earthquake safety guide for homeowners

Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners FEMA 530 / September 2005

FEMA

PublishingInformation

The Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety was originally developed and published by the California Seismic Safety Commission. This modified version of the Guide was developed by FEMA in cooperation with the California Seismic Safety Commission staff. The original guide was prepared for publication by the staff of the Collaborative for Disaster Mitigation, San Jose State University.

OrderingInformation

Copies of this publication are available from the FEMA Distribution Facility. To order, call 1-800-480-2520 and ask for FEMA publication 530.

Onthecover:

Taken in Atascadero, California, on January 25, 2004, the photograph shows a home that slid 2 feet off its foundation as a result of the 6.5 San Simeon Earthquake.

CONTENTSPage

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.................................................ii

INTRODUCTION.................................................1

Examples of Damage to Single-FamilyHomes.........................................................2

EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS IN THE

UNITED STATES................................................3

EARTHQUAKE WEAKNESSES......................4

Unbraced Water Heaters..........................5Home Not Anchored to Foundation.........7Weak Crawl Space Walls...........................9Pier-and-Post Foundations........................11Unreinforced Masonry Foundations..........13Homes Built on Steep Hillsides.................15Unreinforced Masonry Walls....................17Rooms over Garages...............................19

OTHER EARTHQUAKE-RELATEDCONCERNS......................................................21

Unreinforced Masonry Chimneys.............21Foundations..........................................23Homes with Unique Designs....................24

Page

NATURAL GAS SAFETY..................................25

GETTING THE WORKDONE.................................................................27

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS.....................................29

WHAT TO DO DURING ANEARTHQUAKE..................................................32

WHAT TO DO BEFORE ANEARTHQUAKE..................................................33

WHAT TO DO AFTER ANEARTHQUAKE..................................................35

RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS......................37

Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners i

California Homeowners: This Guide does not cover realestate disclosure requirements and related recommendationsas described in the California Seismic Safety Commissionpublication The Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety. Toobtain that guide, go to http://www.seismic.ca.gov/sscpub.htm.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ii Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners

Department of Homeland Security, FederalEmergency Management Agency

Elizabeth Lemersal

Jeffrey Lusk

Seismic Safety Commission

Lucille M. Jones, Ph.D., Chair, SeismologyHon. Richard Alarcon, State Senate (Chris Modrzejewski)

Hon. Carol Liu, State Assembly (Donald Manning)

Lawrence T. Klein, UtilitiesMark Church, Local GovernmentLinden Nishinaga, P.E., City GovernmentCelestine Palmer, InsuranceAndrew A. Adelman, P.E., Cities/Building OfficialStan Moy, A.I.A., Architecture and PlanningDaniel Shapiro, S.E., Structural EngineeringVacant, Mechanical EngineeringBruce R. Clark, Ph.D., GeologyVacant, County GovernmentVacant, Emergency ServicesDonald R. Parker, Vice Chairman, Fire ProtectionJimmie R. Yee, Social Services

Vacant, Soils Engineering

Seismic Safety Commission Staff

Richard McCarthy, Executive Director

Robert Anderson

Karen Cogan

Henry Reyes

Henry Sepulveda

Fred Turner, Project Coordinator

Sue Celli

Rebecca Romo

Collaborative for Disaster Mitigation Staff

Guna Selvaduray, Ph.D., Executive Director

Patrick Chong, Webmaster

Crystal Carrera, Administrative Assistant

The Commission gratefully acknowledgesthe assistance of the following:

American Red Cross

American Society of Home Inspectors

Association of Bay Area Governments

Building Education Center

California Association of Realtors

California Building Officials

California Council of the American Institute of Architects

California Geological Survey

California Real Estate Inspection Association

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

City of Los Angeles

Earthquake Engineering Research Institute

Humboldt Earthquake Education Center

International Code Council

SBC

San Diego Association of Governments

Southern California Association of Governments

Southern California Association of Residential Retrofit Professions

Southern California Gas Company/Sempra

Structural Engineers Association of California

Committee on Earthquake Safety Issues for Gas Systems

Disclaimer: The effects, descriptions, recommendations, andsuggestions included in this document are intended to improveearthquake preparedness; however, they do not guarantee thesafety of an individual or a structure. FEMA takes responsibilityfor the inclusion of material in this document. FEMA and theCalifornia Seismic Safety Commission assume no liability for anyinjury, death, property damage, loss of revenue, or any othereffect of an earthquake.

INTRODUCTIONEarthquakes, especially major ones, aredangerous, inevitable, and a fact of life in someparts of the United States. Sooner or later another“big one” will occur.

Earthquakes:

� Occur without warning

� Can be deadly and extremely destructive

� Can occur at any time

As a current or potential owner of a home*, youshould be very concerned about the potentialdanger to not only yourselves and your loved ones,but also to your property.

The major threats posed by earthquakes are bodilyinjuries and property damage, which can beconsiderable and even catastrophic.

Most of the property damage caused byearthquakes ends up being handled and paid forby the homeowner.

� In a 2000 study titled HAZUS 99: AverageAnnual Earthquake Losses for the UnitedStates, FEMA estimated U.S. losses fromearthquakes at $4.4 billion per year.

� Large earthquakes in or near major urbancenters will disrupt the local economy and candisrupt the economy of an entire state.

However, proper earthquake preparation of yourhome can:

� Save lives

� Reduce injuries

� Reduce property damage

Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners 1

*For the purpose of this document, “home” includessingle-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, andfourplexes.

As a homeowner, you can significantly reducedamage to your home by fixing a number of known

and common weaknesses.

This booklet is a good start to begin strengtheningyour home against earthquake damage.

It describes:

� Common weaknesses that can result in yourhome being damaged by earthquakes, and

� Steps you can take to correct theseweaknesses.

There are no guarantees of safety duringearthquakes, but properly constructed andstrengthened homes are far less likely to collapseor be damaged during earthquakes. FEMA advisesyou to act on the suggestions outlined in thisbooklet and make yourself, your family, and yourhome safer.

� EarthquakeSafetyGuideforHomeowners

ExamplESofDamaGEtoSinGlE-familyHomES

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Figure 5 - San Simeon Earthquake, Dec. 22, 2003This home slid 2 feet off its foundation due to inadequate nailing of walls to its sill plates.

