Prepared Remarks from James Lee Witt for ProtectingCalifornia.org Launch Event

San Francisco, California
December 12, 2005

Next year is the 100^th anniversary of the killer quake that will be remembered throughout history. That quake happened just six years into the 20^th century. The sixth year of the 21^st century arrives in little more than two weeks. Will the next big one hit then?  Experts warn that it isn’t a question of if, but when, California is struck by another killer quake. And if it does hit next week or next year, California and the nation won’t be adequately prepared.

City, state and federal officials have committed significant resources to preparing for catastrophe and mitigating loss of life and property damage.  Everyone in the Bay Area should visit 72hours.org to learn how to prepare and protect themselves and their loved ones.  But what happens after the dust settles?  Who pays to rebuild a city or an entire region destroyed by an earthquake?

Only one of six homeowners in California has earthquake insurance.  Many believe the federal government will step in and rebuild their homes.  They will be disappointed to learn that without earthquake insurance, they may not have the resources to rebuild.  The maximum grant from FEMA to victims of Hurricane Katrina is $26,200.  How far will that go to rebuild a home in San Francisco?

More Californians would buy earthquake insurance if it were more affordable.  Congress has before it a plan to do just that.  HR 4366 will not only make earthquake insurance more affordable in California, it will make hurricane insurance more affordable in the Gulf states and along the Eastern Seaboard.  And it helps taxpayers across America who must otherwise help pay to rebuild areas devastated by natural catastrophes.  

California needs to be better prepared to prevent, mitigate and prepare for catastrophes. To help bring focus to this cause, I am here with Admiral James Loy to announce ProtectingCalifornia.org. This is a coalition of emergency management officials, first responders, homeowner advancement groups such as Operation Hope, and small business representatives to advocate for a national catastrophe program. California has taken some positive steps, such as the creation of the California Earthquake Authority, to provide consumers who purchase coverage some protection against future losses. But many Californians remain uncovered and much more needs to be done.