If the rafters are pulling loose and there is an aftershock or a bigger earthquake, then the roof may collapse because the first quake loosened things so much that even a little jolt may bring it down. If you live in a city where earthquakes occur, it's best to know if your home is earthquake safe. What many people don’t often think about is that the earthquake may have loosened or damaged key components of the structure just enough that the house didn’t fall or collapse, but that with just a little bit more shaking, it may suffer significant damage since it had already been weakened quite a bit. Area of Potential Floodingfrom dam failure Building codes did little to address seismic issues for many years and because of this many older homes do not perform well in earthquakes. Should you see some of these warning signs be sure that you conduct a structural check as outlined. One, is where there are two or more layers of brick and the brick are structurally part of the house; if you removed the brick, the house would fall down. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent According to the 'American Institute of Physics', if your building plans include masonry infill walls, the best solution is to add steel frames to correct structural problems. This may result in injuries or fires. This soil movement may have caused the foundation to crack, slope or shift. It's Much Less Than You Think. Next on Robert’s list? Over the years it is not unusual for foundations to develop a few cracks, many attributable to settling and expansive soils. Whether or not you’re safe from volcanic … Is Your Building Safe?In a well-designed earthquake resistant building, the basic mantra adopted is - the soil must be stronger than the foundations, the foundations must be stronger than the columns and the columns must be stronger than the beams. Check at your workplace and your children's schools and day care centers to learn about their earthquake emergency plans. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. There are several things you'll want to know about the history of your house, so you'll know what areas to work on and what you're working with. For homes using gas, install a shut-off mechanism to avoid a potentially dangerous situation during an earthquake. Stand back from the house, where you can see the roof and look for changes or damage. It’s very important that you and your team stay in your safe zone until the shaking has stopped completely. 2 Check for tilting and plumbness. How To Tell If Your House Is Safe After An Earthquake WHAT TO CHECK. Sloping floors are often one of the warning signs that structural engineers look for when analyzing a house. The risk of damage and the severity of damage to a home depends on a number of factors and categories, including the magnitude of the earthquake, the closeness to the epicenter, and the age and type of construction. Homes built after 1998 will usually have shear walls and since then the seismic requirements have even become more stringent. So is an earthquake retrofit right for you? If you live in a city where earthquakes occur, it's best to know if your home is earthquake safe. Cracks develop in wall and ceiling areas. The same concept basically applies to stone houses. Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. Become scuba certified. The Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2016 introduced major changes to the way earthquake-prone buildings are identified and managed under the Building Act. Wavy or Sagging Roof May Be a Foundation Problem: 5 Things to Check. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. We receive a small commission if you choose to purchase a product or service after following one of our affiliate links but the price is the same for you. Earthquake-resistant or aseismic structures are designed to protect buildings to some or greater extent from earthquakes.While no structure can be entirely immune to damage from earthquakes, the goal of earthquake-resistant construction is to erect structures that fare better during Seismic activity than their conventional counterparts. Some buildings burned to the ground as others collapsed into the street. If opposite exterior walls lean outwardly, you may want to double check if the roof is sagging and check the collar ties and rafter ties in the attic to see if they have pulled loose or if they’re damaged. New Zealand is extremely prone to seismic activity and ensuring the safety of people is paramount. The list is preliminary – some of these buildings, upon detailed inspection, will not need retrofitting. 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