Figure 4 - Northridge Earthquake, Jan. 17, 1994Chimney collapse - common type of damage to unreinforced masonry.

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Figure 2 - Loma Prieta Earthquake, Oct. 17, 1989Home moved off of its foundation and was considered a total loss.

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Figure 3 - Northridge Earthquake, Jan. 17, 1994Single-family residence damaged due to failure of multiple elements.

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Figure 6 - San Simeon Earthquake, Dec. 22, 2003The collapsed porch was not adequately attached to this single-family residence.

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Figure 1 - San Fernando Earthquake, Feb. 9, 1971 Severely damaged split level one- and two-story wood frame dwelling. The one-story portion dropped about 3 feet.

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EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS IN THEUNITED STATES


Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning. Earthquakes can occur any time of the year and at anytime of the day or night. On a yearly basis, 70 to 75 damaging earthquakes occur throughout the world.Estimates of losses from a future earthquake in the United States approach $200 billion. Forty-five statesand territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk from earthquakes, and they arelocated in every region of the country.

Hawaii

Maui

Honolulu

Kauai

Kalawao

Earthquake hazards in the United States. This map is based on seismicity and fault-slip rates and takesinto account the frequency of occurrence of earthquakes of various magnitudes. Locally, the hazard maybe greater than that shown, because site geology may amplify ground motions. Based on U.S.Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Map for the Coterminous United States (http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov/html/map_graphic.html).

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

4 Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners

The earthquake weaknesses identified in this section, if not corrected, can result inone or more of the following:

� Injury to occupants

� Severe damage to your home

� Broken gas and utility lines

� Fires from broken gas lines

� Damage to floors, walls, and windows

� Damage to the contents in the house

� Damage to the foundations

Please remember that:

� Retrofitting before an earthquake is relatively cheap.

� Doing major structural repairs to your home after an earthquake is veryexpensive.

� Sometimes the damage is extensive enough to require the entire house tobe demolished.

� After an earthquake, there is usually a shortage of available licensedcontractors and engineers in the impacted area, because of the suddenhigh demand for their services.

� An appropriate seismic retrofit will reduce damage and save you money.

Please consult your local Building Department and/or a licensed architect orengineer for more detailed information.

EARTHQUAKE WEAKNESSES

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

If water heaters are not properly braced, they cantopple over during an earthquake, causing:

� Broken gas lines and gas leaks

� Fires resulting in major damage to homes

� Broken water lines and flooding

How to Identify

� Is the water heater freestanding?

� Are there straps or other types of restraintssecuring the water heater?

� Are there straps or restraints bolted to the

studs?

� Are there flexible pipes for water and gasconnected to the water heater?

Remember

� Replacing a water heater after an earthquakecan cost more than $500.

� Repairing fire damage and flooding damagecan cost several thousand dollars, including theentire cost of your home!

� There are many different ways of strapping awater heater. One example is shown on thenext page.

� Check with your local Building Department fordetails of local requirements.

� Know where your main water valve is so thatyou can shut it off if you have a water leak.

� Know where your main gas valve is so that youcan shut it off if you hear or smell a gas leak.(See page 25)

Contents Damage

Unbraced Water Heaters

Figure 7 - The unbraced water heater inthis home fell during an earthquake; theresulting fire destroyed the home.

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Water heater

Figure 8 - This unstrapped water heatertipped over during the 1984 Morgan HillEarthquake. Fortunately, gas and waterlines were not ruptured.

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HOW-TO

Comparison of Cost: Preventing vs. Repairing Earthquake Damage

ProjectCost CosttoRepairAfteranEarthquake


Water heaters must be braced (securely attached) to the studs in a wall.

How-toResourcesnYourlocalhomeimprovementstore

nGotowww.fema.gov,andundertheEarthquakesection,searchfor“BraceHotWaterHeaters”forspecific bracing instructions.

nPublication: GuidelinesforEarthquakeBracingofResidentialWaterHeaters.DepartmentofGeneralServices,DivisionoftheStateArchitect,revised August 11, 2004. Available online athttp://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/pubs/waterheaterbracing_08-11-04.pdf.

TheSolution

Therearemanysolutions–allrelativelyinexpensive.

nPurchaseandinstallastrapkitorbracing kit from your local hardware store.

Other options include:

nHave a licensed plumber strap your waterheateraccordingtocode.

nUse metal tubing or heavy metal strappingandlagscrewsandwasherstosecurethewaterheatertothewallstuds.

Thegasandwaterlinesshouldalsohaveflexible pipes. These are safer than rigid pipesduringanearthquake.

Besuretocheckthestrapsonceayear.They may come loose due to vibrations, orothercauses.

$20 to $200 $500 to total value of home (if completely destroyed)

Brace Water Heaters

Gypsumboard

WATER HEATER

Straps

Flexible waterline

connections

Flexible gasline

connection

Figure 9 - One method of water heater bracing. Straps and screws visible with water heater in a garage installation.

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

Houses that are not bolted to the foundation canmove off their foundations during earthquakes.

How to Identify

�Go down into the crawl space – the areabetween the first floor and the foundation – tofind out if your house is bolted to its foundation.

� Look for the heads of anchor bolts that fastenthe sill plate – the wooden board that sitsdirectly on top of the foundation – securely tothe foundation. (See Figure 11a, page 8)

� You should be able to see the large nuts,washers, and anchor bolts, installed at leastevery 4 to 6 feet along the sill plate. Steelplates are sometimes used instead of anchorbolts. (See Figure 11b, page 8)

Remember

� It is very expensive to lift a house, and place itback on its foundation.

� Homes moving off their foundations can causegas lines to rupture, which in turn can result infires.

Home Not Anchored to Foundation

Slab Foundations

Some homes are built directly on concrete slabs. These houses do not have crawl spacesand foundation walls.

Nearly all homes with slab foundations that were originally built to code will have anchorbolts or straps.

However, if the house is not bolted to the slab, you have an earthquake weakness.

Newer homes generally have anchor bolts or straps.

If you have an unfinished garage, you may be able to see the anchor bolts.

You are not required to remove siding, drywall, or plaster to determine if your house hasanchor bolts.

If your home has no foundation, or an oldconcrete foundation, see page 23.

