+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Introduction                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

After an earthquake hits, it's too late to protect your home or business
from damage. But you can limit future earthquake damage. Sometimes, a
little time and a few dollars are all you need.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## How Great Is Your Risk of Earthquake Damage?                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

About 5,000 earthquakes can be felt each year in the United States.
Earthquakes occur most frequently west of the Rocky Mountains.
Historically, however, the most violent earthquakes struck the central
United States. All 50 States and all U.S. territories are vulnerable to
earthquakes. Forty-one States or territories are at moderate to high
risk. Since 1900, earthquakes have hit 39 States.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.876388888888889in"                    |
| height="4.253472222222222in"}                                         |
|                                                                       |
| Figure 1. Seismic Hazard Map                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## How Great Is Your Risk of Earthquake Damage? (Continued)           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**Self-Assessment Questions:\
**

-   Is your home and/or business located west of the Rocky Mountains?

\_\_ Yes \_\_ No

-   Is your home and/or business located in one of the following areas?

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Northeastern Arkansas

-   Southeastern Missouri

-   Western Tennessee

-   Kentucky

-   Southern Illinois

\_\_ Yes \_\_ No

-   In which risk zone is your home or business located?

\_\_ Highest \_\_ High \_\_ Moderate \_\_ Low

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Nonstructural Protective Measures                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

A number of measures can help to avoid earthquake damage, including:

-   Securing heavy furniture and other items.

-   Securing loose items and equipment.

-   Fastening water heaters.

-   Securing propane and fuel tanks.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Securing Heavy Items                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Consider each piece of heavy, tall furniture in the building, such as
bookcases, china hutches, and storage racks. Move or secure items that
could fall over or block an exit in an earthquake.

Move heavy items, such as pictures, mirrors, or tall dressers, away from
beds and places where people sit.

Securely anchor all large kitchen and laundry equipment to the floor,
wall, or countertop, depending on the item. Such equipment includes:

-   Stoves and ovens.

-   Built-in and countertop microwave ovens.

-   Garbage compactors.

-   Dishwashers.

-   Refrigerators and freezers.

-   Clothes washers and dryers.

-   Ironing equipment.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | Figure 2 shows methods to anchor heavy,   |
| (media/image2.jpeg){widt | tall furniture to vertical wall studs,    |
| h="1.8368055555555556in" | concrete, or masonry with steel angle     |
| heigh                    | brackets.                                 |
| t="2.979861111111111in"} |                                           |
|                          | Fasten heavy objects to the building      |
| ####                     | structure and not just to a movable wall  |
|                          | in your home or office.                   |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | Even large, heavy objects that appear     |
|                          | stable should be secured to the wall. The |
|                          | heavier the furniture, the stronger the   |
|                          | restraints need to be. A heavily loaded   |
|                          | file cabinet requires much stronger       |
|                          | restraints to keep it from overturning    |
|                          | than a light file cabinet with the same   |
|                          | dimensions.                               |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | #                                         |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Securing Heavy Items (Continued)                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Keep in mind some important guidelines for anchoring heavy items to
walls or ceilings.

-   Make sure the screws penetrate the studs behind the wall. Gypsum
    board, drywall, plaster, and other wall coverings are not strong
    enough to hold heavy furniture during an earthquake.

-   For wood studs (typically located 16 or 24 inches on centers), use a
    minimum 1/4\" diameter by 3\" lag screws.

-   For metal studs, use #12 sheet-metal screws long enough to penetrate
    the flange material. For concrete or masonry walls, use concrete
    anchor bolts.

-   If wall studs do not line up with the furniture, consider installing
    a wood 2\" x 4\" or steel horizontal mounting strip to the studs
    near the top of the items to be anchored. Furniture can then be
    anchored to the mounting strip without regard to the stud locations.

-   When possible, bolt file cabinets together (and to the wall studs)
    to form a more stable shape.

-   Anchor eyebolts to wall studs for hanging heavy items such as
    pictures, mirrors, and shelving. Securely attach picture wires to
    picture frames.

