After a California Earthquake: Attitude and Behavior Change (University of Chicago Geography Research Papers) [Paperback]

Risa Palm (Author), Michael E. Hodgson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226644995 | ISBN-13: 978-0226644998 | Publication Date: April 15, 1992 | Edition: 1

Shortly before the Loma Prieta earthquake devastated areas of Northern California in 1989, Risa Palm and her associates had surveyed 2,500 homeowners in the area about their perception of risk from earthquakes. After the quake they surveyed the homeowners again and found that their perception of risk had increased but that most respondents were fatalistic and continued to ignore self-protective measures; those who personally experienced damage were more likely to buy insurance. A rare opportunity to analyze behavior change directly before and after a natural disaster, this survey has implications for policy makers, insurance officials, and those concerned with risk management.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Risa Palm is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of geography at the University of Oregon. Michael Hodgson is assistant professor in geography at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Product Details

• Paperback: 145 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (April 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226644995
• ISBN-13: 978-0226644998
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,358,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Insurance > Casualty

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Customer Reviews

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4.0 out of 5 stars not enough insurance, March 9, 2007

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This review is from: After a California Earthquake: Attitude and Behavior Change (University of Chicago Geography Research Papers) (Paperback)

Through a fortuitous coincidence of the authors surveying homeowners in Loma Prieta before its 1989 quake, they were able to do follow up surveys afterwards. The book analyses the responses. To ascertain any significant changes. In California, due to the cost of real estate and the risk of quakes, this is an important issue. They found that there was little increase in the taking out of insurance after the event. Even for those in the region of the epicentre.

Ironically, it may be that the strong building codes helped diminish both the material damage and death toll, but which also reduced incentive for more insurance. The book also investigates other factors, like the distance from the epicentre, in affecting homeowners' decisions about insurance.