Californians are aware of major earthquakes and the effect from temblors, but many have not taken necessary steps to make their homes safer and protect their personal finances, according to a just-released report.

Residents are better about doing the obvious — such as collecting supplies and making backup documents — in the case of a major earthquake, but many have failed to increase the safety of their home or purchase earthquake insurance, according to the California Earthquake Preparedness Survey conducted by the University of California Los Angeles School of Public Health for the state Emergency Management Agency.

Major findings in the survey:

• Less than 20 percent of families have reinforced their homes or had their property inspected for earthquake safety.

• About 40 percent of households keep the minimum 3 gallons of water stored per person, or more, if possible.

• Less than 20 percent have bought earthquake insurance, which will cover damage from a temblor.

• Californians are great about collecting first aid kits, flashlights and batteries for emergencies. About 80 percent have the necessary supplies. But only 40 percent have established family disaster plans, such as how to react and where to gather in the event of a major earthquake.

“The recent earthquakes in Chile and Haiti are unwelcome reminders of the devastating impact earthquakes can have on people and communities,” said California Emergency Management Agency secretary Matthew Bettenhausen. “It calls attention to the need for Californians to do even more to prepare for the big one. We continue to urge Californians to prepare now.”

Other findings from the survey:

• Residents in high-risk areas — such as the Bay Area and Los Angeles — are more likely to know about earthquake preparedness and safety.

• Latinos were the least likely among ethnic groups to be prepared for the natural disaster.

• Less than 20 percent of residents have participated in neighborhood disaster planning, though Northern California residents are more likely to be involved.

• About two-thirds of residents say they have some first aid training.

• Less than 50 percent have dust masks or the necessary tools to rescue residents trapped.

“It is important for Californians to prepare for all types of disasters by having a plan and being ready to take care of ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Karen Baker, secretary for state Service and Volunteering.

California has had 11 6.6-magnitude or larger earthquakes during the past 110 years, including the 7.9-magnitude in San Francisco on April 18, 1906. The Loma Prieta quake on Oct. 17, 1989 — which damaged the Bay Bridge and delayed the World Series between the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants — had a magnitude of 6.9, while the Northridge quake hit 6.7 on Jan. 17, 1994, according to the state Department of Conservation.

The Sacramento area has not experienced a major earthquake, at least one that would rank in the top 15, during the past century. But experts encourage residents to prepare regardless, since earthquakes have been known to occur in low-risk areas, including the Midwest.

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