While there’s no predicting when the next major earthquake will strike, engineers and other risk assessors say there are a number of steps that can be taken to minimize damage.
For homeowners, checking the house’s structure is the most important precaution.
“Generally, if houses are built according to plan, odds are they’re safe,” said Richard Hess, owner of Hess Engineering and chairman of the existing building committee for the Structural Engineer Association of Southern California.
Single family homes with wooden frames are among the safest places to be in an earthquake. But depending on the age of the home, there are a number of structural components that should be checked.
Engineers say homeowners should check that their house is bolted to its foundation so it doesn’t slide off during an earthquake. The Los Angeles City Fire Department recommends that all houses built before 1935 be checked.
Older homes with “cripple walls” also need retrofits. Cripple walls are those under the house that are not full height and usually used for crawl space or to avoid flooding. During an earthquake, these walls tend to buckle, causing a house to tip over. The walls support most of the house’s weight and should be reinforced with plywood.
Remodeled homes are also vulnerable. A second-floor addition, extra room or even a new tile roof can change the house’s structure, requiring additional support in the frame. Most renovation problems are caught when homeowners get a permit for additions, Hess said.
Retrofitting for renovations isn’t cheap, costing anywhere from $1,000 to the price of a new home.
“Most places take adequate precautions,” said Hussein Bhatia, an engineer with EQE, an engineering and risk assessment firm. “Single family residences fare very well.”
The California Earthquake Authority has partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Fannie Mae to offer loans of up to $20,000 for earthquake retrofits, said CEA spokesman Tipper Hull. CEA policyholders qualify for a lower interest rate than non-policyholders.
Inside the home, the following precautions should be taken:
? Water heaters and other heavy appliances should be tied down. A water heater poses the threat of rupturing a utility line, causing a fire or exploding.
? Heavy furnishings should be secured.
? Breakable and heavy objects should be kept on lower shelves.
? Put latches on cabinet doors to prevent them from shaking open.
? Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity.
? Keep paints, cleaning products and flammable or hazardous liquids secured in cabinets or lower shelves.
? Keep extra food, water, medicine, a first-aid kit, tools and clothing.
For commercial buildings, engineers recommend retrofits for three types of buildings.
Retrofits are required by the city of Los Angeles for tilt-up buildings constructed before 1976 (tilt-ups are concrete structures in which the walls are first laid on the ground and then raised with a crane). Voluntary retrofits are encouraged for soft-story apartment buildings in which the ground floor consists of parking or other open space. And buildings made completely of concrete are also recommended for voluntary retrofits.
Outside of structural improvements, individuals can prepare earthquake safety kits. A general first-aid kit is key, both at home, in the car and in the office. It should include:
? Medications for family members.
? Aspirin or pain relievers.
? Insect spray.
? Eye drops.
? A spare pair of prescription glasses.
? Hydrogen peroxide.
? Band aids and other bandages.
? Disinfectant.
Also recommended is an earthquake safety kit with flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, walking shoes, a tent and sleeping bags, blankets, water, a fire extinguisher, cash, tools and sanitation supplies.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department has a complete earthquake preparedness handbook posted on its Web site (www.cityofla.org/LAFD) with precautions for both homeowners and business owners.
Jennifer Netherby
