Coming Soon: “San Andreas” Movie Set To “Rock” Theaters; Heighten Earthquake Awareness

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 19, 2015 — On May 29 “San Andreas”, featuring action star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson rumbles into movie theatres, reminding us of the devastation earthquakes can bring. The movie may be an action-fueled fantasy, but the wake-up call to all who live in earthquake-prone areas is quite real, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

“If ‘San Andreas’ succeeds in reminding audiences everywhere that preparation is key to saving lives and reducing property damage caused by earthquakes, then it will be a true box office hit in our eyes,” said Janet Ruiz, California representative for the I.I.I. “Take action—call your insurance professional to understand all of your insurance options so that you are financially prepared if there is an earthquake or other disaster.”

The I.I.I. also encourages everyone to be prepared with an up-to-date home inventory and a plan for protecting their home and evacuating if necessary. The I.I.I.’s free Know Your Stuff – Home Inventory tool and Know Your Plan app are a great way to get started.

While San Andreas hopes to be the “big one” at the box office opening weekend, the likelihood of a massive quake always looms over the Golden State. A March 2015 forecast from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has upped the likelihood that California will be hit by a magnitude 8 earthquake over the next 30 years from 4.7 percent to 7 percent, according to a 2008 report.

Fortunately, the state of California is developing more sophisticated early warning systems to alert emergency services prior to a quake, while programs such as The Great California Shakeout encourage residents to protect their homes and businesses against earthquake damage

However, quakes don’t just happen in California—many parts of the U.S. are at risk for earthquakes. Indeed, temblors have occurred in 39 states. Earthquakes are not covered under standard U.S. homeowners or business insurance policies. Coverage for earthquake damage is usually available in the form of a supplemental policy to homeowners or business insurance. In California, coverage is also available from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a privately funded, publicly managed organization.

Earthquake insurance provides protection from the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Policies vary in price based on the coverage you pick and deductibles usually range from 5 to 20 percent. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes, such as fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes, is generally provided by standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.

Together, the “San Andreas” movie and the following I.I.I. resources create a blockbuster earthquake safety and awareness double-feature:

• Articles: Does My Homeowners Policy Cover Earthquake Damage?; How to Create a Home inventory; Preparing for an Earthquake; Recovering from an Earthquake.
• Video: Protecting Your Home From an Earthquake
• Issues Updates: Earthquakes: Risks and Insurance Issues
• Facts and Statistics: Earthquakes and Tsunamis

For more information on preparing your home of business to withstand an earthquake, see the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.  
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THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org