Protecting Your Home from Earthquake Damage: Practical Measures and Realities

Structures can be made stronger using proven techniques from research. However, existing buildings can only be retrofitted to a limited extent and at a high cost—often an unrealistic investment, especially for homes built before 1980. When an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 hits, you’ll lose everything, making it less advisable to invest heavily in retrofitting.

For many regions around the world, particularly in the UK, the likelihood of experiencing significant earthquakes is low. This minimizes the need for extensive earthquake protection measures. Nevertheless, it's important to assess your specific circumstances, including the age and construction of your home, its location, and the type of foundation it has.

The Specific Risks

Age and Construction: How old is your house? Is it made of brick, stone, or wood frame construction? These factors significantly influence the vulnerability of your home to earthquake damage. Location: Are you in a high-risk area? For instance, if you are in the Marina district of San Francisco, you are particularly vulnerable to liquefaction, a soil condition that occurs during an earthquake, which can cause significant damage regardless of the modifications you make.

Practical Solutions for Wood Frame Houses

If your house is a wood frame structure, which is common in many areas, there are practical steps you can take to mitigate earthquake damage:

Bolt Your House to Its Foundation: To prevent your house from sliding off its foundation, secure it with bolts. This measure is crucial for preventing structural failure. Prepare Emergency Kits: Keep essential items like money, bank account books, jewelry, cell phones, and room keys handy. Place them in a secure location where you can grab them quickly in case of an emergency. Secure Furniture and Heavy Items: Tall furniture and heavy items can become projectiles during an earthquake. Secure them to prevent them from falling or moving. For example, our CD rack doors opened during a big earthquake, causing CDs to scatter on the floor.

Earthquake Preparedness Programs

For residents in California, consider enrolling in the Earthquake Bolt and Brace Program. This program offers valuable resources and guidelines to help you protect your home. Even if you aren’t in California, exploring similar programs in your region can provide useful insights and ideas for your specific foundation type.

The Bottom Line

While it’s essential to be prepared for earthquakes, the reality is that significant investments in retrofitting old homes may not provide sufficient protection against major quakes. Instead, focus on practical and cost-effective measures, such as securing your house to its foundation and preparing emergency kits. Understanding the specific risks in your area can help you make informed decisions about how best to protect your home and family.