With their state frequently hit by mudslides and quakes, Californians believe their state is prone to disasters, but few are adequately prepared, a new poll has found.
The survey, sponsored by the Insurance Information Network of California and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to mark the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco Earthquake, found that only 22 percent of Californians consider themselves to be physically or financially ready for a disaster in their area.
Nearly half singled out "common sense" as the reason to prepare for disaster. But they noted few incentives that would motivate them to be ready for future earthquakes, floods or fires.
"Californians are conflicted about disaster preparation," said IINC Executive Director Candysse Miller. "They recognize risk, but they often assume it will happen to someone else. They acknowledge that they aren't prepared, but they can't find the motivation to strap their water heaters, clear dry brush or prepare a home inventory."
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Californians also do not believe they should count on the government to bail them out financially after the next catastrophe. Many respondents indicated, however, that the government should play a role in the preparation for and recovery after a catastrophe.
The survey, which polled 800 residents across the state, also found that Californians ultimately consider it their own responsibility to be financially prepared for disaster.
Among the findings:
oSixty percent believe there is more than a 10 percent chance of a catastrophe in their area in the next five years.
oSixty-eight percent of those surveyed indicated they rely on the insurance industry to help home- and businessowners rebuild after a disaster.
oSixty-nine percent said that it is a home- or businessowner's responsibility to purchase adequate insurance or have savings set aside for emergencies, and that they should not rely on the government or others to assist them in rebuilding following a catastrophe.
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