We all know the devastating impact of a major earthquake on both life and property but, what about those of us who live in areas that do not see much seismic activity? Could a minor earthquake, either natural or man made, expose some weak spots in our homes? Should this concern us?
In parts of the country that are not prone to major earthquakes, building codes regarding earthquake preparedness are not as strict. This means that even a minor earthquake has the potential to do some damage. We are going to highlight just a few of the many areas in a house that may benefit from some added support.
The foundations. Check to make sure that the home is securely fixed to its foundations and that there are no signs of deterioration such as cracking or crumbling of the cement. Even a small amount of movement in the ground could make this issue a lot worse.
Chimneys. These are another part of a house that can become unsafe in a minor tremor. If damage occurs, a chimney could fall in on itself potentially causing serious harm to anyone inside the home. If the chimney is an unreinforced masonry chimney, you can secure it using angle bracing and sheet metal straps. It’s also wise to place children’s play areas away from the location of the chimney.
Gas leaks. These are very serious problems that can happen during an earthquake. Any appliances that use natural gas should be firmly fixed to the wall or floor. If the home has a manual shutoff gas valve, ensure it is clearly labeled and that there is clear and easy access to it in the event that you need to switch it off in a hurry.
Freestanding appliances such as a water heater should also be attached to a wall. You can do this using metal straps.