When it comes to protecting a home against earthquakes in Alaska, preparation is key. Earthquakes are always a possibility living in the great, but seismically active, state of Alaska. Homeowners need to take the necessary steps to ensure their homes and the safety of their families are taken care of, in the event of an earthquake.
Alaska experiences aftershocks following a seismic event. These aftershocks can vary in magnitude but can cause further disruption and further damage to a home. Therefore, it is important for owners to be aware of the direct and indirect effects of an earthquake on their home.
The key to earthquake protection for a homeowner is to identify potential points of instability in the home and create an action plan to address them. This could include both the structure of the home itself but also items stored in the home – such as furnishings, appliances, and any hazardous materials. Planning ahead is essential for the safety of those living in the home.
Creating Stability for Your Home Against Earthquakes
The main goal of any earthquake protection plan is to keep the home stable and safe from earthquake-related damage. The first step in creating stability is to assess the potential points of instability and address them. This involves identifying any vulnerable items or areas that could be damaged, such as heavy furniture, hanging pictures, and bookcases, which should be anchored to the walls.
It is also important to secure any hazardous material that may be stored in the home. In addition, it is important to ensure all windows, doors, and other openings in the home are secured in a way that prevents them from becoming projectiles during an earthquake (e.g. breaking glass). This is also a great way to reduce the risk of injury.
Assessing and Mitigating Risk Factors
In addition to the actual structure of the home, homeowners should evaluate their risk factors. These factors may include location (located near a fault line or in a flood plain), the age and condition of the home, and the terrain surrounding the home (e.g. potential for landslides). Identifying these risk factors is the first step in reducing the home’s vulnerability.
Homeowners should also assess the home for seismic retrofitting, or improvements needed to increase the building’s structural capacity to withstand earthquakes. This includes anchoring the home to its foundation, adding shear walls, and installing structural braces and strapping. These retrofitting efforts are crucial in keeping homeowners safe and reducing the probability of significant damage.
Lastly, homeowners should have an emergency plan in place and be familiar with the process of filing a claim with their insurance provider in the event of an earthquake.
The Importance of Being Prepared
- Retrofitting to make the home stronger and better able to stand up to an earthquake
- Assessing risk factors
- Securing windows, doors, and other openings
- Storing hazardous materials in a safe place
- Creating an emergency plan and learning the process of filing a claim with an insurance provider
Conclusion
Earthquakes in Alaska can be unpredictable and devastaing, and homeowners must take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of significant damage and injury. It is essential to create an earthquake protection plan that addresses specific points of instability, retrofit the structure of the home, and have an emergency plan in place. Taking the steps to be prepared for an earthquake is essential for the safety and wellbeing of a homeowner and their family.