Geological Sciences

Earthquake Safe Homes

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Two Great Publications to Read for Earthquake Safety Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country Other Resources Use the Internet to Evaluate Your Home Richard Marquez Earthquake Center	Your earthquake safety depends on making good choices on where to live, knowing the difference between a safe and an unsafe building, and knowing how to behave during and after a temblor. Thousands of buildings like this one are still in use in California. Many have been reinforced but they are still weak and often are not appropriate for living or working.

This barn was located exactly on the San Andreas fault when the April 18, 1906 earthquake occurred. The barn was ruptured as the land on the left shifted both vertically and horizontally relative to the land on the right. Do not live on faults. Visit the Southern California Earthquake Center to locate faults.	Living on soft soil is bad because it amplifies earthquake motions. This swimming pool was crushed during the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Water flooded into the house where all four occupants were thrown out of bed by the severe shaking. Two people were knocked unconscious.

Intense lurching of weak soil and sediment during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake severely damaged homes, roads, freeways, and other structures. Homes located on weak soils are subject to foundation cracking or even complete destruction.	Soil and sediments that are water saturated may liquefy during an earthquake. Even more severe damage occurs in these areas. The green areas on this map of Long Beach may liquefy during an earthquake. Maps of your area may be found by going to the California Geological Survey and clicking on Seismic Hazards Mapping Program.

Hillside homes are extra dangerous. Earthquake motions may be intensified in these areas and homes may break loose and tumble down slope.	This hillside home brook loose during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The home was destroyed and the occupants killed as the structure fell. The broken board shown here plus vertical posts beneath the building were inadequate to survive the intense shaking of the earthquake.

Locations at the base of slopes may also be dangerous if rocks or other materials fall during and earthquake. The large boulder in the foreground fell from the hill and bounced to this location during the 1991 Landers earthquake.	This building in Fillmore had a wood frame supporting the interior walls but no reinforcement for the exterior walls. As a result, the exterior wall fell onto the sidewalk during the 1994 earthquake. There were no injuries.

The 1971 earthquake created very high horizontal acceleration. Many homes that were not properly attached to their foundations were destroyed. The fracture just above the foundation of this home shows that the house was separated from its foundation during the earthquake.	This apartment complex had a "soft first" floor. A soft first floor results when a garage or open space beneath the building causes the structure to have inadequate lateral bracing. This building collapsed onto the cars below. The building on the right barely survived.

This apartment collapsed even though it did not have a soft first floor. In this case the walls did not have adequate lateral bracing and were too weak to withstand the earthquake forces. Lives were needlessly lost.	Staircases are often poorly attached in apartment buildings and can easily fall during earthquakes. This photo illustrates why it is almost always best to remain in your home and not rush outside during an earthquake.

Homes are not all equally strong. This home completely fell apart during the Laguna Hills landslide. Other homes remained intact even as the landslide pulled out from beneath them.	Foundations are also variable from home to home. Some foundations are new and fully meet the building codes. Others are completely inadequate or old and rotting. The foundation beneath this building failed during the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Hiring a home inspector during the purchase stage can save you tremendous grief.

This is an example of a well constructed home. It has a concrete slab foundation. Slab foundations bridge over soil weaknesses and, if properly constructed, hold up well in earthquakes.	The studs within the walls of this home are in the process of being covered with a plywood sheath. The plywood sheath gives the building tremendous strength and ability to withstand the lateral forces of earthquakes. Notice also that the building has a very light-weight shingle veneer rather than heavy brick or stone.

This home is being constructed on a slope and has a continuous tied-wall foundation. The building is raised above the foundation by cripple studs which were later covered with a plywood sheath.	Look closely and you can see the bolts that connect the home to the foundation. You can also see the plywood sheath that gives great strength.

The walls of this home were eventually covered with a plywood sheath. At this stage you can see the excellent use of insulation to save energy. Notice that the roof is very light weight. A light weight roof is an advantage during an earthquake because the building is less top heavy.	You should take a great deal of care in checking the interior of your home for earthquake safety. Are there bookcases or wall hangings that could fall and cause injury? In this home a large wall hanging fell between the wall and the baby's crib. The baby was fortunate to be bounced around but not injured.

You should also inspect the schools that your children attend. Notice the heavy, clay-tile roofing on this old school. The children are gathered beneath a top-heavy structure that has no purpose and no lateral bracing. Thousands of schools in California are not earthquake safe.	Preparation is the key to earthquake safety And remember, earthquakes are not the only hazards facing your home. Click here for other things to consider.

Does Earth Science look interesting to you? Perhaps you would like to major in Geology or Natural Science. Maybe a General Education course in geology would appeal to you. Here are two links that you should explore. Be an Earth Scientist Geology General Education Courses Return to Photo Gallery index page.
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