5 Tips for Homeowners Living in Earthquake Zones

You might not think you live in earthquake country, but at least 42 states are considered at moderate to very high risk earthquake zones. As you evaluate your home’s ability to withstand an earthquake and prepare for a seismic retrofit, knowing these simple steps will help ensure that your home is structurally sound and earthquake resistant.

  1. Get Seismic Smart


  • Lateral (or shear) forces — horizontal forces that result in back-and-forth (side-to-side) movement, also known as racking. Lateral forces can shake the house and weaken its frame and cause it to slide off the foundation.
  • Uplift forces — vertical forces that result in up-and-down movement. Uplift forces can cause the house to overturn and lift off the foundation.
  1. Create a Path

A continuous load path, that is. A continuous load path is a method of construction that ties your house together from the roof to the foundation using a system of framing materials, metal connectors (or “brackets”), fasteners (like nails and screws) and reinforced walls called shearwalls (or “shear walls”). This system connects and strengthens the structural frame of the house. If your home is built with a continuous load path, it will be better equipped to resist the forces of an earthquake by transferring these forces from the frame of the house to the foundation.

  1. Know Your Zone


earthquake zones hazard map

  1. Be Ready to Retrofit

Many existing homes were constructed prior to new earthquake-resistant building code requirements. If your home was built before 1985, it’s most likely in need of a seismic retrofit. A retrofit adds bracing and reinforcement to strengthen the critical connections within a home; bolting the home to its foundation is a key first step. A home that has been retrofitted is able to resist greater earthquake forces and has a lower risk of being damaged.

seismic retrofit guide

  1. Tips on Retrofitting Your Home

Before starting a seismic retrofit project, you’ll need to inspect and evaluate the structural integrity of your home. Hiring a professional will help ensure that the retrofit is done right. There are seismic improvements that you can make on your own to strengthen your home; others, however, will more likely require an engineer and a contractor. Knowing what is needed from the beginning will set you on the right course to a safer, stronger home. We provide a free step-by-step seismic retrofit guide. Remember, when hiring a retrofit specialist, to make sure they are licensed and have a good reputation. Check with your local municipality to see if they provide retrofit grants (for example, California’s Earthquake Brace and Bolt program provides up to $3000 for qualified homeowners).