Slide 9 of 15
Notes:
- WATER HEATERS
- One of most common causes of fires associated with earthquakes is rupture of gas lines when water heaters overturn.
- Water Heaters in Earthquakes
- Water heaters are usually very tall, heavy (because they are filled with water) and narrow.
- As shown in the figure, water heaters tip over easily in earthquakes
- Fires can start when attached gas or electrical lines are broken.
- Water heaters are usually set on the floor, or on a pedestal. Until recently, codes did not require water heaters to be braced.
