Surviving an earthquake -Tips to safeguard your home

While your chances of being in the big one are scarce however if you are living on or close to a fault line, then in that case taking steps to earthquake-proof your home will give you a sense of control and your mind at peace. All it requires is a little bit of fund and time and you are thereafter you are way secured.

Earthquake Home Inspection:-

You can try doing it on your own if you do possess sufficient knowledge or else prefer hiring a licensed inspector or structural engineer especially if your property is constructed prior to 1980 or so. When purchasing earthquake insurance, many companies necessitate the homeowner to have professional inspection. Some companies do offer discounts for retrofitting your home to resist earthquake damage.

Various structural factors for earthquake proofing include:-

• Termites & Pests: – Pests are formed with 2 purposes in their entire life which is to eat and reproduce. A termite infestation can lead to substantial structural damage to your home within a span of several years. Mice and other pests tend to enfeeble your framing, chew through wiring and leave your home more vulnerable in an earthquake. Do exercise regular pest inspections and thereby take preventive measures to keep your home pest-free

• Mold and mildew: – Dampness can cause ugly mildew which eventually leads to cause the material on which it grows to crumble. You can use vinegar or bleach to eliminate mold before it causes severe problem. Also, look for indications of rot in your home’s wood framing particularly underneath the house in the event that you have a raised foundation.

• Rigid gas connections to appliances: – Hire an expert to replace these with adaptable stainless steel connectors. During an earthquake, the rigid connections can shear off prompting to unsafe, dangerous, hazardous gas spills

• Plumbing: – Replace your plumber and secure old and rusted water pipes. Both pipes and gas lines are ought to be supported every 4 feet. Check plumbing associations with an assurance that you have no water spills. Keeping your home in great repair is an imperative piece of earthquake preparedness.

• Foundation: – Search for prominent splits – 1/8 inch wide – or indications of brittle cement. In the event that the establishment is poured-concrete (versus solid pieces or a piece establishment) have a go at tapping on it with a hammer. On the off chance that you hear a dull crash rather than a sharp ping sound, contact an expert.

• Anchors: – Not only the foundation should be sound, but the house must bolt to the foundation at least once every 6 months. Most modern homes in the earthquake zones already meet these code requirements. An expert inspection will reveal any concerns.

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