Homes are the epitome of safety and comfort. These are spaces where an individual can feel at ease and relax. Even while buying or building a house, safety and security are the topmost criteria that cannot be compromised at any cost. One such essential safety factor that must be considered is the earthquake resistance of your home. Seismic activity can cause immense damage and losses and it is important to minimise its potential threat to your home. In this article, we will see how you can check if your home is earthquake-resistant.
See also: What is a load bearing structure?
Checking the earthquake-resistance of your home
To know the extent to which your home is resistant to earthquakes requires you to follow some extensive steps. Here is a brief checklist for your perusal:
Consult a structural engineer
A professional evaluation of your home’s earthquake resistance capacity by a structural engineer is recommended. They possess the necessary equipment and expertise to assess the construction materials, design and structural integrity to provide in-depth insights.
Review building codes
Local building codes and regulations are designed to ensure that structures can withstand seismic activity. Verify if your home adheres to these codes since it can go a long way in protecting the structure from seismic activity.
Look for structural weaknesses
Periodic inspection to identify structural weaknesses like cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings are highly crucial for prompt redressal of the problem. Pay special attention to the integrity of load-bearing structures such as walls, beams and columns.
Check for retrofitting
If your home was built before the establishment of seismic regulations, retrofitting measures to enhance its earthquake resistance should be considered so as to not compromise on safety. Adding support elements or reinforcing existing structures according to modern regulations would surely help.
Assess vulnerable areas
Some areas might be more prone to earthquake damage than others, such as unreinforced masonry, large openings, or irregular building shapes. The identification of these vulnerable areas and taking steps to prevent impact on them is crucial.
Review construction materials
Assess the materials used in the construction of the structure. Some materials offer better resistance to seismic activity than others. For example, wood is a flexible material that fares better in such a situation as compared to rigid materials like concrete.
Consider soil conditions
The composition of the soil surrounding your home can have an impact in its response to seismic activity. Softer and loose soils can cause the structure to experience more intense shaking than firmer ground.
Review blueprints and construction plans
Consult the original blueprints and construction plans of your home if possible. This can provide detailed insight into the basic structural design of your home and the materials used in the construction process.
Inspect roofing
Periodically inspect the roofing of your house to identify signs of weakness or damage. Securely anchored roofs ensure greater safety in times of earthquake and are an essential aspect of verifying your home’s resistance to seismic activity.
Examine chimneys and foundations
Chimneys and foundations form an essential part of a home’s structure and are equally prone to earthquake damage. Therefore, ensuring their proper construction and reinforcement is necessary to understand your house’s ability to withstand seismic forces.
Assess non-structural elements
Non-structural elements such as plumbing, gas lines and electrical systems also require periodic evaluation. Make sure that the appliances and fixtures are securely anchored so as to not become hazards during an earthquake.
Test doors and windows
Evaluate the stability of doors and windows to check if they can withstand intense shaking. Securely installing safety devices such as latches or bolts can prevent them from swinging open during an earthquake and causing inconvenience.
Inspect garage and foundation anchoring
Garages that have living spaces above them and foundations must be securely anchored to resist seismic activity. Double check the integrity of these areas to minimise any potential structural damage.
What to do during an earthquake?
To ensure your personal safety and that of your loved ones from earthquakes, proper knowledge of safety guidelines is essential. Here are some basics to keep in mind in case of an earthquake:
Drop, cover and hold on
This is the golden rule when it comes to safety from earthquakes. If indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stops. If it is not possible to take cover, make sure to protect your head and neck with your arms.
Stay away from windows and exterior walls
Keep at bay from windows, glass doors and exterior walls. Earthquakes can cause glass to shatter or structures to collapse, thereby becoming a potential injury threat.
Brace yourself
If it is not possible to find cover, brace yourself in a safe spot away from windows, such as in a doorway or against an interior wall.
If outside, move to an open area
If you are not at home, move to an open area as soon as possible, away from buildings, trees, streetlights and utility wires. Once you reach the open space, drop to the ground and protect your head and neck.
If driving, pull over
If tremors are felt while driving, safely pull over to the side of the road at a spot away from overpasses, bridges and buildings. Do not vacate the vehicle until the shaking stops as it might be risky to step outside.
Be prepared for aftershocks
Smaller tremors after the main quake, known as aftershocks, are highly common. Stay cautious and be prepared for these aftershocks, and follow the drop, cover and hold on rule if tremors are felt.
Listen to authorities
Stay updated and obtain information from official sources and local authorities. Official agencies and emergency services provide helpful updates and instructions during such situations for your convenience.
Check for hazards
Once the tremors subside, check for hazards such as gas leaks, damaged wiring or structural damage. Evacuate your home if required and return only when it is completely safe to do so.
Assist others if safe
After ensuring your personal safety, assist the people who might need help. These include children, the elderly or people with disabilities.
FAQs
How can I assess if my home is earthquake resistant?
Consider consulting with a structural engineer for proper analysis of the materials used, design and structural integrity of your home.
What signs should I look out for that might indicate inadequate earthquake resistance?
Cracks in the foundation, walls or ceilings and structural weaknesses in load-bearing walls or beams might indicate potential issues.
Can I retrofit my home to improve its earthquake resistance?
Retrofitting measures such as adding support elements and reinforcing existing structures can be implemented to improve earthquake resistance.
Which areas require special attention while assessing earthquake resistance?
Areas like unreinforced masonry, large openings or irregular building shapes are more vulnerable to seismic damage.
Why are building codes important to ensure earthquake resistance?
Building codes are designed to ensure the structure's ability to withstand seismic activity. Verification of their adherence is important to assess earthquake resistance.
How can I determine if my home is located in a potentially risky seismic zone?
Consulting geological surveys, seismic maps and local authorities can help determine the potential risk.
What should I do if my home is not earthquake resistant?
Taking proactive measures like consulting a technician, implementing retrofitting measures and ensuring emergency preparedness can help mitigate risks.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
