Earthquakes: Why We’re at Risk and What We Can Do About It

A Continued Conversation on Earthquake Safety at Home

What about the safety of your house or apartment? Let’s look first at what is inside your home. Anything tall, such as shelves, dressers or buffets, can become an overturning hazard during a large earthquake. Items sitting on top of those, like mirrors or flat-screen televisions, may fall even if the furniture itself does not. These should be anchored to the wall with wire, angle brackets or plumber’s tape. It’s best to secure heavy items through the wall and into the studs behind plaster or wallboard. For most handy people, this is a straightforward task, but if you’re not comfortable doing it, ask a friend or hire a handyman.

Now consider what’s on your shelves and countertops. Even if the furniture stands, the objects on top can still fall. Store away loose or breakable items you don’t use regularly. Childproof latches can help keep cabinet doors closed during shaking and prevent items from falling out. Always be cautious when opening a cabinet, closet or refrigerator after strong shaking, since items inside may have shifted.

Valuable items on display can be secured with museum putty or monofilament fishing line. This works best for pieces you don’t move often. For example, I use museum putty to secure antique china and fishing line to anchor old toys. This setup keeps them safe while still allowing the shelves to be dusted as needed.

What About the Structure Itself?

Single-family homes built before the mid-1970s are often inadequately secured to their foundations. The California Earthquake Authority offers a retrofit program that helps pay for upgrades. Completing the work can qualify you for a discount on earthquake insurance and may make you eligible for a rebate of up to $3,000. Learn more at earthquakeauthority.com.

I live in a single-story wood-and-stucco home built in 1959 and used this program a few years ago. The retrofit took one long day and cost $5,000. I received a $3,000 rebate, which went directly to my contractor, who handled all permits and inspections. Although drilling into the foundation was noisy, we didn’t have to leave the house during the work. I strongly recommend this for anyone planning to stay in an older home long-term.

Should I Buy Earthquake Insurance?

This is a personal decision, and there’s no one right answer. Generally, earthquake insurance only covers structural damage and carries a high deductible. Cosmetic damage, like cracked plaster, tile or paint, is not covered, though a fallen chimney usually is.

Water News

Senate Bill 72, which requires the State Department of Water Resources to identify 9 million acre-feet of additional water by 2040, has passed the Legislature without a single negative vote. It now sits on the governor’s desk.

Last year, the governor vetoed a similar bill over cost concerns. While this year’s measure also carries costs, they are lower, and the governor has signaled a stronger interest in the state’s water future.

The bill does not specify where the additional water will come from. Potential sources include conservation, groundwater and ocean desalination, new storage projects like Sites Reservoir, or expanded water capture such as the Delta Conveyance Project. A task force would also be created to guide the study and ensure transparency.

California desperately needs additional water in the years ahead, and I am hopeful the governor will sign this legislation.