The earthquake occurs when there is a sudden release of energy between two plates in the crust of the Earth, creating seismic waves. Some may cause the tsunami, and some may cause things as simple as the clattering pans on your house floor. As a result of earthquakes, damage to land, buildings and homes may also occur. Although earthquakes can not be avoided, the damage they leave behind can be drastically reduced. In order to achieve this, the appropriate precautions must be taken.
Planning for Earthquake Become acquainted with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and develop a family plan with escape routes, an emergency meeting place and a contact point to communicate with the relatives concerned.
Make sure that all adult and teenage family members know where your gas, electrical and water main shut-off controls are and how to turn them off if there’s a leak or a short electrical outlet. Keep the tools needed close by.
Put the emergency kit together.
If the structural elements of your home need to be reinforced, some of the most important and common features include: the addition of anchor bolts or steel plates between your home and its foundation.
Bracing the inside of the crippled wall of your home— the short wooden wall between the top of the foundation wall and the first floor— with sheathing.
Bracing of unreinforced chimneys, masonry and concrete walls and foundations.
To get started today or for more information, please contact us today to schedule a FREE on-site inspection by our team of Soft Story experts or call us at 800-862-6582
