House damaged from a natural disaster, with a tree through the roof

Earthquake resources

Earthquakes can cause severe damage to buildings, roads and pipelines because of surface ruptures and shifting rock. There is no particular season for earthquakes. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses, including:

  • Preparing for earthquakes
  • Dealing with damage
  • Finding a trusted professional

Insurance

A poster with the inscription Disaster and fallen wooden houses. Urgent evacuation of people. Hurricane. Storm. Fire. Explosion. The flood. Collapse. Threat to people's lives. Emergency housing status
What to know about earthquake insurance

You can manage risk and recover more quickly from a disaster if you have insurance. However it is often difficult to get due to increases in premiums.

Business woman examining insurance policy
BBB Tip: Insurance companies

You will probably consider many types of insurance through your life. These are the things you should keep in mind when buying any kind of insurance.

Insurance or loan real estate, Agent broker and client signing contract agreement
Find an insurance company near you

Find insurance companies near you by using your Better Business Bureau directory. Get BBB ratings and read consumer reviews and complaints by people in your community.

Before, during and after an earthquake

Houses in the middle of a natural disaster with blue tarps covering roofs

No matter what time of year it is, natural disasters can impact a business. It's important to know what the biggest risks might be. There are two important components to plan for when putting together a plan: response and recovery.

Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover: Protect Your Business From a Natural Disaster
Tree fallen on top of a home from a natural disaster

Earthquakes can threaten people, property, and infrastructure across North America. These events can occur at anytime, which is why it is essential to be prepared, stay calm and know what to do in the event of these disasters. Read the advice from the CDC.

Staying safe during an earthquake
Dark thunderstorm clouds with lightning

The moments after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming. Victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor. Make temporary repairs if necessary so you can take the time to choose a trustworthy contractor. Read the CDC tips to help you recover safely.

Staying safe after an earthquake

Prevent fraud and scams after a disaster strikes:

Hire a trusted profesional

Search BBB.org for trusted services and professinals near you.

Report scams and illegal business practices

Help warn others by reporting scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Price gouging is illegal! Report it and misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth.

Research

View business profiles for unbiased information on a company and their marketplace reputation. 

Beware

happy couple shaking hands with a contractor is a house under construction

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major disaster when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses.

Home improvement scammers take money, don't complete work
Red donate button on a computer keyboard

After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors. 

Charitable Giving after a natural disaster or tragedy
Money with price gouging prohibited displayed

People often find that the cost of high-demand items skyrockets during times of emergencies such as ice storms, a severe cold snap, power outages, hurricanes, floods or other types of disasters. Better Business Bureau is here to keep you up to date on unfair ans illegal practices.

False advertising, price gouging is unfair and illegal
storm damage, broken tree branches on a house and roadway

Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver.

BBB Tip: Protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster
Do your research

Check business profiles for BBB rating, customer reviews, and customer complaints. Make sure you're dealing with a trustworthy business. 

Find a trusted Charity

BBB Wise Giving Alliance is here to help you make wise giving decisions. Find an Accredited Charity that follows BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

Report a scam

Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know. Search for local scams happening in your area.

Report bad advertising

If you see price gouging or misleading ads, report it to BBB Ad Truth. Check out BBB Code of Advertising to learn advertising best practices.

File a complaint

Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. File a complaint if you suspect a business is taking advantage of consumers. 

Contractors near you

Hiring a trustworthy contractor is one of the most important steps in your project. Search this list to find an Accredited general contractor near you.

Construction services near you
Homebuilders near you