Signs your home might not be ready for the next big quake

Earthquakes in Southern California have left some residents wondering about not just the next big earthquake, but also whether their home is ready for one.

According to the California Earthquake Authority, about 1.2 million homes are not built to withstand the threat of an earthquake.

Experts in the field of “seismic retrofitting” say securing your home to its foundation is the best way possible to be protected from the next big quake.

Although it isn’t a cure-all, retrofitting is something to keep in mind should your concerns grow.

“The structural engineer will usually come up with a metal type support system that they can add to the structure,” says Watsonville Building Official, Rob Allen. “That will strengthen your foundation and make it more resistant.”

Something else to keep in mind? Signs which show your home is probably not up to par with a significant-sized earthquake.

Many of the signs can be found in the crawl space of your home. Bolts there should be secured, cracks should not be visible along the side and the ground should be free of “excessive” moisture and signs of erosion or movement.

If not, you might want to give a seismic retrofit expert a call, if just to see what could be done to make your home safe again.

Some homes are more prone to earthquake damage than others.

Homes on hillsides with raised foundations and crawl spaces are considered one type of home that falls under that category.

Wood-framed homes built before 1979 are also on that list.

Experts say they hope talking about this subject isn’t forcing people to press the “panic button,” however it’s important we all be aware that the dangers of an earthquake are very real no matter if one has taken place recently or not.