Earthquake Activity in Massachusetts this Summer
In our geographic area, the summer of 2021 certainly has been filled with extreme weather events! One thing we know is that extreme weather events can cause damage to our clients properties.
Since July 25th there have been three earthquakes in the Merrimack Valley region. Although they were small in magnitude ranging from 1.2 to 1.4, they did in fact occur.
Seismologist John Ebel of Boston College, author of “New England Earthquakes: The Surprising History of Seismic Activity in the Northeast” had this to say about these events: “We don’t know what the specific cause of these earthquakes are, are but we know that all of the earthquakes in New England are being caused by the pressures that build up as the North American tectonic plate is moving.”
Why are we talking about earthquakes in our area?
We like to review with all property owners that coverage for damage caused by earthquake is an additional coverage that you must select to add. Frequently when we review this option with clients, they dismiss this coverage option.
As for my home, I have added the earthquake coverage. The cost for this additional coverage does vary by home, but we recommend that all home owners review the cost for this coverage and make their own decision about including this.
Based on John Ebel’s recent quote, I think it is the beneficial coverage for coverage for all home owners.