The Big One — Are We Ready?

PEMCO does interesting surveys. The latest is on “the big one,” an earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone that could hit areas along the coasts of Washington and Oregon.

While the poll applies only to those in the Northwest, it’s likely the statistics compiled by PEMCO will apply to people in California whose fault lines are just as dangerous.

Overall, PEMCO’s survey determined that most just aren’t ready for “the big one.”

• 82% expect to experience a major earthquake in their lifetime

• 76% believe it is going to cause huge damages to the area’s infrastructure

• 58% believe when it hits they’ll be without water, power and access to essentials for at least a week

With all that knowledge of what might happen, are they prepared? Nope. Not really.

• 19% say they’re ready and are very prepared

• 42% are somewhat prepared

• 39% are not prepared at all

There is, however, some good news.

• 61% say they have an emergency kit ready

• 75% of families with children have an emergency kit

• Just 53% have an established family meeting place if disaster happens

By the way, an earthquake guide has been developed for insurance agents by Cascade Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW). Though the link below, and the guide, is focused on the PIA Western Alliance states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Coming soon, information for the PIA Western Alliance states of Washington and Arizona.

Much of what you’ll find in the guide applies to any state or region. Here is the link: https://crew.org/earthquake-guides-for-insurance-agents/

Source link: PEMCO — https://bit.ly/4dzmcx7