On average, California has 10,000 earthquakes each year, taking place in all corners of the state. In Los Angeles County, California Geological Survey has mapped dozens of faults throughout the region. On a regular basis, the state maps new faults that cut through multiple towns, landmarks and even individual buildings. These facts should serve as a call to action for all Californians and especially homeowners.
During an earthquake, large and dangerous objects fall, pipes for gas and water burst, and power is interrupted. Also at risk are older homes, which may not be bolted to their foundations and may slide or topple-off during an earthquake
Even as other disasters such as fires and drought grab headlines, Los Angeles residents need to be continuously vigilant about earthquakes. There are many ways to prepare in advance. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urges residents to create an emergency kit, a family plan and download the MyShake phone app. Californians also need to protect their home.
Most Los Angeles residents don’t know if their home could withstand shaking from a damaging earthquake. The first order of business is knowing when a home was built. Modern homes, even though they may experience structural damage in an earthquake, are designed to remain standing. However, many homes – about 1.2 million according to the California Earthquake Authority – built before 1980 are considered more vulnerable because they are not bolted to their foundations and lack bracing on the wood-framed walls, if they exist, in the crawl space. These homes need to be retrofitted to improve their seismic performance.
The good news is there is a program that offers assistance to qualified homeowners. The California Residential Mitigation Program’s Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program can help strengthen your property and help protect your family.
Through November 29, 2022, eligible homeowners can apply for a grant of up to $3,000 at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com, where they can also find detailed program information, select FEMA-trained, California-licensed general contractors and view the full list of eligible ZIP Codes and program areas.
In a Brace + Bolt retrofit, the foundation is bolted to the frame of the house, and if there is a crawl space (or cripple wall), it is braced with plywood. This helps prevent the house from sliding or toppling off its foundation during an earthquake.
The EBB program aims to help homeowners lessen the potential for damage to their houses during an earthquake, and since 2014 when the first Brace + Bolt retrofit was completed, EBB grants have helped more than 17,500 homeowners retrofit their homes.
This year, thanks to additional FEMA funding that is administered by Cal OES, nearly 15,000 EBB grants will be available to homeowners in 521 ZIP Codes in more than 270 cities and communities.
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Income-eligible homeowners may also qualify for available supplemental grants. The amounts vary depending on the region and type of retrofit completed. These supplemental grants, which are available for households with an income at or below $72,080, may be able to provide up to 100% of the funds needed to cover a seismic retrofit. Grants are contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements and available funds.
Once registration closes for the 2022 program on November 29, participating homeowners will be selected through a random drawing and notified via email in January 2023 if they have been selected or if they have been placed on the wait list.
We know disasters can devastate local communities, and the more you can be prepared in advance, the better your outcome will be. In California, earthquakes are not a matter of if, but when, and understanding the importance of being earthquake prepared can lead to a quicker recovery for a resilient California.
Anthony Portantino is a California State Senator representing the 25th Senate District, which stretches along the 210 Freeway from Sunland/Tujunga to Upland. He also sits on the Seismic Safety Commission.