How to Prepare Your Home For an Earthquake
Listening to the news and hearing about earthquakes ruining an entire city, you can't but help to remember that you live in California where earthquakes are very common. Its bad for everyone, not just home owners. In the scenario of an earthquake, everything is at stake.
1. GET AN INSPECTION
When you get this done, you'll know what needs fixing and what doesn't. You don't want to waste your money on things that are already good to go. After an inspection, you'll know whether the buildings are up-to-date and from there, you'll have a plan of what to fix and what to focus on.
2.PREVENT MOISTURE BUILD UP
Like anything else, foundation is the most important part about a home and its preparedness in an earthquake. Moisture is one of the biggest reasons why some houses do not make it through earthquakes while others do. Keep gutters clean and make sure any water from rain goes away from the house instead of UNDER it.
3.INSTALL CRIPPLE WALLS
Since cripple walls are built around the foundation of a house, it is an extra layer of protection designed to support the weight of the entire house. They absorb shock during earthquake and prevent much of the damage to the house. Think about contacting a contractor to build them for your house.
4. INSTALL SHUT-OFF VALVES
Having shut off valves will prevent many problems to your utilities. Hire a crew to install a shock activated shut off valve on the gas line of your home. This even may protect your neighbors during an earthquake.
5. SECURE WALL DECORATIONS
Many people inside homes during an earthquake get hurt because of knocked off picture frames, shelves and other decorative items. Pay attention to all of the heavy items that may hurt anyone, especially a child, during an event of an earthquake.
6. WATER HEATERS
Make sure you have a strong bracing kit for your water heater which will have to be installed to the wall. This can prevent fire or electric shock during an earthquake.
Unfortunately, earthquakes are inevitable. They are bound to happen some time so it its better to be prepared rather than sorry for things that were able to be fixed.
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