RESIDENTIAL CHIMNEY
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1989, Loma Prieta, California
Photo Credit: California Office of Emergency Services, Earthquake Program
CHIMNEY 12 GAUGE X 3 MOUNTING Angle SET
BENT SHEET IN ROOFING MASTIC
METAL STRAP
STEEL 
ANGLE 
MOUNTING
ANGLE
FLAT BLOCK
A FLAT 4 X 10
EXTEND
MINIMUM
SECTION
THRU 
ROOF RAFTER BEYOND
EACH Brace
CHIMNEY
Upgrade Detail U38 (Recommended only for areas of low lo moderate seismicity).
Approximate coat: $1,000
Schematic Upgrade Detail U38 (Recommended only for areas of low to moderate seismicity).
Approximated Cost: $1,000

BUILT-IN PARTIAL-HEIGHT PARTITIONS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
ANCHOR
BOLT
OR LAG BOLT
ATTACHED
T0
CEILING
STRUCTURE
ABOVE
60*
MAXIMUM ANGLE BRACES
AT APPROXIMATELY
6* ON CENTERS
5/16 DIAMETER
PARTIAL-HEIGHT BOLT TYPE
PARTITION
HEAVIER BRACES OR CLOSER SPACING ONE BOLT OR
MAY BE REQUIRED IF PARTITION IS USED TO THREE (3)
SUPPORT OR SEISMICALLY RESTRAIN HEAVY #12 SHEET METAL
SHELVES OR OTHER NONSTRUCTURAL ITEMS
OR WOOD SCREWS. TYP.
Schematic Upgrade Detail A2a
Approximated Cost: Varies, $20-$40 per lineal foot

BUILT-IN FULL-HEIGHT partitions
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
STRUCTURE ABOVE
PARTITION FREE TO SLIDE
AT TOP BUT RESTRAINED
METAL OR LATERALLY PACKING OR
WOOD STUDS SEALANT REQUIRED FOR
ACOUSTIC ISOLATION
FIRE RATING MUST BE
HEAVIER GAGE METAL STUDS AND CHECKED FOR FIRE
ATTACHMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED IF SEPARATION WALLS
HEAVIER SHELVES ARE TO BE LATERALLY (1-HOUR| WALLS, ETC)
SUPPORTED BY PARTITION
ADDITION OF MID-HEIGHT BLOCKING OR
SURFACE MOUNTED SEISMIC PARTITION FIXED AT BASE
MOLDING PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY FOR EQUIPMENT ANCHORAGE
LOCATIONS
FOR GLAZED PARTITIONS, SEE
WINDOWS
FLOOR
Schematic Upgrade Detail A2b
Approximated Cost: Varies, depending on design

SUSPENDED T-BAR CEILINGS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
DIAGONAL BRACING WIRES
ANCHOR WIRES N0. 12 GAUGE
TO STRUCTURE ADJUSTABLE
ABOVE LENGTH
COMPRESSIONS
STRUT TO
PREVENT
VERTICAL
MOVEMENT
APPROX. 45
MIN. 3 TIGHT
PROVIDE 4 WAY TURNS IN
DIAGONAL BRACING 1-1/2
AND COMPRESSION EACH END
STRUT OF WIRE
APPROXIMATELY
EVERY 12 FT. EACH
WAY.
MAIN RUNNER CROSS RUNNER
Schematic Upgrade Detail A3
Approximate Cost: $50 per brace

SUSPENDED LIGHT FIXTURES ,
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
12 GAUGE WIRE @ EACH
CORNER OR AT LEAST @ MINIMUM 3 TIGHT TURNS
IN 1-1/2AT EACH END OF WIRE
DIAGONALLY OPPOSITE
CORNERS
ANCHOR WIRES TO
STRUCTURE ABOVE
FLORESCENT LIGHT
BULBS OR FIXTURE
LENSES SUBJECT
To FALLING
SECURE IN PLACE
WITH 2 WIRES THAT
WRAP BENEATH
THE LENS OR BULBS
AND ATTACH
SECURELY TO THE
FIXTURE
LAY-IN LIGHT
FIXTURE
Upgrade Detail U5a
Approximate Cost: $50 per fixture

