California Earthquake Authority Monitors Central California Quake.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2003

The California Earthquake Authority is monitoring events in Central California following Monday's 6.5 magnitude earthquake near San Simeon. The CEA's Earthquake Response Manager is responding to the affected areas to assess damage and to coordinate with participating insurance company claims representatives that provide earthquake insurance through the CEA.

A number of responding agencies report some damage from the earthquake, which shook a large portion of Central California at 11:16 a.m. today (Monday). The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks.

The CEA provides earthquake insurance for California homeowners and renters and has an estimated 20,000 policyholders in the three counties of San Luis Obispo, San Benito, and Monterey, the three counties where reported damage is located.

"Once again, we have been reminded how sudden and unexpected earthquakes can be," said Elaine Bush, chief executive officer of the CEA. "The CEA will work with its participating insurers to ensure that claims are processed promptly, fairly, and consistently."

Bush said the earthquake is a reminder to all Californians to check the earthquake safety of their homes and their earthquake preparedness plans.

Homeowners can improve the earthquake safety of their homes by bracing water heaters to minimize the risks of fire and water damage caused by water heaters that topple during earthquakes.

Bolting a house's wood frame to its foundation can prevent damage from the structure sliding off its foundation. And for houses on raised foundations, the bracing of "cripple walls" can also reduce damage from earthquakes. Mobilehome owners should use earthquake-bracing systems to eliminate damage from homes slipping off support jacks.

The CEA recommends that all California families create disaster plans by meeting and discussing with family members the dangers of fire, floods, and earthquakes. These plans should include an agreed upon common meeting place outside the home and neighborhood in the event family members become separated during an earthquake or other disaster.

-- Fastening cupboard doors with child proof latches can prevent

cupboard doors from opening and spilling their contents.

-- Fastening bookcases, mirrors, televisions and other tall or

heavy objects to wall studs can prevent additional damage.

-- Gas appliances should have flexible attachments, and family

members should be familiar with gas shut-off techniques.

"Everyone should have a three-day emergency kit that includes at least a supply of food and a gallon of water per day, per person." Bush said. Other emergency items include:

-- Medications, first aid manual and medical consent forms for

dependents

-- Hygiene supplies and spare eyeglasses 

-- Portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

-- Insurance policies

-- Blankets and/or sleeping bags, extra clothing, and shoes

-- Manual can opener and other tools

-- Extra set of house and car keys

-- Money

-- Store water in plastic containers

-- Infant and small children needs (food, diapers, games, writing

material)

-- Pet needs

To learn more about being prepared for earthquakes, contact the following organizations:

American Red Cross 

www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/html

Disaster Preparedness

8111 Gatehouse Road, 2nd Floor

Falls Church, VA 22042

866-438-4636

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/html

Region IX

1111 Broadway, Suite 1200

Oakland, CA 94607-4052

800-525-0321

Governor's Office of Emergency Services 

www.oes.ca.gov/CEPM2002.nsf/htmlmedia/pdfs.html

3650 Schriever

Mather, CA 95655

800-550-5234

United States Geological Survey 

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/prepare.html

U.S. Department of Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

345 Middlefield Road, MS-977

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-329-4085

California Geological Survey

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/qh_earthquakes_what.htm

801 K Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-323-1886

The publicly managed, largely privately financed CEA provides earthquake insurance to 730,000 Californians. Funded by insurance companies and customer premiums, the CEA has more than $7 billion to pay claims. Insurance companies that provide earthquake coverage for approximately 66 percent of California's homeowners are participants in the CEA. Homeowners with CEA coverage have purchased their policies through their insurance agents or companies.

To learn about preparing your home for an earthquake or to find out more about the CEA, visit www.earthquakeauthority.com.