The seismic retrofitting of numerous Southern Californian buildings must reportedly be done immediately to ensure their stability and protection during an earthquake.
Cities like Los Angeles and Santa Monica, which are leading the way in carrying out important repairs, are targeting buildings that are prone to damage, such as soft-story apartments and non-ductile concrete structures.
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Buildings That are Vulnerable to Earthquakes
'Soft story' structures are often low-rise apartments that may house dozens of people and feature a weak first floor for carports. The majority of Southern California communities that have lately implemented retrofit regulations began this type of building. The city data that The Times acquired reveal that approximately 6,000 structures have been classified as having the potential to require a makeover.
As mentioned, among these cities that have recently passed laws mandating retrofitting are Beverly Hills, Culver City, Los Angeles, Torrance, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. If your office building or house was constructed before 1996, seismic retrofitting may be required.
Since 2015, at least seven cities have enacted laws requiring structural improvements, such as non-ductile or soft-story concrete constructions. Retrofitting of vulnerable buildings makes them more resilient to the shaking that earthquakes produce, which lowers the possibility that they may fall or suffer damage. Depending on the style of the building, modifications could include adding support, including steel frames or beams, erecting new concrete walls, or fixing welds that are prone to failure.
When it comes to determining whether older buildings should be demolished or modified, each local authority makes its own decision independently. Retrofit laws were in place in numerous communities throughout the county prior to the Northridge earthquake of January 1994; however, they were primarily directed at outdated brick structures. The issue was brought to light by an investigation conducted by the Times in 2013 because there were still many vulnerable structures.
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Should You Stay In a Building During An Earthquake?
Unanticipated earthquakes are a common occurrence. It is necessary that you employ self-control, keep composed, and take well-considered action. Nevertheless, being knowledgeable about the protocols to follow in the case of an earthquake is the only way to do this.
Always keep in mind that in case of a serious earthquake, structures do not collapse right away. Accordingly, if you are inside of a building, stay there! Find a haven close to the primary load-bearing walls in the core portion of the building, in addition to the doorways, wall pillars, and corners that make up these walls. Make sure that you are protected from falling plaster by holding a chair, a bag, or any other appropriate object above your head. Another option is to seek refuge beneath the nearby table or bed.
Moreover, maintain a safe distance from windows, fireplaces, and hefty furniture or appliances. Given that the kitchen is a dangerous place and items could fall on you, get out of there as quickly as you can. Go downstairs or get outside when the building is shaking or when there is a chance of falling and hurting oneself or being struck by falling glass or debris.
On the other hand, when outside, keep clear of any buildings, power lines, chimneys, and other such dangers that could fall on you and get into the open air.
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