Figure 10 - This home wasn’t bolted and slid off itsfoundation. Sometimes the damage can be so bad thathouses have to be demolished.

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Project Cost Cost to Repair After an Earthquake

HOW-TO


Figure 11 - Anchor bolts or steel plates. A home’s crawl space may be formed by a wood stud wall (see next page for description) between the foundation and the floor joists or the floor joists may rest directly on the sill plate. In either case, you should be able to see the heads of anchor bolts or steel plates installed at appropriate intervals. These fixtures fasten the sill plate to the foundation.

The Solution

Drillholesthroughthesillplateintothefoundationandinstallanchorbolts.(See Figure 11a)

Ifthereisnotenoughroomtodrill,youcanattachsteelplatestoholdthesillplatetothefoundation.(See Figure 11b)

Anchorboltshavetobeinstalledproperlyforthemtobeeffective.

YoumustobtaintheproperpermitsfromyourlocalBuildingDepartmentbeforebeginningwork.

How-to ResourcesnDetailedinformationfordo-it-yourselfersor

engineerscanbefoundintheInternationalExistingBuildingCode,publishedbytheInternationalCodeCouncil.

nGotowww.fema.gov,andundertheEarthquakesection,searchfor“StrengthenFoundationWalls”for specific anchoring instructions.

Anchor Foundation

$250 to $5,000 $25,000 to total value of home (if completely destroyed)

Figure 11b

Crawl SpaCe

Steel plates

Floor joists

Wall stud

Concretefoundation

Crawl SpaCe

Sill Plate

Tops of anchor bolts

Concretefoundation

Wall studs

Floor joists

Figure 11a

Flooring

Flooring

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

Wooden floors and stud walls are sometimes builton top of an exterior foundation to support a houseand create a crawl space. (See Figure 14, page 10)

These stud walls carry the weight of the house.

During an earthquake, these walls can collapse ifthey are not braced to resist horizontal movement.

If the wall fails, the house may shift or fall.

How to Identify

�Go under the house through the crawl space, tosee if there are any wood stud walls.

� If there are such walls, check to see if they arebraced.

� There should be plywood panels adequatelynailed to the studs OR there should be diagonalwood sheathing. (See Figure 13)

� If you have neither of these, the walls areprobably insufficiently braced or unbraced.

� Horizontal or vertical wood siding is notstrong enough to brace these walls.

Remember

� It is very expensive to lift a house, repairthese walls, and put it back on its foundation.

Structural DamageNonstructural HazardsContents Damage

Weak Crawl Space Walls

Figure 12 - Damage to home due to crawlspace wall failure.

Figure 13 - Diagonal sheathing. Common in older homes.

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Floorjoists

First floor

Wood studwall

Diagonalsheathing


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10 EarthquakeSafetyGuideforHomeowners

TheSolution

Plywood,orotherwoodproductsallowedbycode,shouldbenailedtothestuds.

Thefollowingareimportant:

nTypeofwoodproductused

nPlywoodthickness

nNailsizeandspacing

nNotcoveringvents

ConsultyourlocalBuildingDepartmentforpermitrequirementsbeforestartingwork.

Strengthen Foundation Walls

$500 to $2,500 $25,000 to total value of home (if completely destroyed)

First floor

Studs

Foundation

Plywood panelsFloor joists

Nails atappropriateintervals

Anchor bolts atappropriate intervals

Blocking

Vent holes

Siding

Wood stud wall

How-toResourcesnDetailedinformationfordo-it-yourselfersor

engineerscanbefoundintheInternationalExistingBuildingCode,publishedbytheInternationalCodeCouncil

nGotowww.fema.gov,andundertheEarthquakesection,searchfor“StrengthenFoundation Walls” for specific strengthening instructions.

2x4 Stud

Double top plate

Siding

Anchorbolt

Sill plate

Plywood

Nails atappropriateintervals

Figure 14 - Plywood or diagonal sheathing strengthens weak wood stud walls. If your home has a wood stud wall between the foundation and the first floor, and the wall is not braced with plywood or diagonal sheathing, the house may fall or shift off its foundation during an earthquake.

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

The outside of the house is supported by woodposts resting on unconnected concrete piers.Siding is often nailed to the outside of the posts,making them not easily visible.

During an earthquake these posts can fail, if theyare not braced against swaying.

If the posts fail, the house may shift or fall.

How to Identify

�Go under the house to see if there is acontinuous foundation under the outside walls.

� If you do not see a continuous foundation, youmay have an earthquake weakness.

� If you see only unconnected concrete piers andwood posts, or only wood posts, supporting theoutside walls, you have an earthquakeweakness.

Remember

� Horizontal or vertical wood siding is not strongenough to brace pier-and-post foundations.

� Major structural repairs, like lifting an entirehouse to repair the posts and putting it back,are very expensive.

Pier-and-Post Foundations

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Figure 15 - The pier-and-postfoundation under this home shiftedduring a recent earthquake.

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TheSolution

Consultalicensedarchitectorengineer,andalicensedbuildingcontractorwhospecializesinfoundations, to fix this problem.

Itmaybepossibletomakethefoundationsaferbybracing the posts.

Youmightbebetterofftoaddanewfoundationandplywoodwallsinthecrawlspacetomakesurethatthehousewillnotshiftorfalloffitsfoundationduringan earthquake.

How-toResourcenDetailedinformationforengineerscanbefoundin

theInternational Existing Building Code,publishedby the International Code Council.

NonstructuralHazardsNonstructuralHazardsContentsDamageContentsDamageContentsDamage

Strengthen Pier-and-Post Foundations

$1,000 to $25,000 $20,000 to total value of home (if completely destroyed)

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

Unreinforced masonry—brick, concrete block, orstone—foundations often cannot resist earthquakeshaking. They may break apart, or be too weak tohold anchor bolts. Homes may shift off suchfoundations during earthquakes, damaging thewalls, floors, utility lines, and home contents.

How to Identify

� If your home’s foundation is brick or stone, andlooks like one of the foundations shown in thephotos here, it is probably unreinforced.

� If there is a space filled with grout between theinner and outer faces of a brick foundation(where anchor bolts and reinforcing steel couldbe installed), it may be reinforced.

� If the outside of the foundation is covered, youmay have to look under the house to see thetype of foundation you have.

