No one can predict when an earthquake may strike, but you can be proactive and be prepared.
Your home is more likely to withstand an earthquake when its structural elements — walls, roof, foundation — are firmly connected to one another. When a home is properly “tied together,” it’s better able to absorb the earthquake’s energy and transfer it back to the ground.
Modifications can include:
Retrofits like these usually require the expertise of a licensed architect, engineer or contractor. Local firms will be familiar with earthquake building codes where you live.
You could consider making some non-structural modifications yourself. These involve preparing the inside of your home to make it safer during an earthquake. Materials and kits for these jobs are widely available at home improvement stores.
Finally, according to Ready.gov, you should teach everyone in your household to take the following action when an earthquake hits:
Talk with your Farmers® agent. They can help you understand your insurance options so you can select the insurance you want and answer your insurance questions. Because the more you know, the better you can plan for what’s ahead.
Learn five DIY earthquake safety tips to consider for updating your home, from an earthquake scientist who lives on a fault zone.