. These improvements can help reduce structural damage and costly repairs.

Secure the Big Stuff

Take a walk through your home and look for items that could tip over or shift during sudden movement. Think refrigerators, water heaters, bookshelves, and large TVs. Using seismic straps, wall anchors, hooks, and latches can help keep these items in place. Bonus: securing furniture also helps protect against everyday accidents—not just earthquakes.

Have a Family Emergency Plan

Earthquakes don’t come with a warning, so having a plan ahead of time is key. Your household emergency plan should include:

• Safe spots in each room
• Multiple exit routes
• A designated meeting place
• An out-of-area contact everyone can call

Practice the plan so everyone knows what to do, especially kids. When stress is high, muscle memory helps.

Ask a Professional

If you’re unsure about your home’s ability to withstand seismic activity, consider a professional home inspection or structural assessment. A licensed contractor or engineer can identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical improvements—especially helpful if you’re buying, remodeling, or living in an older home.

Pack (and Maintain) Emergency Supplies

In the event of an earthquake, you may be without power or access to supplies for a period of time. A well-stocked emergency kit should include:

• Drinking water
• Nonperishable food
• Flashlights and batteries
• First-aid and essential medications
• Copies of important documents

Keep your kit updated and accessible.

Don’t Forget Insurance Coverage

Here’s the part many homeowners don’t realize: earthquake damage is excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Coverage is typically available through a separate earthquake policy or endorsement. While earthquake insurance may not be necessary for every Central Texas homeowner, it’s worth a conversation—especially if you want to limit potential out-of-pocket expenses.

At Dowd Insurance Agency, we help homeowners understand what their policies do (and don’t) cover and explore options that make sense for their location, home value, and risk tolerance.