Can Your Home Withstand An Earthquake?

So you might not own this baby.


But you can still improve the “seismic safety” of your abode, thanks to the fine folks at the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services.

According to the press release, the new Residential Seismic Strengthening Program is intended to provide homeowners and contractors a simple guide to evaluating existing homes to determine if certain improvements would be beneficial in order to reduce the risk of earthquake damage.

And right on the website, you can learn:

  • Why many older homes lack foundation anchors.
  • What to look for when evaluating a homes need for seismic strengthening.
  • How to obtain a permit to perform seismic strengthening and why permitting is important.
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the work.
  • Limitations that apply to the Residential Seismic Strengthening Program.

    But wait! There’s more!

    On April 25, there will be a Home Earthquake Preparedness meeting, featuring our own Francisco Ianni as well as speakers from the Portland Bureau of Development Services and Clackamas County. Here are the details:

    WHAT: Home Earthquake Preparedness Meeting
    WHEN: Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    WHERE: St. Johns Community Center (8427 N. Central St., Portland OR 97203)
    COST: Free

    Join us!