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DIY Earthquake Retrofitting for your Home

DIY Earthquake Retrofitting for your Home

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Homeowners who live in Washington State have to wonder: Will my home withstand the next major earthquake?

Prior to 1980, building codes did not require builders to secure houses to their foundation. If your home is not properly secured, it may be at increased risk of “slipping” off the foundation during a major earthquake. You can reduce damage caused during an earthquake by seismically retrofitting your home. 

Learn to become an informed consumer and how to do home retrofit yourself.

The Seattle Public Library system periodically hosts free 2-hour classes on DIY retrofitting.

Retrofit experts will show how to assess your home’s needs and how to use the City of Seattle’s pre-engineered Home Retrofit plans to permit and retrofit your home.

Here’s where to sign up and/or get more information: https://www.spl.org/event-calendar

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Packing your emergency “Go Kit”

Packing your emergency “Go Kit”

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If a natural (or unnatural) disaster happened today, would you be ready to vacate your home? Having a “go kit” on hand could be a literal life-saver.

The next time you get ready to donate your old clothes to charity, think about whether or not they are good candidates for your “Go Kit.”

A “Go Kit” is a backpack or duffle bag filled with the essentials you will need if you are forced to flee your home on short notice. Suggested contents include:

  • Change of clothes
  • Sturdy pair of shoes
  • Combo flashlight/radio
  • Whistle or signal light
  • List of key contacts
  • Cell phone charger
  • Bottled water
  • Protein bars/non-perishable food
  • Disposable rain poncho
  • Mylar “space” blanket
  • Copy of driver’s license/ID
  • Credit card numbers or cash
  • Medications/first aid supplies

Each member of your household should have their own go kit stashed beneath their bed, just in case the “unthinkable” happens.

More tips at www.FEMA.gov/    www.Ready.gov/