PENDANT LIGHT FIXTURES
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Failure of light fixtures in Northridge Junior High School
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Gary L. McGavin
ALTERNATE
RUN CABLE OUTSIDE BOLT TO
STEM AND ATTACH 
CEILING JOIST
WITH A LAG SCREW
SLACK
SAFETY
CABLE
CEILING CMLE
BOLT TO FIXTURE
HOLLOW FIXTURE
PIPING
PENDANT LIGHT
FIXTURE
Upgrade Detail U5a
Approximate Cost: $80

STAIRWAYS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
* TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO STAIRS THEY SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO ALLOW THEM TO
SLIDE AT LANDINGS WITH GANG PLANK DETAILS; THIS IS DESIRABLE FOR
FLEXIBLE FRAME BUILDINGS.
* IF STAIR ENCLOSURES ARE CONSTRUCTED USING BRITTLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS,
HOLLOW CLAY TILE, GLASS BLOCK PARTITIONS, OR SKYLIGHTS IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BE ENCAPSULATED OR REPLACED TO PREVENT
FALLING HAZARDS AND DEBRIS IN THE STAIRWELL.
* PROVIDE ANCHORAGE FOR PIPE, LIGHTING OR DUCTS IN STAIRWELLS TO
PREVENT FALLING HAZARDS AND DEBRIS.
Schematic Upgrade Detail A9
Approximate Cost: Depends on design

WINDOWS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
* USE OF TEMPERED GLASS WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE SEISMIC HAZARD.
TEMPERED GLASS MAY STILL BREAK BUT WILL BREAK 1NTO SMALL DULL
FRAGMENTS INSTEAD OF LARGE DANGEROUS SHARDS.
* POLYESTER SHATTER RESISTANT FILMS ARE AVAILABLE THAT HELP HOLD
TOGETHER FRAGMENTS OF ANY PANES THAT CRACK IN AN EARTHQUAKE.
(TYPICAL SOLAR FILM MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE FOR THIS PURPOSE).
* USE OF LAMINATED GLASS FOR STOREFRONTS REDUCES SEISMIC RISK AND ALSO
INCREASES PROTECTION FROM BURGLARY OR VANDALISM,
* SMALLER, OPERABLE, AND WOODEN FRAMED WINDOWS TOLERATE MORE LATERAL
DRIFT.
* FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, STIFFER BUILDINGS AND GLAZING WITH MORE THAN
THE STANDARD EDGE CLEARANCES MAY BE DESIRABLE. CHECK WHETHER OR NOT
THE BUILDING'S CALCULATED SEISMIC DRIFT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED IN THE
DESIGN OF THE GLAZ|NG.
Schematic Upgrade Detail A12
Approximate Cost: Depends on design

UNREINFORCED BRICK PARAPETS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1989, Loma Prieta, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
UNREINFORCED 
BRICK PARAPET 
CONTINUOUS STEEL ANGLE
WATERPROOFING IS
VERY IMPORTANT.
THRU BOLT
STEEL ANGLES
WOOD BLOCK
ANCHOR BOLTS
THRU BOLTS
ENDS COUNTERSUNK
TYPICAL BRACE
CONFIGURATION
SHOWN PARAPET
AND ROOF THRU BOLTS HOLDOWNS NAILED CLIP
CONDITION MAY ANGLE
VARY WIDELY.
Schematic Upgrade Detail A12a
Approximate Cost: $50 per foot

