Earthquakes are a common occurrence, especially in places that are vulnerable, such as California, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other Western states. Earthquakes in California are a geologic inevitability. The state straddles the North American and Pacific tectonic plates and is crossed by active fault lines, including San Andreas. There have been over 11,000 earthquakes in California this year, none of which were major. Many Californians can account to experiencing an earthquake, but most have never experienced a strong one. Below explains the Earthquake Magnitude Scale.

But no matter where in the US you are, seismic activity is possible. According to Merriam-Webster, seismic activity is relating to an earth vibration caused by something else; having a strong or widespread impact: earthshaking. Natural disasters are frightening, but earthquakes give little to no warning, making them unique. It is important to know to prepare for an earthquake, what to do during an earthquake and what to do after the shaking is done. Below are a few safety tips for before, during and after an earthquake.

BEFORE

• Practice dropping down and taking cover so that it comes naturally to you when there is an earthquake.
• Invest in an earthquake kit. This can be home-made or professionally made. You do not know how long you could be stuck in one place. Pack the kit with essentials: food, water, bandages, a flashlight, blankets, and other personal items.
• Secure heavy items, such as bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures, etc. Anything that could fall over during an earthquake and injure a person is a hazard.

DURING

• Grab your earthquake emergency ready kit.
• Perform drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to the ground or under a table or desk. Protect yourself by dropping to the ground and covering your head/other important parts of your body. This will help protect you from falling debris or furniture.
• Keep clear of windows – the glass may shatter from the shaking.
• If you are in a car, pull over to a spot clear of trees, powerlines, and buildings. Stay in your car until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a building, take the stairs, do not get in an elevator.

AFTER

• Once the shaking has stopped, leave the building and retreat to an open space, free of falling objects.
• Prepare for aftershocks, which can occur hours, days, weeks or months later after the initial earthquake. These are generally never as strong as the main earthquake, but they can still cause damage to buildings damaged by the initial earthquake.
• Check your property. Your home/building may have been damaged from the earthquake. Document the damage by taking pictures before you start cleaning up.
• Contact your insurance agent to submit a claim.

For more in depth earthquake safety information, visit: California Earthquake Authority 

Click the link below to access the November 2020 issue of Compass Connection:

Compass Connection Nov 2020 Issue

October marked the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. This is a welcoming change for many people across our nation. Struggling through a global pandemic, hurricanes and wildfires, all of which affect the daily lives of Americans. Although the wildfires affected the Westcoast, and the hurricanes affected the South, we all see the affects that climate change has on the world.

As the world has warmed, the climate has changed. It is more prevalent than ever that climate change affects the likelihood of heat waves, ocean heat waves, droughts and intense storms. CBS News reported that many Americans now believe climate change is contributing to extreme weather. Extreme weather and climate events have increased in recent decades. In 2020, we have had 28 named storms, 9 hurricanes and over 47,500 fires that burned nearly 8.6 million acres this year. According to NOAA, in the year 2000 there we 15 cyclones and 8 became hurricanes which is significantly less than future years. Every year since 2000, an average of 71,300 wildfires burned an average of 6.9 million acres. This figure is more than doubled the average annual acreage burned in the 1990’s (3.3 million acres), according to the Congressional Research Service. These are just a few statistics that show how rising temperatures are causing our world to change. Below are a few steps you can take to help slow climate change.

1. Speak up: voice your concerns to your friends and family. By voicing your concerns – via social media, face to face or however you want to do it – you send a message that you care about the warming world.
2. Reduce water waste: take shorter showers, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, turn the water off while shaving, etc. All these steps will help reduce carbon pollution.

1. Eat the food you buy: Approximately 10% of U.S. energy goes into growing, processing and packaging food. Unfortunately, 40% of that winds up in the landfill. Waste less food and cut down on energy consumption.
2. Green your commute: Transportation accounts for a large percent of climate-polluting emissions. Save the planet and a few bucks by riding a bike, carpool, and fly less (if you do fly, offset your emissions here)
3. Avoid Plastic – wherever you can: Plastic has found its way almost everywhere – clothing, cosmetics, packaging, in rivers, in the oceans, on the streets and even in our air. Cut down on your plastic consumptions to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Avoid one use plastics – straws, lids, cutlery bags, etc. Switch from one time use plastic water bottles to reusable water bottles. Purchase a reusable straw, switch from plastic to paper. Do what you can to help our planet.

Both big and small changes can help you reduce your carbon footprint and helps our planet take steps closer to a healthier climate.