-   Make sure overhead light fixtures and hanging plants are anchored to
    the structural support above the ceiling. Ask a carpenter or an
    electrician to determine whether light fixtures and modular ceiling
    systems are securely fastened.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Securing Loose Items and Equipment                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

You can use a variety of methods and products to secure items stored in
cabinets or placed on tables, desks, shelves, and countertops. Examples
of products include adhesive-backed latches; nylon and elastic cords;
wire, plastic, and elastic guardrails; and shelf edges to prevent
equipment from falling on the floor.

+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+---+
| ![]                      | One way to prevent the accidental        |   |
| (media/image3.jpeg){widt | opening of drawers and cabinet doors is  |   |
| h="1.5638888888888889in" | to install latches such as barrel bolts, |   |
| height                   | safety hasps, and child-proof locks.     |   |
| ="1.6659722222222222in"} | Most hardware and home supply stores     |   |
|                          | stock a variety of latches. Figure 3     |   |
|                          | shows two types of child-proof locks:    |   |
|                          | one for drawers and one for cabinet      |   |
|                          | doors. Most types of permanent latches   |   |
|                          | can be installed easily and will not     |   |
|                          | interfere with opening and closing of    |   |
|                          | drawers and doors. The slide lock shown  |   |
|                          | on the cabinet doors can be used on      |   |
|                          | cabinets that do not need to be opened   |   |
|                          | frequently; it is easily installed and   |   |
|                          | removed.                                 |   |
+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+---+
| #                        |                                          |   |
| # Securing Loose Items a |                                          |   |
| nd Equipment (Continued) |                                          |   |
+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+---+

To prevent damage to items stored in drawers and cabinets, you can:

-   Put latches on cabinet doors, especially at home in your kitchen and
    at work or in school laboratories.

-   Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in
    low, closed cabinets with latches.

-   Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products on bottom
    shelves in sturdy, closed, latched cabinets that are fastened to the
    wall or floor.

Following are some measures you can use to secure items on desks,
tables, shelves, and countertops:

-   Add lips to shelves to prevent costly items from sliding off their
    supports. Install edge restraints (such as wood molding) on
    bookshelves and storage shelves, or use elastic cords or wire
    guardrails to keep items from falling off open shelves.

-   Fasten heavy or precious items to shelves or tables.

-   Use easy tack putty to secure fragile objects on shelves.

-   Keep breakable items in original packing boxes, when possible.