VENEER
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Robert Reitherman

* SEE APPL|CABLE BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THE
HEIGHT. AREA UNIT SIZE, AND UNIT WEIGHT OF EITHER ADHERED OR ANCHORED
VENEER SYSTEMS. REFER TO THE CODE SECTIONS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
FOR BACKING, TIES, AND REINFORCEMENT (FOR EXAMPLE, SECTION 1403 OF THE
1994 UBC)
* VENEER SYSTEMS MUST ALSO AT LEAST MEET THE MINIMUM LATERAL FORCE
REQUIREMENTS FOR NONSTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS (FOR EXAMPLE THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ORNAMENTATION AND APPENDAGES
IN CHAPTER 16 OF THE 1994 UBC)
* REMOVAL OF VENEER MOUNTED OVER ENTRANCES OR OTHER POTENTIALLY
CROWDED LOCATIONS IS THE MOST RELIABLE UPGRADE SOLUTION
Schematic Upgrade Detail A15b
Approximate Cost: Varies

FREESTANDING WALLS OR FENCES
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Robert Reitherman

* MANY MILES OF POORLY CONSTRUCTED CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT (CMU) FENCES
WERE DAMAGED DURING THE 1994 NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE. COLLAPSE OF
WALLS WITH INADEQUATE OR ABSENT REINFORCING AND/OR FOUNDATIONS WAS
COMMON IN NORTHRIDGE AND SYLMAR. IN MANY CASES, MOST OF THE
SIDEWALK WAS COVERED WITH DEBRIS, AS SHOWN ABOVE.
* FREESTANDING WALLS OB FENCES BUILT OF CMU, BRICK, OR STONE NEED TO BE
ENGINEERED AND CONSTRUCTED WITH APPROPRIATE FOUNDATIONS, ADEQUATE
REINFORCEMENT, AND GOOD QUALITY MORTAR.
* STANDARD DETAILS FOR LOW FENCES OR SHORT RETAINING WALLS MAY BE
AVAILABLE FROM THE LOCAL BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
Schematic Upgrade Detail A16
Approximate Cost: Depends on the design

EXTERIOR SIGNS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1979, Imperial Valley, California
Photo Credit: Robert Reitherman
/BSD, Inc.
TOP STRUT, RATHER THAN CHAIN,
CAN PREVENT SEISMIC BOUNCING
RUSTPROOFING
ESSENTIAL
CONNECTIONS
DIRECTLY TO
CANTILEVER
BACK-UP
CAPABILITY
HEAVY
MARQUEE,
SIGN, CANOPY
Schematic Upgrade Detail A21
Approximate Cost: $500-$800

LARGE COMPUTERS AND ACCESS FLOORS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Temporary bracing for collapsed access floor
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
VARIOUS RESTRAINT
SCHEMES
ADVOCATED FOR CABINETS
CASTERS TO SOMEWHAT
ISOLATE COMPUTER
FROM MOTION
PRETENSED THREADED
ROD FROM COMPUTER
CABINET BASE THROUGH
RAISED FLOOR
TETHER GABLES
PLACE ANGLES
AROUND CABLE
OPENINGS TO
PREVENT COMPUTER
FEET FROM
FALLING INTO HOLES
PROVIDE DIAGONAL BRACES AND BOLT
PEDESTAL BASES TO CONCRETE SLAB 
BOLT PEDESTAL BASES TO CONCRETE SLAB
(REQUIRED FOR HEAVILY LOADED FLOOR 
(USUALLY ADEQUATE FOR PEDESTALS UP TO
AND TALLER PEDESTAL) CHECK WITH 
1 HIGH).
VENDOR FOR SPECIAL SEISMIC MODELS.
Schematic Upgrade Detail CB
Approximate Cost: Access floor alone - $3 - $7 per square foot
Cabinet restraint - $300-$500 per cabinet

DESKTOP COMPUTERS AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Unsecured computers may fall and suffer damage
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
RUBBER DOORKNOB BUMPERS
HOOK AND
LOOP
CHAIN
MATERIAL
GLUED ON OR
ADHESIVE THREADED MOUNTS
BACKED
LATCHES
BICYCLE OR BUNGEE ELASTIC CORD
CONNECTING STRAP
SHELF EDGE
Upgrade Detail C10
Approximate Cost: $50 per computer

