Earthquakes are a high risk hazard and very dangerous for older homes. So, it’s important that homeowners check that their homes can sustain a major earthquake. Learn more about the potential for earthquakes in the area.
What to look for
Homes built before 1985 are more vulnerable to earthquake damage. Most homes built after 1985 were designed to conform to stricter building codes. These are probably equipped to resist the force of an earthquake. If your home is not built on a concrete slab or has a crawl space, chances are it’s built on a raised foundation. The supporting structure under a house with a raised foundation may not have been built to resist earthquakes. It could be subject to structural failure.
Homes built on a hillside often have raised foundations. These homes tend to have more severe failures. Why? The structural framing that supports the house is built at different heights.
Garage doors opening create vulnerable areas in a house. The narrow walls on either side of the garage door must be designed to resist earthquakes. This is important if there is a living space above the garage because of the added weight. Consult a licensed structural engineer if you have living space above a garage and your home was built before 1985.
Classes
The Kitsap Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) holds public programs on home retrofits. See our calendar for details on Bolt It, Brace It, Do it!
KCDEM News
Micro-Islands in Kitsap County
Micro-islands are areas that may be isolated after a major earthquake. Why? Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure are expected to be too damaged to support normal movement. Each micro-island within Kitsap County will [...]
EMC Meeting July 5, 2022 – Meeting Notice, Agenda, April 5, 2022 Minutes, & Meeting Login
The Emergency Management Council (EMC) will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 12:00PM-2:00PM "America/Los_Angeles_Time" Topic: Emergency Management Council Regular Quarterly Meeting - July 5, 2022 *This 2 hour meeting will go into a [...]
Executive Session Meeting Tuesday May 31, 2022
WHO: Emergency Management Council (EMC) invited participants WHAT: Executive Session Meeting WHEN: Tuesday May 31, 2022 Time: 9:30AM WHERE: Via Zoom SUBJECT: To discuss a potential litigation matter EMC Meeting AGENDA 05.31.2022 Final
Events
Helpful Links
Helpful Links
- Homeowners Guide to Earthquakes (source: State of Washington Department of Natural Resources)
- Defensible Space – Prepare Your Home (source: State Dept of Natural Resources)