The Great Shakeout 2015: Get Ready to Duck, Cover & Hold On

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Considering that every state in the U.S. faces some kind of earthquake risk, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages everyone to get ready by participating in the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill on October 15, 2015 at 10:15 a.m.

“Earthquakes are the least predictable of all catastrophes but that does not mean that you can’t prepare,” said Christopher Hackett, PCI director of personal lines policy.  “The potential for an earthquake is real and the Great Shakeout Drill provides an opportunity practice and think about not only what to do when the ground begins to shake, but how would you recover if you experienced property damage. There is generally little to no warning that a quake is about to occur, so advance preparation, both physically and financially with adequate insurance is the key.”

With active seismic zones across the U.S. potentially affecting the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and East Coast, the threat of earthquakes is very real.  A ground breaking article in The New Yorker on July 20, 2015 detailed the lurking danger of a massive earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest along the Cascadia subjection zone that could kill 13,000 and wreak havoc from California to Canada. 

“The Earthquake Country Alliance promotes seven steps to living in earthquake country,” said Hackett.   “Their fourth step highlights the need to financially prepare.  Homeowners need to understand that homeowners insurance does not cover damage from an earthquake.  Renters and homeowners can buy a separate endorsement or policy to protect their home and belongings.  The 2014 Napa Earthquake was a wakeup call to everyone that the threat of earthquakes is ever present.”

How to Be Financially & Physically Prepared:

Be Financially Prepared:  Talk to your agent or insurance company.   Assess your risk and consider purchasing earthquake insurance.  Earthquake policies are available to homeowners and renters.

Make a Kit: Make an emergency preparedness kit with food, water and medications.  Remember to consider the needs of seniors, children and pets.

Stay Informed: Keep a radio and fresh batteries on hand.

Make a Plan: Prepare a family evacuation plan, where to go and who to call.  Plan what to do if your family gets separated.

Make an Inventory: Take an inventory of your personal possessions.  Make a list or take a video of each room in your house.

Secure Furniture: Avoid hazards, secure large objects that could fall and hurt residents during an earthquake.

Earthquake Infographics:

https://magic.piktochart.com/output/7778025-great-shake-out-npm2

ACIC is part of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). ACIC is PCI’s California Voice representing 363 property casualty insurance companies doing business in California. These members write $20.2 billion in premium in California insuring 36 percent of the property casualty insurance sold in the state. California members write 44 percent of personal auto insurance, 29 percent of homeowners insurance, 33 percent of commercial lines business insurance and 40 percent of private workers compensation insurance sold in California.