TALL SHELVING: FREESTANDING
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Earthquake Damage: 1972, Managua, Nicaragua
Photo Credit: John F. Meehan
BOLT ANGLE
2-1/4 STEEL ANGLE
TO WALL OR STUD
BOLTS PER
UNIT, TYP. 
STEEL
ANGLES 
TOP OF
SHELVING  
ANCHOR TO WALL (NOTE:
STUD WALLS NOT STRONG
ENOUGH FOR MULTIPLE
ROWS OR LONG RANGES.
6-8
MIN.
BOTTOM OF
SHELVING UNIT
STEEL STRAP
EXPANSION
CROSS BRACING. 
ANCHOR BOLT
(3/8 MIN.
DIAMETER
SHELVING . .
X 2 1/2 MIN
UNIT TIE (STEEL STRAP
EMBEDMENT)
Schematic Upgrade Detail C12a
Approximate Cost: Access $20 per lineal foot of shelving

LIBBARY STACKS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Failure of library shelving
Earthquake Damage: 1987, Whittier Narrows, California
Photo Credit: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Larry Parsons
Failure of inadequately upgraded library shelving
Earthquake Damage: 1987, Whittier Narrows, California
Photo Credit: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Marshall Law & Greg Brandow

TALL SHELVING: WALL UNIT
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Failure of inadequately upgraded shelving; toggle bolt pulled out of gypsum board.
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
BRACKET
AT TOP OR 
EXTERIOR
AT SIDES
BOOK CASE
CASE 
BRACKET
 x 2 WOOD
SCREW (SHOWN) 
WOOD STUD
OR  
MACHINE BOLT
LAG SCREW
WITH NUT
WASHER 
INTERIOR
ANGLE
BOOKCASE 
BRACKET
WOOD STUD
BOOKCASE
LAG SCREW (1/4
WITH 2
BOOKCASE 
EMBEDMENT IN
WOOD STUD, TYP.)
METAL, WIRE, OR ELASTIC
GUARDPAILS OR PLASTIC 
Z CLIP
STRIP WILL HELP 
BRACKET
PREVENT OBJECTS FROM
FALLING OFF SHELVES 
WOOD STUD
Upgrade Detail C12c
Approximate Cost: $20 per lineal foot of shelving

TALL FILE CABINETS
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Failure of inadequately upgraded shelving; toggle bolt pulled out of gypsum board.
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
ANGLE USED TO 
TOP CONNECTIONS
FASTEN UNITS TO
TO THE UNITS
WALL STUD
TOGETHER TO FORM
2-1/4 BOLTS OR
A MORE STABLE
 LAG SCREWS
SHAPE
WITH 2 MIN.
STEEL STRAP AND
EMBEDMENT IN
3/16 BOLT MIN. (USE
WOOD STUD
THRU BOLT WITH NUT
& WASHER.)
ALTERNATIVE BOLT
SIDES OF ADJACENT
CABINETS
TOGETHER AT 4
CORNERS. USE 
BOLT WITH NUT & 2
FENDER WASHERS
EACH SIDE.
FOR FREE-STANDING 
STRONG LATCHES
UNITS, FASTEN 
ON DRAWERS
CONTINUOUS ANGLE TO
UNITS AND FLOOR
Upgrade Detail C13
Approximate Cost: $20 per lineal foot

FLEXIBLE CONNECTION FOR GAS OR FUEL LINES
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Flexible connection at pipe attachment to tank
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
SHUT-OFF VALVE
FLEXIBLE
UTILITY 
PIPING
UTILITY INLET
NOTE:
REQUIRES PLUMBING EXPERTISE.
ENGINEERING MAY BE REQUIRED
FOR LARGE DIAMETER PIPING.
RIGID CONNECTION TO HEATER, WATER HEATER,
STOVE, OR OTHER EQUIPMENT.
Upgrade Detail C18
Approximate Cost: $100 for residential appliance, varies for larger items

