MINERAL, Va. (WTVR) - One Central Virginia organization is helping some homeowners rebuild after last year's 5.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Louisa County and amassed millions in property damage.
Resurrection Disaster Relief, which is based out of Beaverdam, is helping to build nine homes across Louisa County that were damaged in the quake.
Whether they have construction work experience or not, every worker is there on a volunteer basis. Crews have been working on the homes for the past three weeks, and most days, more than 100 volunteers help out on the nine sites.
“It’s not a sacrifice to do this, it’s a privilege,” Resurrection Disaster Relief President Chris Chiles said.
Corine Anderson has lived in her Mineral home for 51 years, and was sitting in her living room when the earthquake hit.
The quake shook her house so badly, it blew up her heat pump and cracked the sealing on her doors and windows that keep cold air out. She’s been heating her home with an oil furnace since last August.
“I call them my angels,” Anderson said about the volunteers building her new home. “I can’t wait for them to finish.”
Anderson expects to be in her new home, which is built directly behind her current one, before Christmas.
The U.S. Geological Service has recorded no geological activity in Louisa or Central Virginia in the past 30 days.
However, for people still concerned about the damage another quake and resulting aftershocks, earthquake insurance is easy to get.
“It should be as easy as calling your agent and letting them know you’re interested,” Justin Woodward, an insurance agent to Woodward Insurance in Louisa County, said.
In fact, Woodward says that most insurance providers cover earthquake damage, and allow customers to add it to their plan a specific number of days following a tremor. But the time period varies for each company.
According to Woodward, customers typically pay a deductible that’s established from a percentage of a dwellings overall value. For example, two-percent on a home worth $100,000 would be a $2,000 deductible for coverage.
Back at Corine Anderson’s home, she enjoys lunch with the volunteers building her a new home pretty much everyday. She’s just thankful they take the time out to help her out.
Volunteers are welcome to join in on the rebuilding efforts. Click hereto find out how you can volunteer.
