Take Action and Prepare for California’s Next Quake With Three Simple Steps

“The Big One” May Be Less Intense Than Hollywood Envisions, But a Strong Home and the Right Insurance Will Still Be Key

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
California Press Office: (707) 490-9365 janetr@iii.org

NEW YORK, July 8, 2015 — Californians who made San Andreas one of 2015’s box office hits may feel overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction Hollywood imagined for their state. Fortunately, it’s possible to prepare for a real earthquake, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

 

“San Andreas, the movie, depicted such truly over-the-top disaster scenarios that it might seem impossible to avoid total devastation,” said Janet Ruiz, the I.I.I.’s California representative. “But there are, in fact, fairly easy measures Californians can take to protect their homes and families in the event of an actual earthquake.”

 

Consider taking these three steps to prepare for a quake: strengthen your home; make an evacuation plan; and purchase earthquake insurance.

 

  1. Disaster-proof Your Home

Falling objects cause the majority of injuries during an earthquake. However, using museum wax/putty, anchor bolts and earthquake straps to secure objects within your home will prevent injuries and save lives. Take a Saturday afternoon and have your kids help put museum wax/putty under all your breakables and collectibles.

 

Preparing your home to withstand shaking is critical in earthquake prone areas. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) provides information on fortifying your home, including several projects you can do for under $70. California’s state-funded Earthquake Brace and Bolt Program (EBB) provides grants for retrofitting homes to better withstand earthquakes and tremors. Other mitigation initiatives may also be available within individual communities.

 

  1. Plan Your Evacuation

The Know Your Plan app will help you plan ahead to better protect yourself, your family, your home, and even your pets by creating an effective evacuation plan. The whole family can—and should—participate in creating and practicing the evacuation plan. “If the whole family gets involved you you’ll be certain everyone knows their role and what to do,” noted Ruiz. “Having an evacuation plan can make a big difference when the shaking starts.” 

 

  1. Be Financially Prepared

Earthquakes are not covered under standard homeowners or renters insurance policies, so look into purchasing a supplemental policy for earthquake damage. Earthquake coverage is available from private insurance companies and, in California, from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a privately funded, publicly managed organization. The CEA coverage limit is the insured value of the home as stated on the companion homeowners insurance policy with a deductible of 10 or 15 percent.

 

Cars and other vehicles are covered for earthquake damage under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. 

 

RELATED LINKS

Issues Update: Earthquakes: Risk and Insurance Issues

Facts and Statistics: Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Article: How to Create a Home Inventory

Video: Protecting Your Home from an Earthquake

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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