British Columbia is overdue for a mega earthquake, but a new survey shows while British Columbians are somewhat aware that the big one is coming, they are not very knowledgeable when it comes to basic preparedness.
Fifty-eight per cent are aware of a one-in-three chance of a significant earthquake striking in the next 50 years, and 75 per cent expect their home could be damaged by an earthquake.
“What got us concerned was the fact that while people understood the risk in some form, a large proportion was not prepared in terms of protecting their families and their homes, ” says Hubert Rau, vice president of insurance marketing with BCAA. “For example, 65 per cent did not know the best way to stay safe in an earthquake, and the much recommended procedure is to drop, cover and hold on… and people were not aware of that. 78 per cent don’t know how to prepare their home for an earthquake, so for example securing free standing, tall furniture and moving heavy glass rim pictures away from beds, and so on.”
Rau says they consider the 58-per cent awareness level low for an area at high risk for an earthquake. And the fact that nearly two in three British Columbians do not know how to stay safe in an earthquake is also alarming.
“Because it means that you do not understand the implications of what the earthquake could do to your family and your home,” says Rau.
He says 51 per cent of those surveyed don’t have insurance coverage or don’t know if they do.
“Only seven per cent know that base home insurance policies typically provide coverage for fire and explosion caused by an earthquake, and not the coverage for any earthquake damage beyond that.”
The survey was conducted back in September and involved 1000 adults living in southwestern B.C., a high risk area for an earthquake.
For earthquake preparedness tips, go here.
For information on the upcoming Great British Columbia Shake Out, go here.
Comments