� If you are not sure what to look for, seek theservices of a licensed engineer to determine ifyour foundation is reinforced or not.

Remember

� It is cheaper to do this before an earthquakedamages the house than after.

Figure 17 - Note the bricks exposed in this unreinforcedmasonry foundation.

Figure 16 - This is an unreinforced stone foundation.They typically fail during earthquakes.

Unreinforced Masonry Foundations

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TheSolution

There are several ways to fix this problem.

The most common approach is to replace all or part of the existing foundation with a poured reinforced concrete foundation.

Another solution is strengthening the unreinforced brick or stone foundation, which is generally expensive.

Seek the help of a licensed architect or engineer, and a licensed foundation contractor or general contractor.

How-toResourcenDetailed information for engineers can be found in

theInternational Existing Building Code, published by the International Code Council.

StructuralDamageStructuralDamageStructuralDamageStructuralDamageNonstructuralHazardsNonstructuralHazardsContentsDamageContentsDamageContentsDamageContentsDamageContentsDamageHOW-TO

Retrofit Masonry Foundations


IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

Houses built on the sides of steep hills are oftenset on exposed posts or columns, as shown in theFigures 18 and 19.

The potentially hazardous conditions that areunique to homes on steep hillsides are:

� Stilt-type posts with or without diagonal bracing

� Walls with very different heights or that are stepped or sloped down the hillsides.

If these posts or walls are not properly braced,they may collapse during an earthquake.

Sometimes, the supports on the downhill side willbe hidden behind a tall wall that encloses a largeunfinished space. (This is similar to, but tallerthan, a crawl space under a typical house built onflat ground.)

How to Identify

� Is the house located on a slope?

� Are the columns or walls supporting the homebraced?

� If you are not sure if there is bracing or if thebracing is adequate, consult a licensedengineer.

Remember

� It is very expensive to lift a house, repair theposts, and put it back.

Homes Built on Steep Hillsides

Figure 18 - This hillside home was built on anunbraced tall wall that failed.

Figure 19 - This photograph shows an interior detail of ahome similar to the one above, with substantial damage toa building with an unbraced tall wall.

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The Solution

Consultalicensedarchitectorengineer,andalicensed contractor, to fix this problem.

How-to Resources

nDetailed information can be found in the International Existing Building Code, published by the International Code Council.

Strengthen Homes on Steep Hillsides

Figure 20 - Hillside homes with sloped and tall walls or posts require special engineering.


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Sloped or stepped

wall Tall wall

IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

The Problem

Houses built of unreinforced masonry – bricks,hollow clay tiles, stone, concrete blocks, or adobe– are very likely to be damaged duringearthquakes.

The mortar holding the masonry together isgenerally not strong enough to resist earthquakeforces.

Anchorage of walls to the floor and the roof iscritical.

These houses are weak (brittle) and can breakapart.

Walls may fall away or buckle, resulting indamage.

How to Identify

� Can bricks or stone be seen from the outside(unless the walls are covered with stucco)?

� Do the brick walls have “header courses” ofbricks turned endways every five or six rows?(See Figure 22)

� Was the house built before 1940?

If you cannot tell from the outside, turn off thepower and take the cover plate off one of theelectrical outlet boxes on an outside wall and lookfor brick or other masonry.

If the wall is concrete or concrete block, it is verydifficult to find out if reinforcing steel was addedduring construction.

You will then need:

� The house’s plans, which may be on file withthe Building Department, or

� To consult a licensed engineer to make thedetermination.

Unreinforced Masonry Walls

Figure 22 - Header coursesof bricks are usually placedendwise every six or so rowsin unreinforced masonrywalls to tie the outer layer ofbricks to the layers inside thewall.

Remember

� It is very expensive to shore up a house,remove damaged walls, and put in newwalls.

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Figure 21 - The plaster-covered brick walls of thisbuilding collapsed during a recent earthquake.

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The Solution

Consult a licensed architect or engineer to fix this problem.

Onesolutionmayinvolve:

n Tying the walls to the floor and roof

n Installingasteelframeandboltingthewalltoit.

How-to Resourcen DetailedinformationcanbefoundintheInterna-

tional Existing Building Code,publishedbytheInternationalCodeCouncil.

Strengthen Unreinforced Masonry Walls

Project and Repair costs can vary widely.

Figure 23 - Unreinforced masonry wall strengthened by installing a steel frame inside.

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Figure 24 - Bolting of unreinforced masonry wall to steel frame on the inside.

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IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES

House

▲▲Garage

The Problem

The large opening of a garage door and the weightof a second-story room built over the garage canresult in the walls being too weak to withstandearthquake shaking.

When the narrow sections of the wall on each sideof the opening are not reinforced or braced, theweakness is worse.

How to Identify

� Is the garage door opening in line with the rest ofthe house? (See Figure 26)

� If this is the case, additional bracing may notbe needed.

� Is the house shaped like Figure 27? If this is thecase, are there braces or plywood panels aroundthe garage door opening?

� If there are no braces or plywood panels,strengthening may be needed.

� Consult a licensed architect or engineer todetermine the strengthening required.

Remember

� Many homes with this weakness have beenseverely damaged in past earthquakes.

Rooms over Garages

HOUSE VIEWED FROM ABOVE

Figure 26 - If the wall of the main house is in linewith the wall containing the door of a garage with aroom over it, the adjoining wall may help brace thegarage.

HouseGarage

Figure 27 - Additional bracing. Home configurationwhere there is no in-line wall. Additional bracing maybe appropriate in this situation.

Garagewith roomabove

HOUSE VIEWED FROM ABOVE

Figure 25 - This mountain home was built over a garage, andits walls were not strong enough to withstand an earthquake.

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Wall may need bracing


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TheSolution

Consultalicensedarchitectorengineertodesignplywoodpanelingorasteelframearoundthedooropening(See Figure 28).

Haveplansdrawn.

ObtainapermitfromyourlocalBuildingDepartment.

Strengthen Rooms over Garages

Figure 28—Bracing garage walls. If your house has a room over the garage, the garage walls may not be strong enough to hold up during an earthquake unless they are braced with plywood panels and steel straps.


How-to Resourcen DetailedinformationcanbefoundintheInterna-

tionalExistingBuildingCode,publishedbytheInternationalCodeCouncil.