-   Move incompatible chemicals to prevent mixing if the containers
    break.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/ima            | The tremors caused by even minor          |
| ge4.jpeg){width="2.45in" | earthquakes can easily move personal      |
| height                   | computer systems, stereo systems,         |
| ="1.7333333333333334in"} | television sets, and other small          |
|                          | appliances that typically sit on desks,   |
| ####                     | tables, and countertops. If they fall,    |
|                          | they can be damaged beyond repair.        |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | As shown in Figure 4, you can protect     |
|                          | desktop computers and other small         |
|                          | appliances by restraining them in a       |
|                          | variety of ways. Some methods, such as    |
|                          | using hook-and-loop material (Velcro for  |
|                          | example), require no tools. Others, which |
|                          | include using chain, cables, or elastic   |
|                          | cord ("bungee" cords, for example), will  |
|                          | usually require simple hand tools.        |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | #                                         |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fastening Water Heaters                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Strapping the water heater to wall studs and having flexible gas and
water lines installed will greatly reduce the risk of fire and water
damage in an earthquake. All gas heaters and appliances should be
connected to the gas pipe through flexible tubing.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | Figure 5 shows overhead and side views of |
| (media/image5.jpeg){widt | a water heater secured in a corner or     |
| h="1.3958333333333333in" | closet.                                   |
| height                   |                                           |
| ="3.0631944444444446in"} | To secure a water heater in a corner or   |
|                          | closet, you will need the following       |
|                          | materials:                                |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   3/4\" x 24-gauge perforated steel     |
|                          |     plumbers tape.                        |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   1/4\" diameter x 3\" lag screws and   |
|                          |     flat washers or 1/4\" expandable      |
|                          |     anchors with 2\" embedment for        |
|                          |     concrete or masonry walls.            |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | Follow the directions below to secure a   |
|                          | water heater in a corner or closet:       |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   The water heater should be 1\" to     |
|                          |     12\" away from the corner walls.      |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Locate the wall studs on both sides   |
|                          |     of the water heater (not behind it).  |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Anchor plumbers tape (a flexible      |
|                          |     steel strap) to a wall stud with      |
|                          |     1/4\" diameter x 3\" lag screw and    |
|                          |     flat washer.                          |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   From about 9\" from the top of the    |
|                          |     tank, wrap the plumbers tape all the  |
|                          |     way around the tank in a clockwise    |
|                          |     direction. Then anchor the tape to    |
|                          |     the stud on the other wall. Make sure |
|                          |     the tape is tight.                    |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Repeat the process, again about 9\"   |
|                          |     from the top of the tank, but this    |
|                          |     time wrap the tape in a               |
|                          |     counterclockwise direction.           |
|                          |                                           |
|                          |     Repeat the process two more times     |
|                          |     about 4\" from the bottom of the      |
|                          |     tank. Wrap one band of tape in a      |
|                          |     clockwise direction and the other     |
|                          |     band of tape in a counterclockwise    |
|                          |     direction.                            |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fastening Water Heaters (Continued)                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | Figure 6 shows overhead and side views of |
| (media/image6.jpeg){widt | a water heater secured on a straight      |
| h="1.9236111111111112in" | wall.                                     |
| heigh                    |                                           |
| t="2.873611111111111in"} | To secure a water heater on a straight    |
|                          | wall, you will need the following         |
|                          | materials:                                |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   3/4\" x 24-gauge perforated steel     |
|                          |     plumbers tape.                        |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   1/2\" diameter conduit.               |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   1/4\" diameter x 1\" round head       |
|                          |     machine screws with nuts and flat     |
|                          |     washers.                              |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   1/4\" diameter x 3\" lag screws and   |
|                          |     flat washer or 1/4\" expandable       |
|                          |     anchors with 2\" embedment for        |
|                          |     concrete or masonry walls.            |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | Follow the directions below to secure a   |
|                          | water heater on a straight wall:          |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   The water heater should be 1\" to     |
|                          |     12\" away from the wall.              |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Locate the wall studs on both sides   |
|                          |     of the water heater (not behind it).  |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Wrap plumbers tape around the tank    |
|                          |     9\" from the top and 4\" from the     |
|                          |     bottom. Secure tape with round head   |
|                          |     machine screw, flat washers, and nut. |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Cut four pieces of conduit to size.   |
|                          |     The conduit is used as angle bracing  |
|                          |     from the wall studs to the tank.      |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Flatten 1\" at each end of the        |
|                          |     conduit and bend 45 degrees. Drill    |
|                          |     holes 1/2\" from each end.            |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | -   Anchor the conduit to the wall studs. |
|                          |     Use 1/4\" diameter x 3\" lag screw    |
|                          |     and flat washer. Then anchor the      |
|                          |     conduit to the plumber's tape. Use    |
|                          |     1/4\" diameter x 1\" round head       |
|                          |     machine screw, washer, and nut.       |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | If you're using gas, have your utility    |
|                          | company or a licensed plumber install a   |
|                          | flexible hose where the gas line connects |
|                          | to the water heater at its base. Install  |
|                          | flexible hoses for the water connections  |
|                          | as well.                                  |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Anchoring Fuel Tanks and Wood-Burning Stoves                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Fuel oil and propane tanks can slide or overturn in an earthquake,
rupturing the tank or breaking the supply line and causing a fire. Even
when a tank remains on its legs, the supply line can be ruptured.
Escaping gas can then cause a fire.

