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If your home earned 8
or more points, you need to confirm that your gas line is "flexible"
so that it cannot break and cause your unit to catch on fire. In addition,
if your home earned 13 or more points, it probably needs to be made
stronger to keep you and your family safer. Engineered Tie Down Systems
(ETS), Earthquake Resistant Bracing Systems (ERBS), and permanent concrete
foundations are a good idea.
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ADVICE
from the City of Palo Alto:
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| "Structural
support bracing systems are commercially available. Designs and costs
vary, but a good bracing system can be a very worthwhile investment. In
September, 1985, regulations became effective requiring the Department
of Housing and Community Development to certify earthquake resistant
bracing systems for mobile homes. The sale or installation of systems
not certified by the Department is unlawful. All certified bracing systems
are required to bear a label indicating the manufacturer's name, the product
name, the model number, and a statement that indicates 'this system complies
with the California Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 2, Article
7.5.' If you are interested in a seismic bracing system, contact your
mobile home owner's association or local mobile home dealer, or look in
the Yellow Pages." (Source
- City of Palo Alto) |
| ADVICE
from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): |
| Go to the
Department of Housing and Community
Development website. Click on "Contact Us" and then
scroll down to "Codes and Standards Field Offices." Northern
and Southern Area Office addresses and phone numbers are provided. At
either office, the public can request copies, preferably by mail, of the
latest State-approved Earthquake Resistant Bracing System manufacturers
for mobile homes and manufactured homes in California. There is no charge.
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| HELP
PREVENT FIRES: |
| HCD found
that the main cause of fires with mobile homes during the 1994 Northridge
earthquake was water heaters in older units that shook out of their closets,
broke the gas line, and ignited the gas. HCD recommends that mobile home
owners, particularly owners of units built prior to June 1976, check to
see how loose their water heater is physically. A loose water heater should
be securely strapped in place to prevent it shaking out during an earthquake.
Even with the best foundation, a water heater can be shaken from its closet
if it is not securely strapped in place. For more information, go to the
ABAG page on Ways
to Reduce Damage to your home's contents. |
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Scientists predict that a large quake in the Bay Area is about twice
as likely to happen as not to happen during the next 30 years. Are you
betting your home's value and your safety on those odds?
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