Plywood panels

Steel straps

Anchor Bolts and Tie-Downs

The Problem

Many chimneys are built of unreinforced brick orstone. During an earthquake, these can collapseor break and fall on the roof.

When the chimney fails, the falling stones andbricks can:

� Cause injuries

� Damage the house

� Damage cars

Tall slender chimneys are most vulnerable.

How to Identify

� Check the mortar between the bricks or stoneswith a screwdriver. If it crumbles when you pickat it, the chimney may be a hazard.

� Inspect the attic and floor spaces for metal tiesthat should be holding the chimney to thehouse.

� Determining whether a chimney is susceptibleto earthquake damage is not always easy.When in doubt, consult a licensed engineer orcontractor.

Remember

� Do not locate patios, children’s play areas, orparking spaces near a questionable chimney.

� Tell family members to get away fromchimneys and fireplaces during earthquakes.

OTHER EARTHQUAKE-RELATEDCONCERNS

Unreinforced Masonry ChimneysOTHERCONCERNS

Figure 29 - This unreinforced chimney fell during a recentearthquake.

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Figure 30 - Morgan Hill Earthquake. Broken chimney fell onroof.

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The SolutionTear down the old or damaged chimney and re-

place with a newly constructed chimney.

Severalstepscanbetakentoreducetheriskofdamagefromfallingchimneys,dependinguponthetypeofchimneyyouhave.Theyinclude:

nAddplywoodpanelsattherooforabovetheceilingjoiststopreventthebrickorstonefromfallingintothehouse.

ØThiscanbedonebylayeringplywoodabovetheceiling,inthehouse’sattic,ornailingplywoodundertheshingleswhenreroofing.

nReplace the upper chimney with metal flues.

nStrengthentheexistingchimney.

ØThiscanbeacomplicatedprocess,dependingupontheconstructionandheightoftheexistingchimney.

ConsultyourlocalBuildingDepartmentandobtainnecessary permits first.

How-to ResourcenGotowww.fema.gov,andundertheEarthquake

section,searchfor“StrengthenChimneys”forspecific strengthening instructions.

Figure 31 - Photo showing damaged chimney removed. Note that the fireplace is now not functional.

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Project Cost Cost to Repair After an Earthquake

HOW-TO Strengthen Masonry Chimneys

OTHERCONCERNS

No Foundation

The Problem Some older houses were built on wood beams laid directly on the ground,without foundations. These houses may shift during earthquakes, causingstructural damage and breaking utility lines.

How to Identify Look under the house. If you see no concrete or masonry around the outsidewalls, the house may lack a foundation.

What Can Be Done You may need to add a foundation to make the house earthquake resistant.Just as when strengthening or replacing an unreinforced masonry foundation,you will require the advice of a licensed architect, engineer, or foundationcontractor.

Old Concrete Foundation

The Problem Some older concrete foundations were made with sand or stone that interactedchemically over time, and the concrete eventually crumbles and becomes toosoft to withstand earthquake forces.

How to Identify Inspect the foundation for large cracks in the concrete, concrete crumbling offthe foundation, or concrete crumbling when you pick at it with a screwdriver.

What Can Be Done You may need to replace some or all of the foundation. You should consult alicensed foundation contractor or an engineer.

Foundations


OTHERCONCERNS


The Problem The design and construction features of some homes make them vulnerable toearthquake damage, especially if these homes are not specifically designed andbuilt to resist earthquakes. Homes at risk are those with irregular shapes, largewindows (which can break in earthquakes and scatter shards of glass), more thantwo stories, irregular walls, or porches and overhangs.

How to Identify Many homes with these features are strong enough to withstand earthquakes and itis difficult to tell whether such homes need strengthening. If you have doubts aboutone or more of these features in your home, or in a home you are planning to buy,you should consult a licensed architect or engineer for an assessment.

What Can Be Done A professional can advise you on how to identify and fix earthquake weaknesses ifnecessary. For example, large windows can be made safer by applying plastic filmon them.

Homes with Unique Designs

The Problem

Natural gas piping and appliances can be damagedduring earthquakes, causing gas leaks.

If ignited, this can result in fires that can burn partof, or, the entire house.

About one in four fires after an earthquake isrelated to natural gas leaks.

Gas leaks after an earthquake are more likely if:

� There are structural weaknesses.

� Gas appliances are not anchored.

� Flexible pipe connections are not used.

The primary concern is property loss from firedamage.

The potential for life loss is limited since mostsingle-family homes have several safe exits.

How to Identify

� Examine all natural gas appliances (waterheaters, dryers, stoves, ovens, furnaces) tosee if they are anchored to the floor or walls,and have flexible pipe connections.

Plan Ahead

Locate your gas meter outside your home.

Identify the exact location of the shutoff valve andmake sure that you have access to it.

Make sure you have a wrench that is readilyavailable to turn off the gas when needed.

NATURAL GAS SAFETY

Figure 32 - Manual shutoff valve location.

Close-up view of Valve



Manual Gas Shutoff

� The most cost-effective way to manage therisk from natural gas is to know how and whento manually shut off the gas.

� Use the wrench to turn off the manual valvelocated at the gas meter (See Figure 32, page25).

� Shut off your gas only if you:

� Smell gas

� Hear gas escaping

� Suspect a broken gas pipe, appliance,vent, or flue

Remember

� Once the gas has been shut off, service canbe restored only by utility personnel orqualified plumbers.

� High demands for qualified personnel after anearthquake can lead to substantial delays inrestoring natural gas service.

Resources� Go to www.fema.gov, and under the Earthquake

section, search for “Retrofit Gas and Water Lines”for retrofitting instructions.

� Publication: Improving Natural Gas Safety inEarthquakes. California Seismic SafetyCommission, Adopted July 11, 2002. Availableonline at http://www.seismic.ca.gov/pub/CSSC_2002-03_Natural%20Gas%20Safety.pdf.

Automatic Gas Shutoff Options

There are a variety of automatic gas shut-off valvesavailable. These cost more than manual shutoffvalves and may provide additional safety, but mayalso have some disadvantages.

The types of valves available include:

� Earthquake shake-actuated valves

� Excess flow valves

� Methane detectors

� Hybrid systems

� Others

These can be installed on the “customer owned”side of the gas meter.