Similar problems can occur with smaller, compressed gas cylinders, which
are often stored inside a house or garage. Compressed gas cylinders have
to be periodically replaced, and therefore cannot be permanently
anchored, but you can use chains to attach them to a wall so that they
will remain upright.

.

Take the following steps to secure fuel and propane tanks:

-   Move tall, heavy objects that could fall and rupture the fuel or
    propane tank in an earthquake.

-   Have a contractor install a flexible hose connection between the
    tank and supply line, and where the supply line enters the house.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | One way to prevent damage to propane      |
| (media/image7.jpeg){widt | tanks and compressed gas cylinders is to  |
| h="1.9569444444444444in" | anchor and brace them securely.           |
| height                   |                                           |
| ="2.0597222222222222in"} | Figure 7 shows how the legs of a propane  |
|                          | tank can be braced and anchored.          |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | Using a flexible connection on the supply |
|                          | line will help reduce the likelihood of a |
|                          | leak.                                     |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

Wood-burning and other free-standing stoves also pose a fire hazard in
an earthquake. To secure a stove:

-   Anchor the stove to the floor.

-   Fasten stovepipe sections together to prevent separation.

You will most likely need a contractor for this work. Make sure all work
conforms with local building codes.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Structural Protective Measures                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

You can make many changes yourself at relatively low cost if you have
basic carpentry skills. Otherwise, contact a licensed professional about
making the necessary changes to your home or business. Contact your
local building department to modify details to fit local building codes.

If your home has a perimeter foundation, make sure the sill plate of the
house is securely bolted to the foundation. Consult with your building
department before deciding what to do.

A variety of products called "hold downs" are available for securing
walls to the foundation.

Test the wood near the foundation by probing it with a pointed
instrument. If you can penetrate the wood easily, it probably has wood
decay and should be replaced with new pressure-treated wood.

Have a contractor inspect any deep cracks in the foundation.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | As shown in Figure 8, the sill plate of a |
| (media/image8.jpeg){widt | house rests directly on top of the        |
| h="1.8930555555555555in" | foundation. (This figure shows the sill   |
| heigh                    | plate for a house built on a cripple wall |
| t="2.326388888888889in"} | and crawl space foundation, a type of     |
|                          | construction that is especially           |
|                          | susceptible to earthquake damage.)        |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | If the sill plate is not securely         |
|                          | anchored, an earthquake can cause it to   |
|                          | shift on the foundation. When this        |
|                          | occurs, there is a greater potential for  |
|                          | severe damage as well as injury to you    |
|                          | and members of your family.               |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | One way to increase the stability of your |
|                          | house and reduce earthquake damage is to  |
|                          | have the sill plate bolted or otherwise   |
|                          | anchored to the foundation. In the method |
|                          | shown in the figure, bolts long enough to |
|                          | pass through the sill plate and penetrate |
|                          | several inches into the foundation are    |
|                          | installed every few feet along the base   |
|                          | of the exterior walls. This method is not |
|                          | limited to cripple wall construction; it  |
|                          | can also be used for a house built on a   |
|                          | basement or slab-on-grade foundation or   |
|                          | on another type of crawl space            |
|                          | foundation.                               |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Structural Protective Measures (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| ![]                      | Some houses are built on cripple walls.   |
| (media/image9.jpeg){widt | As shown in Figure 9, a cripple wall is a |
| h="1.8930555555555555in" | short wall that rests on the foundation   |
| heigh                    | and supports the floor and exterior       |
| t="2.326388888888889in"} | walls. If the cripple wall is not braced, |
|                          | it can shift during an earthquake. When   |
|                          | this occurs, there is a greater           |
|                          | likelihood that your house will be        |
|                          | severely damaged and that you and members |
|                          | of your family will be injured.           |
|                          |                                           |
|                          | If your house is built on cripple walls,  |
|                          | one way to increase its stability and     |
|                          | reduce earthquake damage is to brace the  |
|                          | cripple walls. In this method, horizontal |
|                          | blocking that consists of 2\" x 4\'\'     |
|                          | boards is added between the vertical      |
|                          | studs at the top and bottom of the        |
|                          | cripple wall and, if necessary, at other  |
|                          | locations between the studs. New vertical |
|                          | studs can also be added if necessary.     |
|                          | Plywood or oriented strand board is then  |
|                          | nailed to the interior face of the        |
|                          | cripple wall. Also, nails are added       |
|                          | through the existing blocking between     |
|                          | floor joists to ensure that the floor is  |
|                          | securely attached to the cripple wall.    |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+

