Protect Your House Against Earthquakes

I'm sure most of you have looked at photos of the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. The photos of collapsed concrete buildings are very sobering. Why did Haiti's low concrete buildings collapse? According to SFGate.com, "Nonductile concrete buildings tend to collapse in big temblors because they don't have enough steel in their columns and beams to allow them to bend and twist. Instead, their supports crumble and even explode under too much pressure."

Here is a brief introduction to protecting your own house against earthquake damage:

Protecting Your House's Structure from Earthquakes

There are three ways that earthquakes damage houses: lateral shaking can cause your house to move from side to side; lateral forces can cause your house to slide off its foundation; and vertical forces can cause your house to lift off its foundation. Structurally, your house needs to be tied together from the foundation to the roof in order to withstand lateral and vertical earthquake forces. This is called having a "continuous load path." If your house was built after 1985 in an earthquake-prone area, the local building code probably required that your house have a continuous load path.

Otherwise, it would be wise to consult with a structural engineer about securing your house's wall studs to the roof, second floor, and foundation. It is possible to retrofit your house for an earthquake by anchoring the beams and joists with metal straps and connectors. If your house is built over a garage or a crawlspace, you would be advised to look into ways of strengthening your home's foundation.

Typically any foundation other than a concrete slab foundation is not able to withstand earthquake forces. If your house is built on a concrete slab foundation, look into anchoring your house to its foundation to prevent it from literally sliding off its foundation during an earthquake.

Making Your House's Interior Safer for Earthquakes

Gas and electricity are dangers during and after earthquakes, as are falling objects. Learn how to turn off your gas, water, and electricity. Keep the tools necessary for turning your utilities off in an easily-accessible place. Consider installing gas shut-off valves that respond to seismic vibrations. FEMA suggests that you bolt your gas appliances and refrigerator to your house's wall studs. Your water heater poses a particular fire threat during an earthquake. Secure heavy pieces of furniture, like bookcases, to wall studs. Move large, heavy objects close to the floor, as well as glass objects. Don't store large, heavy objects above your bed.

If you have any earthquake prep tips, please post them below.

Photo credit: Live Science

Posted by: Chaya Goodman