Consult your local Building Department because:

� Some installations will require building permits.

� Some local jurisdictions have adoptedordinances requiring automatic gas shutoffdevices at the time of sale or during significantrenovations.

� Decide which strengthening project or projectsyou are going to do.

� Get the necessary building permits first.

� If you are “doing-it-yourself,” you still needthe proper permits.

� For more complex projects, have a licensedarchitect or engineer draw up the necessaryplans and specifications.

� Interview two or three architects orengineers.

� Ask for references or former clients.

� Talk to references or former clients.

� Compare experience, ideas, and fees.

� Submit the plans for approval to your localbuilding department.

� Remember: the building codes aredesigned for your safety.

There are many publications that describestrengthening projects in detail.

Visit the California Seismic Safety Commission’swebsite at www.seismic.ca.gov, which providesmany useful links.

� Get the documents that relate to your projectand read them.

� This will help you to better understand whatthe architect or engineer is doing, and alsowhat the contractor is doing.

� The International Existing Building CodeAppendix Chapter 3 contains the best currentguidelines. Ask your local Building Departmentto review a copy.

� Select your licensed contractor.

� First make sure the contractor is properlylicensed.

� Interview at least two or three contractors.

� Ask your licensed architect or engineer forrecommendations.

� Ask for references or former clients.

� Talk to references or former clients.

� Compare experience, fees, and terms ofcontract.

� Get at least three written bids for theconstruction work.

� The lowest bid may not be the best bid.

� Keep all plans, permits, and other records ofyour strengthening project.

� Provide future buyers of your home withthese.

If your home has been designated as “historical,”you also may need to comply with local regulationsregarding historical structures.

� Contact your local Building Department forfurther help with this.

REMEMBER

Whether you do it yourself, or hire a contractor,you need permits from your local BuildingDepartment.

It costs far less to correct earthquake weaknessesbefore an earthquake than to repair the damageafter an earthquake.

If your home is damaged in an earthquake, you willprobably also have other costs such as lodging,medical, etc.

GETTING THE WORK DONE

DON’T HESITATE – MITIGATE!

PLANS, PERMITS, AND CONTRACTORS


AFTER A DISASTER –

HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR!

After a Disaster...

DO NOT:

� Rush into repairs, no matter how badly theyare needed.

� Hire the first contractor who comes along.

� Accept verbal promises.

DO:

� Get proof that the person you are dealing withis a licensed contractor appropriate for thework to be done.

� Get the contractor’s license number and verifythat it is current and valid.

� Get a written contract that contains all thedetails of the job to be performed.

� Get at least three bids.

� Check references of other work the contractorhas done, if possible, in your area.

� Develop a payment schedule with thecontractor.

� Consider a completion bond on large projects.

Avoid Payment Pitfalls

� Try to limit your down payment. SomeState laws limit the amount of money acontractor can request as a downpayment. Contact your State or localconsumer agency to find out what thelaw is in your area.

� Try to make payments during the projectcontingent on completion of a definedamount of work. This way, if the work isnot proceeding according to schedule,the payments are also delayed.

� Withhold at least 10% of the totalcontract price until the project iscomplete.

� Do not make final payment until:

� The building department has signedoff on it,

� You are satisfied with the job, and

� You take a final walk-through tomake sure work is complete anddone correctly.


Geologic HazardsGEOLOGIC HAZARDS

Sellers of real estate may be required to discloseto buyers certain information regarding naturalhazards that can affect the property being sold. Inaddition to flood and fire hazard information,disclosure of seismic hazards may also be required.

This section:

� Describes briefly the basic geology-relatedhazards, and

� Introduces the government mapping pro-grams that define which areas are suscep-tible to those hazards.

Ground Shaking:

� Ground shaking causes 99% of the earth-quake damage to homes.

� Areas near large active faults are more likelyto be shaken severely than areas in the restof the state.

Landslide:

� Earthquakes can also trigger landslides.

� Earthquake shaking can cause the soil androck to slide off a slope, ripping apart homeson the slope and/or crushing homes downhill(See Figure 33).

Fault Rupture:

� An actual crack forms and the ground isoffset along the two sides of a fault during anearthquake (See Figure 34).

� A house built over an active fault can be tornapart if the ground ruptures beneath it.

� If the house is built over a “creeping” fault –one that moves slowly with no earthquakes ora series of very small earthquakes – thedamage may not be noticed for some time.

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Figure 33 - Landslide, San Simeon Earthquake,December 22, 2003. Landslides on San Gregorio Road inAtascadero, California, only a short distance away fromwhere the homes with the most damage were located.

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Figure 34 - Fault Rupture. Landers Earthquake of June 28,1992, produced a surface rupture of over 50 miles along faultsin the Mojave Desert.


Lateral Spreading:

nIntense shaking during an earthquake can cause the soil to break into blocks that move apart from each other. This can cause damage to the foundation of a house (See Figure 35).

Liquefaction:

nDuring earthquakes, loose, wet sandy soil can become almost like quicksand, and lose its ability to support structures. This can cause the foundation of a house to sink, break, or tilt (See Figure 36).

Tsunami:

nA tsunami is a series of large sea waves caused by an underwater earthquake or land-slide.

nCoastal areas are prone to tsunami damage.

nTsunami waves can come from a great dis-tance and can cause flooding or wash away houses in low-lying areas along the shore.

Dam Failure:

nEarthquake damage to a dam can cause sudden and devastating flooding of houses downstream.

nDuring the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake, the Lower San Fernando Dam above the San Fernando Valley was damaged. Had it failed, it would have flooded the homes below, caus-ing many deaths and injuries. (See Figure 37). Risk of an aftershock forced residents in an 11-square-mile area to evacuate for the next 3 days.

Recommendation:

If you live in a low-lying coastal area or a dam inundation zone, become familiar with evacuation routes to higher ground and be prepared to evacuate such areas immediately after an earthquake.

Figure 35 - Lateral Spreading, Loma Prieta Earthquake, October 17, 1989. Lateral spreading damaged levee road along the San Lorenzo River.

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Figure 36 - Loma Prieta Earthquake, October 17, 1989. Lateral spreading, liquefaction and sand boils caused extensive damage in the Marina District of San Francisco, about 60 miles away from the epicenter.

