Our own Chris Nance, Earthquake Brace + Bolt’s Annde Ewertsen, and Ken Hudnut of the U.S. Geological Survey
For the past several years, California Earthquake Authority (CEA) has worked with other earthquake-preparedness organizations to increase awareness of earthquake risk, and to educate the public about the importance of planning for the next big earthquake. CEA representatives have spoken to the media, presented at community events, and talked with thousands of individuals.
And Californians are getting the message. Recent news articles in major newspapers have covered the topic of earthquake safety, underscoring the inevitability of a big earthquake, and providing important information about how to prepare.
In that same vein, a Los Angeles news station recently devoted a half-hour of air time to this important topic. The show, titled “Surviving the Earthquake,” featured several earthquake experts, including seismologist Lucy Jones, who served as co-host with news personality Hal Eisner.
CEA is proud to have participated in this production as part of our strategic goal to educate, mitigate, and insure.
Jarrett Barrios, American Red Cross, LA Region
speaking on Surviving the Earthquake
Use the Show to Educate Your Insureds
TV has the unique ability to bring a subject alive for the viewer. That’s why this news special is such a useful tool for educating your insureds about the risk of earthquakes and the need to prepare.
The show opens with riveting scenes from some of California’s biggest seismic events, including the Northridge, Loma Prieta, Sylmar, and Coalinga earthquakes. There’s even historical footage of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake (M7.9). These powerful images dramatically underscore the need for earthquake preparedness, which includes earthquake insurance coverage.
This TV special—and its accompanying podcast—are now available for streaming. Both programs touch on several important earthquake preparedness and financial concerns, and can be used to reiterate the information you’re already sharing with your clients. Consider linking to these programs on your website, or sharing them via your social media accounts.
Residential Insurance Doesn’t Cover Earthquake Damage
It’s important for your insureds to understand that homeowners and renters policies do not cover earthquake damage. As CEA representative Chris Nance points out during his brief interview, residents need a separate earthquake insurance policy, or they may be responsible for 100% of the cost to repair their homes and replace their belongings after a damaging earthquake.
Seismic Retrofitting Saves Houses
One of the expert guests on the show is Annde Ewertsen with Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB). During her exchange with host Hal Eisner, Ewertsen discusses the most effective way to protect an older, wood-frame house from earthquake damage: a seismic retrofit.
Ewertsen also encourages viewers to take advantage of the EBB program, which provides grants of up to $3,000 to California residents in higher-earthquake-risk ZIP Codes.
In this way, the TV special is a useful jumping off point for discussing both EBB and CEA’s own retrofit grant program, CEA Brace + Bolt(CEA BB), with your insureds. And when you talk to your clients about EBB and CEA BB, be sure to remind them that they can save up to 25% (starting July 1, 2019) on their CEA policy premiums by completing a code-compliant retrofit of their houses.
Susheel Kumar, PIO, Small Business Administration
speaking on Surviving the Earthquake
Earthquake Preparedness Resources on One Landing Page
Throughout the show, host Hal Eisner reminds viewers to access additional earthquake information resources by going to www.EQHeadquarters.com. This page, created by CEA in partnership with eight other earthquake preparedness organizations, serves as a central site for accessing almost any type of earthquake safety and preparedness information.
Landing pages much like this one will soon be available on the websites of over 160 media outlets throughout the state, including TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers. It’s part of an increased awareness effort that CEA is rolling out in phases, and that will reach major markets throughout California by the end of the year.
Podcast of “Surviving the Earthquake” Available Now
In addition to the TV news special, Fox 11 has developed a related audio series, airing on its “What the Hal!” podcast. Also called “Surviving the Earthquake,” this podcast series contains three short episodes, each one focusing on a different aspect of earthquake safety: preparation, survival, and recovery.
Like the TV show, the podcast discusses practical tips, like securing heavy furniture and stocking extra water. More importantly, it includes a brief debate on the necessity of earthquake insurance. Ultimately, the experts agree: earthquake insurance is an important part of earthquake preparedness.
Take Advantage of this Compelling Learning Tool
The “Surviving the Earthquake” news special is a unique educational tool. The format is accessible, the dialog well-paced, and the production values are high, making this a compelling way for your insureds to get the information they need to make decisions about earthquake insurance.
Take half an hour to watch the show, or listen to the companion podcast next time you’re in your car. Then share these valuable resources with your customers, so they can better understand the importance of earthquake preparedness, including earthquake insurance and seismic retrofitting.