Why Retrofit?
Earthquake Ready?
Find out why retrofitting is such a good idea. Watch this KOIN TV interview with Steve Gemmell.
Protect Your Home Before Earthquakes Strike
You may not think you’re in earthquake country, but the reality is the Pacific Northwest is prime territory for major seismic events and natural disasters. Earthquake fault lines, landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and foundation erosion all pose threats to Oregon and Washington homes. The best way to prevent crisis and reduce damage is to prepare ahead-of-time. Our services can help.
Important Reasons to Retrofit Your Home
The Pacific Northwest has a colorful history of earthquakes. Fault lines, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunamis have rocked this region for centuries. Today, because there are more homes, people, and infrastructure at stake, we face new and greater risks.
Earthquake & Tsunami Threats in Oregon
An Oregon State University study estimates a one in three chance of a major earthquake hitting the Pacific Northwest during the next 50 years. The main cause is the convergence of faults called the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which runs north/south along the North American West Coast. This huge area is where tensions between the oceanic Juan de Fuca and North America plates build. Over time, ruptures occur, sparking earthquakes of varying intensities.
The size and position of the Cascadia Subduction Zone puts the Pacific Northwest — Canada, Washington State, Oregon, and Northern California — at risk for large-scale earthquakes, ranging from 8.0-9.0 in magnitude. The last major earthquake in the Northwest occurred in 1700 and scientists predict the next big one will hit sooner rather than later. Almost daily, seismic events across Canada, Washington State, Oregon, and Northern California happen, though most are not noticeable. When the next major magnitude Cascadia earthquake does strike, it could tear apart highways, collapse bridges, and uproot buildings and homes.
Deep, large quakes near or in ocean waters can also spark deadly tsunamis. Like those in Indonesia in 2004 and Japan’s 9.0 magnitude earthquake in March 2011, a significant quake here has the potential to unleash deadly tsunamis along the West Coast.
Threat of landslides, common in our moist, hilly terrain, poses yet another concern for the stability of our homes and buildings in this region.
Home retrofits that properly bolt-tone structures and contents is an important safety measure. This crucial step can protect property, valuables and lives whenever the earth shakes or shifts.
Sources: Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Wikipedia, Corvallis KVAL TV
Related reading: Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, 2008 Oregon Landslide Hazards Study News Release >
Do Seismic Retrofit Projects Require a City Permit?
Yes, in the City of Portland a permit is required for seismic-related upgrades. The permit process ensures that a neutral third party verifies the quality and accuracy of the work. It also helps homeowners acquire earthquake insurance and support their home’s sale.
Earthquake Insurance Criteria
Learn the general criteria to qualify for earthquake coverage. Find out the history and research behind retrofitting as a safe and now mandatory step to protecting and insuring your home.
NOTE: Choosing the right earthquake retrofit specialist is vital to meeting safety codes and satisfying insurance requirements. When you decide to hire a retrofit expert, be sure to use a contractor specifically licensed for seismic upgrades — otherwise, you could be in serious trouble when you file a home insurance claim.