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Figure 37 - Lower San Fernando Dam that was badly damaged by the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake.

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Earthquake Hazard Mapping

Enormous progress has been made in

understanding how, why, and where earthquakes

occur. This has led to the creation of maps that

highlight areas having the highest likelihood of

damaging earthquakes.

Five mapping programs have been developed to

help people lead safer lives in earthquake country.

U.S. Geologic Survey National SeismicHazard Maps

The USGS provides seismic hazard assessmentsfor the United States and areas around the world.These hazard maps serve as the basis for seismicprovisions used in building codes and influencebillions of dollars of new construction every year.For more information about seismic hazardanalysis, the USGS maps, and the underlying dataon which they are based, visit the USGS websiteat http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazmaps/.

The earthquake hazards map on page 3 of thisGuide is based on the USGS Seismic Hazard Mapfor the Coterminous United States, available fromthe USGS website at http://eqhazmaps.usgs.gov/html/map_graphic.html.

Earthquake Fault Zone Maps

These maps show active earthquake faults prone

to surface ruptures and identify a 1,000-foot-wide

zone with the fault line at the center.

Seismic Hazard Zone Maps

These maps show areas where landslides and

liquefaction are most likely to occur during earthquakes.

Tsunami Inundation and EvacuationRoute Maps

Maps for the Pacific Coast show areas where

low-lying regions are exposed to tsunami inunda-

tion. These maps are in various stages of prepa-

ration and availability. More information about

tsunamis and tsunami mapping is available from

the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Pro-

gram, Center for Tsunami Inundation Mapping

Efforts, at http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami/

time/.

Dam Inundation Maps

These maps show the areas below major dams

that may be flooded in the event of their failure.

How Are These Maps Used?

The zones defined by the maps are at greatest

potential risk when a major earthquake occurs.

This is particularly the case when the earthquake

occurs during or shortly after a heavy rainfall,

which increases the likelihood of liquefaction and

landslides.

Special geotechnical studies are required before

buildings can be built in Earthquake Fault Zones

or Seismic Hazard Zones.

Your local building or planning department can

show you copies of USGS seismic hazard maps

and other earthquake hazard maps that may be

available for your community.

The seller of real estate within a hazard zonemay be required to disclose that the propertylies within such a zone at the time of sale.



1. IFYOUAREINDOORS—STAYTHERE!“DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.”Getunderasturdydeskortableandhangontoit,ormoveintoahallwayorgetagainstaninsidewall.Stayclearofwin-dows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. Get out of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place in earthquakes since it’s full of things that can fall on you. Don’t run downstairs or rush outside while thebuildingisshakingorwhilethereisdangeroffallingandhurtingyourselforbeinghitbyfallingglassordebris.

2. IFYOUAREOUTSIDE—GET INTO THE OPEN,awayfrombuild-ings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.

3. IFYOUAREDRIVING—STOP,butcarefully.Moveyourcarasfarout of traffic as possible. Do not stop on or under a bridge or over-pass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. When you resume driving, watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road.

4. IFYOUAREONORNEARASTEEP HILLSIDE,WATCH OUT FOR LANDSLIDES,fallingrock,trees,andotherdebristhatcouldbeloos-enedbyearthquakes.

If You Feel a Strong Earthquake or Receive a Tsunami Warning When You are on the Coast

1.DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. Watch for falling objects until the earthquakeisover.

2.MOVE TO HIGHER GROUNDorinlandawayfromthecoastimme-diately. A tsunami may be coming. Go on foot if possible. The first wavesmayreachthecoastwithinminutesafterthegroundshakingstops. The first wave is almost never the largest. Later waves may be spaced tens of minutes apart and can continue arriving for many hours.

3.THERE MAY BE NO TIME FOR AUTHORITIES TO ISSUE A WARNING.Ifyoudonothearanevacuationannouncement,butno-tice a sudden drop or rise in water level or hear a loud noise coming from the water, nature may be warning you of impending danger.

4.STAY AWAY FROM THE COAST.Donotreturntotheshoreafterthefirst wave. Waves may continue to arrive for hours.

5.LISTEN TO A RADIO FOR AN “ALL CLEAR”beforereturningtotheshore.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

COVER!

HOLD ON!

DROP!

Be sure you have these basic supplies on hand:

� Fire extinguisher

� Adequate supplies of medications that you or family membersare taking

� Crescent and pipe wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies

� First-aid kit and handbook

� Flashlights with extra bulbs and fresh batteries

� Portable battery-powered radio or television and extra freshbatteries

� Water for each family member for at least 3 days (allow at least1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorinebleach to purify drinking water from other sources

� Canned and packaged foods, enough for 3 days, and at least anadditional 4-day supply readily accessible for use if you areconfined to home. Don’t forget a mechanical can opener andextra pet food!

� Camp stove or barbecue to cook on outdoors (store fuel out ofthe reach of children)

� Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal

� Copies of personal identification, such as driver’s licenses,passports, and work identification badges, and copies of medi-cal prescriptions and credit cards

� An extra set of car keys and house keys

� Matches in waterproof container

� Map of the area marked with places you could go and theirtelephone numbers

� Cash and coins

� Special items, such as denture needs, contact lenses andsupplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries

� Items for seniors, disabled persons, or anyone with seriousallergies

� Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers,powdered milk, and medications not requiring refrigeration

What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake

The information contained in this section does not represent weaknesses in the earthquake resistance ofhomes. It is valuable information to keep in mind to reduce risks to yourself, your family, and your home.These lists are only highlights of the actions you should take.

Gather EmergencySupplies

How-To’sWHAT TO DO BEFORE ANEARTHQUAKE



Plan Ahead1. Create a family disaster plan; practice and maintain the plan.

2. Make and complete a checklist.

3. Plan home escape routes.

4. Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills at least twice ayear and include your pets in your evacuation and shelteringdrills.

5. Test your smoke alarms once a month (daylight savings time orbirthdays) and replace batteries at least once a year in battery-powered smoke alarms.

6. Make sure each member of your family knows what to do nomatter where they are when earthquakes occur.

� Establish two meeting places where you can all reunite after-ward: one right outside your home, in case of a suddenemergency, and one outside your neighborhood in case youcannot return home or are asked to leave your neighborhood.