The holidays are right around the corner, and most people are preoccupied with the details of holidays plans and shopping. Some safety precautions that normally take place are missed, or the excitement of the holiday season causes us to let down our guard.

It is easy to make safety a part of your holidays with these tips:

1. Pick the Right Holiday Lights

• Check for broken or burnt out bulbs.
• Buy lights with low-wattage bulbs. LED lights last longer and are energy efficient.
• Don’t forget to turn off or unplug any light up decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

2. Tree/Menorah Safety

• Place the tree away from any flammable areas like a fireplace or candles.
• If you purchase an alive tree this year, don’t forget to water the tree to keep it hydrated.
• Make sure the tree is sturdy and placed on a solid, flat surface. You don’t want the tree to fall over.
• Keep menorahs and kinaras away from flammable materials.

3. Holiday Cooking

• Keep your children and pets away from sharp, hot, or flammable items in the kitchen.
• To avoid food poisoning, cook all foods according to safe cooking standards. Check here: foodsafety.gov
• Always use hot pads and hand protectors to avoid burns.
• When using outdoor grills or fryers, make sure and keep an eye on them at all times.

4. Holiday Theft

• Theft tends to rise during the holiday months. Lock up your cars, homes, and anything else that needs to be secure.
• Make sure all boxes, presents and valuable items are out of view.
• Be careful what you post on social media. Make sure your location is turned off when posting about your new holiday gifts.

5. Travel Tips

• If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is ready to go, and know your route. Check traffic alerts, weather reports, and always have a backup route just in case.
• If you are flying, make sure you have double checked your flight time and understand all COVID safety precautions. Here is a list from the CDC regarding COVID travel regulations: https://bit.ly/35RSgs1

Compass wants to make sure everyone has a happy and safe 2020 holiday season. Follow these tips to avoid and accidents and potential damage to your home. Happy Holidays everyone!

Are you looking to be deployed for a hurricane? After all, 2020 has already surpassed the average number of “named” storms.

To be deployed with Compass Adjusting, you MUST be signed up on our roster, Compass Connect.

Our management and recruiting team use Compass Connect to filter through potential staff to be deployed. If you’re not in Connect, it’s not too late! You can sign up here: Compass Connect Roster !

If you were previously on our roster through ComTrak but have never signed up through Compass Connect, you will need to sign up again through the above link. It only takes a few minutes.

If you have any questions, you can email employment@compassadjusters.com!

2020 is continuing its unpredictable streak.

Compass Adjusting is continuing to monitor Douglas, Hanna and Gonzalo. These storms are developing and we are watching. Continue checking social media and your emails to stay the most up to date on potential deployment opportunities.

Monitor these storms with us by visiting: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Wondering what should be in your basic hurricane emergency kit? ready.gov put together a list to help you out with one aspect of hurricane prep.

Below is a list of items that should be in your kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

For quick and easy accessibility, put your emergency kit items in a plastic bin or duffel bags. You don’t want to be running around in a panic when the hurricane hits. You’ll be able to grab one or two large items instead of wondering where you placed the small items.

For more info regarding items you will need and those you can live without for hurricane season, you can visit: http://ready.gov

We are continuing to prepare for the 2020 Hurricane Season. TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) has a large amount of Texas exposure. If you do not have a TWIA certification, you cannot handle any TWIA claims.

Compass has acquired more seats in TWIA’s RMS (Resource Management System) . The certification for new adjusters is just $35.

If you are interested in becoming TWIA certified through Compass Adjusting Services, please sign up on our sign up sheet at https://connect.compassadjusters.com/stand-by-lists/55 (under All Active Standby Lists). These seats are first come, first serve.

Does your Compass Connect profile say “100% Complete?”

If not, what are you missing? Headshot? Updated licenses/certifications?

Visit connect.compassadjusters.com and complete your profile!

Are you looking to catch the attention of Compass Field Managers and Recruiters?

Are you looking to get your foot in the door and show your expertise and capabilities?

Are you looking to get deployed with Compass?

Compass Adjusting Services has come out with a new training module – Compass Level 1! This certification is a basic skills test and is a great way to showcase your skills and set yourself apart from other adjusters!

You can take the test NOW (for free!): Compass Level 1 Certification Test

This basic skills test takes about 45 minutes-1 hour to complete and consists of 20 questions. An active Xactimate will be needed to sketch and answer a few questions.

After you complete the test, you will get an automatic score and certificate.

Make sure to upload your new Compass Level 1 Certification to your Compass Connect profile so that you stand out from the roster!

Register to be on our roster: http://www.connect.compassadjusters.com

If you have any questions, please email employment@compassadjusters.com