DRAWER AND CABINET LATCHES
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Unrestrained drawers and cabinets
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
INSTALL STRONG MECHANICAL
CABINET CATCHES (SAFETY HASP,
SLIDE BOLT, TOUCH-DOOR CABINET
CATCH, CLIP-ROLLER OR
SNAP-ACTION CABINET CATCH, ETC )
ALTERNATIVE PROVIDE
BABY-PROOF CLOSURE
INSTALL MECHANICAL DRAWER
CLOSURE (BABY-PROOF
LATCHES, DRAWER LOCKS, OR
OTHER SPECIALTY LATCHES)
Upgrade Detail C19
Approximate Cost: $50 per cabinet

FREESTANDING WQQD @T*W
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Unrestrained wood burning stove
Photo Credit: Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
1 MIN.
ROOF 
CLIP FLUE T0
GROUT
RAFTER 
RADIATION
BED
SHIELD
AT ROOF
STEEL
STRAPS
RADIATION 
8 SQUARE
SHIELD 
BRIGK
WITH FLUE
3/8
PAD WITH
EMBED IN 
POCKET
GROUT POCKET
WOOD STUD 
ALTERNATIVE
STOVE 
NEW 
BOLT
SCREW FLUE 
BRICK
TOGETHER
DO NOT PENETRATE
INNER WALL OF DOUBLE WALLED FLUE PIPE
1 GROUT BED
BOLT ALTERNATIVE
Upgrade Detail C20
Approximate Cost: $500

COMPRESSED-GAS CYLINDERS
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Earthquake Damager: 1971, San Fernando, California
Photo Credit: Scientific Service, Inc.
 DIAMETER
SCREW EYE (OR
EXPANSION
ANCHOR TO CONCRETE)
CHAIN RESTRAINT
GAS CYLINDER 
3/16 MIN. WELDED
CLOSED-LINK STEEL CHAIN
(SAFE WORKING LOAD 500 LB.)
 MIN. 
STRONGER HARDWARE AND
THREADED 
WALL SUPPORT REQUIRED
CONNECTOR 
FOR MULTIPLE CYLINDERS.
(SAFE WORKING E
NGINEERING RECOMMENDED.
LOAD 500 LB.)
Upgrade Detail C21
Approximate Cost: $30 per lineal foot; $50 for single units

CONTAINERS of HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ENGINEERING REQUIRED 
Spilled pharmaceutical and medical supplies
Earthquake Damage: 1994, Northridge, California
Photo Credit: Robert Reitherman
ANCHOR STORAGE
SUPPLY SHELF 
SHELVES
PROVIDE SAFETY LIP OR
WOOD, METAL, OR PLEXIGLAS 
SHELF EDGE
LIP EDGE SCREWED TO
SHELVING UNIT
PROVIDE MECHANICAL
LATGHES FOR CABINETS
AND DRAWERS
STORE SMALL OR
PROVIDE NYLON STRAP 
BREAKABLE ITEMS IN
BUNGEE CORD 
ORIGINAL PACKING OR

ANGLE BRACKET
AROUND INDIVIDUAL 
EGGCRATE BOXES, NOT
LOOSE ON SHELF OR IN DRAWER
STORE INCOMPATIBLE
SUPPLY SHELF 
MATERIALS AT A SAFE
DISTANCE TO AVOID
PACKING BOXES OR 
MIXING IF THE
EGGCRATE BOX TO HOLD 
CONTAINERS FALL
SMALL BOTTLES
ORDER HAZARDOUS LAB
CHEMICALS IN
UNBREAKABLE PLASTIC
BOTTLES OR IN GLASS
METAL WIRE OR
BOTTLES WITH AN
ELASTIC GUARDRAILS
SAFETY COATING
EYE BOLT
Upgrade Detail C22
Approximate Cost: Varies