Masonry chimneys pose a real hazard in earthquakes, especially the
free-standing section above the roof line. To prevent the chimney from
breaking away from the house, you may need to have it secured to the
framing of the roof with sheet metal straps and angle bracing. Have the
chimney inspected by a professional to determine the best method.

An indepth [Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake
Retrofit](http://www.ibhs.net/research_library/view.asp?id=126) is
available online at from the [Institute for Business and Home
Safety](http://www.ibhs.net/) (www.ibhs.org/publications). This guide
gives step-by-step illustrated instructions on how to complete both
structural and nonstructural repairs, as well as pricing estimates and
equipment lists.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Success Stories                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

####### Poulsbo, Washington

In late 1998, Doris Chapot purchased a two-story Cape Cod-style home
built in 1902 that for years served as the First Lutheran Church
parsonage. In 1940, the parsonage was moved to its present location. It
was set on posts and concrete pier blocks, but nothing more was done to
ensure its safety from earthquake damage.

At the time of purchase, a building inspector suggested that Chapot have
an earthquake retrofit done to ensure positive connections among beams,
posts, and pier blocks. Forty piers were braced with a gusset system
that included a 2-foot, triangle-shaped plywood tying the posts to the
concrete pier. All of the posts around the perimeter were tied together
in the front and the back with 2-foot by 6-foot posts, and nails were
strategically placed. Because pier blocks were different shapes,
bendable metal connections were used for attaching the posts.

The retrofit project was completed on February 26, 2001. On February 28,
a large 6.8 magnitude earthquake, with the epicenter located in the
Nisqually basin in western Washington State, caused an estimated \$2
billion in damages. Movement was felt as far north as Vancouver, British
Columbia, and as far west as Salt Lake City, Utah.

Chapot was on the second floor during the earthquake. "I've been through
many earthquakes during my lifetime and the house rode beautifully."

After a careful inspection under the house, not even a hint of damage
was detected. "Not one thing in the house fell or broke! It feels so
good to be safe!"

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Success Stories (Continued)                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

##### Los Angeles, California

Anheuser-Busch operates a large brewery just a few miles from the
epicenter of the January 17, 1994, Northridge Earthquake. The facility
serves the company's markets throughout the Southwest and Pacific
regions. Because it is in a high earthquake-hazard area, Anheuser-Busch
initiated a risk reduction program at the brewery in the early 1980s.

A risk assessment of critical buildings and equipment was performed.
Those with unacceptable levels of risk were seismically upgraded,
without impacting daily operations.

Seismic reinforcements were designed for a number of buildings and the
critical equipment contained within, including buildings housing
beverage production and vats where the beer is stored and aged.

The Northridge Earthquake produced very strong ground motion, causing
extensive damage in the immediate vicinity of the brewery. However,
post-earthquake surveys conducted by the company's engineering
consultants indicated that none of the retrofitted structures sustained
damage. Onsite facilities of lesser importance to the business had not
been strengthened and consequently sustained damage, requiring repairs.
None of the vats, which are essential to the brewery's operations, were
damaged. The brewery was quickly returned to nearly full operations
following minor cleanup, repairs, and restoration of the offsite water
supply.

Anheuser-Busch conservatively estimates that had seismic strengthening
not been performed, direct and business interruption losses at the
brewery could have exceeded \$300 million. According to Anheuser-Busch,
this is more than 15 times the actual cost of the loss control program.

