Tenant Earthquake Safety Guide

Anyone who has ever experienced an earthquake knows how terrifying they can be. A landlord who has experienced an earth would also know how important it is to be prepared for them. The Homeowner’s Earthquake Safety Guide was compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for residents in earthquake-prone areas, and the information contained in it is applicable to both tenants and landlords. In the guide, you will find a United States map coded according to earthquake risk. If you live in an area of increased earthquake hazard, or if you wish to prepare in the event of an earthquake, consider reading this helpful guide and providing your tenants with this pamphlet for information regarding risk mitigation, earthquake preparation, and what to do during and after an earthquake. This Earthquake Safety Guide provides homeowners and tenants with valuable information regarding earthquakes and how to address them.

The guide is clear in stating the damaging effects of earthquakes, and provides actual photos showing earthquake damage. It also measures the costs of earthquake mitigation versus the costs of replacing and repairing damage caused by an earthquake. The guide instructs homeowners on repairs or enhancements that can be made in order to fortify a structure and its utilities and other amenities. For example, hot water heaters can be attached to a wall using straps to prevent them from toppling over during an earthquake. Also, crawl spaces can be a structural weak point that could be compromised during an earthquake; this document indicates how a crawl space can be fortified. Several other structural features that can be strengthened to prevent destruction during an earthquake are also highlighted. The guide addresses how to protect household utility lines, and how to follow procedures to have improvements made to your home.

Not only the structure of the home, but people living within a home, can take certain steps to prepare for an earthquake. This FEMA handbook includes helpful tips about what residents can do before, during, and after an earthquake to remain safe.