� Find out about the earthquake plan developed by yourchildren’s school or day care.

� Remember that since transportation may be disrupted, youmay have to stay at your workplace for a day or two followinga major earthquake. Keep some emergency supplies—food,liquids, and comfortable shoes, for example—at work.

� Pick two out-of-town contacts:

� A friend or relative who will be your household’s primarycontact,

� A friend or relative who will be your household’salternative contact.

7. Know where your gas, electric, and water main shutoffs are andhow to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short; if indoubt, ask your utility companies. Make sure that all the oldermembers of your family can shut off the utilities.

8. Locate your nearest fire and police stations and emergencymedical facility. Remember that telephones may not work afteran earthquake. If you can, use your land line rather than your cellphone to call 911, but only if you need emergency help.

9. Talk to your neighbors—how could they help you, or you helpthem, after an earthquake?

10. Take a Red Cross first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) training course.

11. Make arrangements with friends or relatives to temporarily houseyour pets after disasters because emergency shelters will notaccept pets.

12. If your home is located near a steep hillside, in an area near theshore of a body of water or below a dam, check with your localbuilding or planning department to see if you are in a landslide,tsunami or dam inundation zone. Plan for how, when, and whereyour family should evacuate.

1. If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Useclean gauze or cloth, if available.

2. If a person is not breathing, administer rescue breathing. Thefront pages of many telephone books contain instructions onhow to do it along with detailed instructions on other first-aidmeasures.

3. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless theyare in immediate danger of further injury.

4. Cover injured persons with blankets to keep them warm.

5. Seek medical help for serious injuries.

1. Fire or fire hazards. Put out fires in your home or neighborhoodimmediately. Call for help, but don’t wait for the fire department.

2. Gas leaks. Shut off the main gas valve only if you suspect aleak because of broken pipes or the odor of natural gas. Don’tturn it back on yourself—wait for the gas company to check forleaks.

3. Damaged electrical wiring. Shut off power at the control box ifthere is any damage to your house wiring.

4. Downed or damaged utility lines. Do not touch downed powerlines or any objects in contact with them.

5. Spills. Clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other potentiallyharmful materials such as bleach, lye, and gasoline or otherhazardous materials.

6. Downed or damaged chimneys. Approach chimneys withcaution. They may be weakened and could topple duringaftershocks. Don’t use a fireplace with a damaged chimney—itcould start a fire or let poisonous gases into your house.

7. Fallen items. Beware of items tumbling off shelves when youopen the doors of closets and cupboards.

WHAT TO DO AFTER ANEARTHQUAKE

Check for Injuries

Check for Hazards

Wear sturdy shoes to avoid injury from broken glass and debris.Expect aftershocks.


Note: The information in thesesections is reproduced inwhole or in part with thepermission of the copyrightowner, SBC. The SurvivalGuide is available in the WhitePages of SBC Directories ©SBC 2004. This informationwas provided by medical andemergency service authoritiesand published as a publicservice. While everyreasonable effort was made toensure its accuracy, SBC is notresponsible and assumes noliability for any actionundertaken by any person inutilizing such information. Anyperson relying upon suchinformation does so at his orher own risk.

� Do not eat or drink anything from open containers nearshattered glass.

� Do not turn the gas on again if you turned it off; let the gascompany do it.

� Do not use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues,electrical equipment—including telephones—or appliancesuntil you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may createsparks that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosionand fire.

� Do not use your telephone, except for a medical or fireemergency. You could tie up lines needed for emergencyresponse.If you need help and the phone doesn’t work, send some-one for help.

� Do not expect firefighters, police, or paramedics to help youright away. They may not be available.

Do Not . . .

1. If power is off, plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly, orfrozen foods. If you keep the door closed, food in your freezershould be good for at least a couple of days.

2. Don’t light your kitchen stove if you suspect a gas leak.

3. Use barbecues or camp stoves, outdoors only, for emergencycooking.

4. If your water is off, you can drink supplies from water heaters,melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables. Try to avoid drinkingwater from swimming pools or, especially, spas—it may have toomany chemicals in it to be safe.

Check Your Food andWater Supplies


Resource Organizations

Some of the organizations listed below have information to help you strengthen your home against earth-quakes and help you and your family prepare a personal earthquake response plan. Other resources thatcan help you may be available in your community; check your local telephone directory.

Structural Safety Information

American Institute of ArchitectsLocal chapters have referral lists of licensedarchitects; consult telephone directory listing for“American Institute of Architects.”http://www.aia.org

American Society of Civil Engineers1801 Alexander Bell DriveReston, VA 20191Telephone: (800) 548-2723http://www.asce.org

American Society of Home Inspectors932 Lee Street, Suite 101Des Plaines, IL 60016Telephone: (800) 743-2744http://www.ashi.comReferral list of licensed inspectors.

Federal Emergency Management AgencyHeadquarters500 C Street, SW.Washington, DC 20472Telephone: (800) 621-FEMAhttp://www.fema.gov

FEMA provides a wide variety of informationsuitable for the homeowner, including theavailability of, and registration for, Federaldisaster aid programs after a damagingearthquake or other disasters.

International Code Council5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 600Falls Church, VA 22041Telephone: 1-888-ICC-SAFEhttp://www.iccsafe.org

National Council of Structural EngineersAssociations

645 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 540Chigago, IL 60611Telephone: (312) 649-4600http://www.ncsea.com

National Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169Telephone: (617) 770-3000http://www.nfpa.org

Geologic Information

United States Geological SurveyNational Center12201 Sunrise Valley DriveReston, VA 20192Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGShttp://earthquake.usgs.gov

This is the Federal agency responsible forgeological and earthquake hazard research,mapping, and policy. It provides maps and otherinformation to the general public.

States, Cities, and CountiesConsult your telephone directory under State, city,or county government listings for the office ofemergency services or disaster management;city or county building and planning department; andState, city, or county government geologist.

Emergency Planning InformationAmerican Red CrossConsult your telephone directory for the addressand phone number of your local chapter.http://www.redcross.org

Geologic HazardsRESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS



Federal Emergency Management AgencyHeadquarters500 C Street, SW.Washington, DC 20472Telephone: (800) 621-FEMAhttp://www.fema.gov

earthquake safety guide for homeowners

Documents