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Politics & Government

Earthquake Supplies, Yes; Earthquake Insurance, No

In an online survey, residents weighed in on their greatest disaster concerns; most said they have no idea what special needs their neighbors would have.

Last fall, officials put out a call for people to participate in an online survey about what their greatest disaster concerns were.

It was done so that Santa Clara County, with the input and participation of cities, could draw up the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The intent is to help agencies identify how to prevent safety hazards before and after major disasters.

Of the nearly 550 people who participated in the survey, only 13 were from Los Altos.

Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Nonetheless, here's what was on people's minds, county-wide, and some indications of what Los Altos respondents thought. (If you didn't have a chance the first time the county asked for , you have another opportunity this month.)

Highlights from the survey include:

Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • The No. 1 concern among residents was the loss of potable water during a disaster, followed by earthquakes, loss of power, sewer backups and loss of telephone or cellphone service
  • The majority of respondents thought they had enough flashlights, batteries, blankets and canned food to last three days after a disaster;
  • 71.5 percent said they had no idea if neighbors had any special needs that might need attention after a disaster; sixty-two percent of Los Altos respondents said they had no idea about any special needs of neighbors.
  • 158 people said they have earthquake insurance, and 279 people said earthquake insurance is too expensive; 58 percent of Los Altos respondents said such insurance was too expensive.
  • 364 people said they do not need flood insurance, and 92 people said they already have flood insurance. Seventy-six percent of Los Altos respondents said they do not need flood insurance.
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