Gayle Anderson was live in Van Nuys with information for the Great California Shakeout. She talks with Pete Moraga of Insurance Information Network of California about earthquake insurance policies.
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Great California ShakeOut 2013
Gayle Anderson was live in Van Nuys with information for the Great California ShakeOut. Are you ready?
The California Earthquake Authority has joined more than 18-million people for Thursday’s Great ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in the world.
Started in Southern California in 2008, the ShakeOut encourages people everywhere to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The 2013 Great California ShakeOut is expected to surpass last year’s total of 9.4 million Californians participating.
“The annual ShakeOut reminds us that damaging earthquakes are a daily risk in California,” said CEA Chief Executive Officer Glenn Pomeroy. “Knowing how to prepare to survive and recover after a major quake hits is crucial for keeping our families safe. And Californians who take the next step and buy earthquake insurance will be financially prepared as well. They can repair or rebuild their homes and recover much faster after the next damaging earthquake.”
Since homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage – a separate policy is required – those without earthquake insurance will be responsible for all costs, including repairing or rebuilding their home, replacing personal property, and paying out of pocket to live and eat elsewhere while awaiting repairs or replacements.
After a damaging earthquake, outside help might not be offered or even available. If a homeowner qualifies for a disaster grant, they might not receive enough money to repair their home or replace damaged property. If government loans are available, they will be limited, and of course they must be repaid.
“We know people are concerned about protecting their homes and belongings—that’s a huge part of recovering from earthquakes. That’s why we recommend contacting your residential insurer or agent to discuss the recovery benefits that earthquake insurance offers,” Pomeroy said.
Some 2,000 known faults crisscross California, producing an average of 102 earthquakes a day – more than 37,000 each year. According to the 2010 State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, earthquakes large enough to cause moderate damage to structures – those magnitude 5.5 or larger – occur in California about three to four times a year.
For more information on earthquake insurance, visit the Earthquake Authority’s website.
The CEA is a publicly managed, privately funded organization that provides catastrophic residential earthquake insurance, and encourages all Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss. People choosing CEA insurance get peace-of-mind from knowing they can afford to repair, rebuild, or replace their covered property that may be damaged by the next catastrophic earthquake.
Also, you can find earthquake and emergency preparedness information and equipment at SOS Survival Products in Van Nuys. Here’s their contact information:
The Great California Shakeout
Earthquake Preparedness
SOS Survival Products
15705 Strathern Street, #11
Van Nuys
(800) 479-7998
And, you can learn about buying earthquake insurance from the Insurance Information Network of California. Here’s how to contact that organization:
The Great California Shakeout
Earthquake Preparedness
Insurance Information Network of California
213-624-4462
If you have questions, please feel free to call Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732 or e-mail Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com
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