Clearly, this loss control program paid for itself in the Northridge
Earthquake event.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Summary: Key Steps To Protect Against Earthquake Damage            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

This lesson reviewed the following steps you can take to protect your
home or business against earthquake damage.

-   Secure heavy furniture and other items.

-   Secure loose items and equipment.

-   Fasten water heaters.

-   Secure propane and fuel tanks.

-   Anchor wood-burning and free-standing stoves.

-   Bolt the sill plate of the building to the foundation.

-   Brace cripple walls.

-   Secure chimneys to roof framing.

The protective measures you consider depend on where your house or
business is located.

Is your location at moderate to high risk of earthquakes? If so, decide
which protective measures make the most sense in your situation, and
take appropriate nonstructural and structural protective measures.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Earthquake Protection Resources**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

> A number of resources offer indepth information that can help you
> learn more about particular earthquake protection options.

###### 

###### FEMA Resources

The following publications are available through the FEMA website at
http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/home_school.shtm

-   Avoiding Earthquake Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners

-   [Reduce Your Risk From Natural
    Disasters](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/homeowner.shtm)

-   [Earthquake
    Backgrounder](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/homeowner.shtm)

-   [Earthquake Fact
    Sheet](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/homeowner.shtm)

-   [How To Series: Protecting Your Property from
    Earthquake](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/how-to-series.shtm)

-   [FEMA 74-Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage: A
    Practical Guide. Third
    Edition](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/fema-74.shtm)

-   [FEMA 232-Home Builder\'s Guide to Seismic Resistant
    Construction](http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/fema-232.shtm)

For additional information on earthquakes and earthquake mitigation,
consult:

***National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program Agencies***

-   National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) .
    http://www.nist.gov

-   [National Science Foundation
    (NSF)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.nsf.gov/)
    http://www.nsf.gov

-   [United States Geological Survey
    (USGS)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.usgs.gov/)
    http://www.usgs.gov

-   [USGS's Advanced National Seismic System
    (ANSS)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.anss.org/)
    http://www.anss.gov

##### 

##### *Federal Partners*

-   [National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Earth
    Observatory](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/Tectonics/)
    http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov

-   [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) West Coast
    and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
    (WCATWC)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/)
    http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov

-   [NOAA's National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation
    Program](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami-hazard/)
    <http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami-hazard>

***Regional Consortia***

-   [Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup
    (CREW)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.crew.org/)
    http://www.crew.org

-   [Central United States Earthquake Consortium
    (CUSEC)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.cusec.org/)
    http://www.cusec.org

-   [Northeast States Emergency Consortium
    (NESEC)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.serve.com/NESEC/)
    http://www.serve.com/NESEC

-   [Western States Seismic Policy Council
    (WSSPC)](http://www.fema.gov/cgi-shl/goodbye.pl?url=http://www.wsspc.org/)
    http://www.wsspc.org

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  **Test Yourself**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The questions below review key points about protecting your home or
place of business from earthquake damage. After completing the
questions, you can check your answers on the answer sheet located after
the course glossary.

1.  Earthquakes occur most frequently \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
    of the Rocky Mountains.

2.  Nonstructural measures to avoid earthquake damage include: (Mark all
    that apply.)

-   Securing heavy furniture.

-   Fastening water heaters.

-   Elevating the structure.

-   Securing propane and fuel tanks.

3\. Identify three examples of kitchen or laundry equipment that should
be securely anchored to the floor, wall, or countertop.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> 4\. Select the protective measure on the right that would be used to
> protect the structure on the left, and write the appropriate letter on
> each blank space.

+--------------------+-------------------------------------------------+
| \_\_ Sill plate    | a\. Bolt securely to the foundation             |
|                    |                                                 |
| \_\_ Cripple wall  | b\. Secure with sheet metal straps and angle    |
|                    | bracing                                         |
| \_\_ Chimney       |                                                 |
|                    | c\. Brace with horizontal blocking              |
+--------------------+-------------------------------------------------+

5.  All 50 States and all U.S. territories are vulnerable to
    earthquakes.

> \_\_ True \_\_ False