In Washington State
Protect Your Home and PropertyA Homeowner’sGuide to Earthquakesin Washington StateWashingtonGeological SurveyWASHINGTON STATE HAS ONE OF THEHIGHEST EARTHQUAKE RISKS IN THE COUNTRY.PREPARATION BEFORE A MAJOR EARTHQUAKEMAY SAVE YOUR LIFE AND MAYALSO SAVE YOU MONEY.
2Table of ContentsHOW TO USE THIS BOOKLETRECOMMENDATIONS FOR RETROFITTING45PRIMARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS IN WASHINGTON Ground Shaking Liquefaction Landslides and Ground Failures Tsunamis 89101011WHAT COULD MAKE YOUR HOME UNSAFE DURING ANEARTHQUAKE? Water Heaters Propane Tanks Wood Stoves Tall and Heavy Equipment Smaller Items: Furniture and Valuables Foundations Concrete Slabs and Basements Unreinforced Masonry Post & Pier Caissons Soft Stories Stem Walls Stem Walls with Cripple Walls Chimneys Parapets Steep Hillsides 1214151617182020202121212223242425WHAT TO DO Before an Earthquake During an Earthquake After the Shaking Subsides What Should I Have in My Emergency Kit?2626262627WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?28www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Timeline of Seismic Building Code Updates3Knowledge of earthquake hazards improves with scientific discovery of active faultsand from case studies of seismic events. Updates to building codes accommodate thelatest understanding of seismic hazard and advancements in earthquake engineering.The building code used during the construction of your house may no longerbe sufficient for currently known earthquake hazards.First inclusion of Seattle Fault andCascadia subduction zone inWashington Building Code 2005Publication of InternationalBuilding Code 2000Publication of Uniform BuildingCode with seismic changes 19972011 Tohoku, Japan earthquake M9.1and tsunami2005 Saddle Mountain fault (easternWashington) key finding2004 Indian Ocean earthquake M9.1and tsunami2001 Nisqually earthquake M6.82001 Tacoma fault key finding1996 Southern Whidbey Islandfault key finding1992 Seattle Fault key finding1987 Cascadia subduction zoneFirst building code adoptedby Washington State 1975& tsunami risk key finding1965 Puget Sound earthquake M6.5–6.71964 Great Alaska earthquake M9.2Earthquake standards forconstruction included inWashington law 1955and tsunami1960 Great Chilean earthquake M9.5and tsunami1949 Olympia earthquake M6.8–7.0TIME1946 Olympia earthquake M5.81945 North Bend earthquake M5.71939 Bremerton earthquake M5.8–6.21936 State Line earthquake M6.11909 San Juan Islands earthquake M6.01896 Salish Sea earthquake M5.71882 Puget Sound earthquake M5.8–6.21872 Entiat/Chelan earthquake M7.0Timeline of earthquake building code changes (left) compared againstsignificant earthquakes, key fault discoveries, and key publications (right).www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
4How to Use this BookletIntent of this BookletThis booklet provides homeowners with some guidance regarding earthquake hazardsas they pertain to the home. It is meant to: introduce the types of earthquake hazards in Washington. point to maps and resources to assess the risks an earthquake may pose toyour home. demonstrate that the structural and nonstructural components of your homecan be fortified to withstand earthquake hazards. suggest ways to better prepare yourself, your family, and your property for anearthquake.NOTE:THIS IS NOT A HOW-TO GUIDEPreparation is your greatest defense against earthquake hazards and damage. Thoughseismic retrofits address the main causes of collapse and life safety in a home, theydo not ensure that a home will be undamaged. Damage to the interior of a home in amajor earthquake may still occur, even with proper seismic retrofitting.Limitations of this BookletThis booklet focuses on one- or two-family homes. Structures larger than twofamily homes or taller than three stories are larger, heavier, more complex, and morevulnerable than single-family homes.A professional engineer, licensed contractor, architect, and (or) local building official/permitting department can provide guidance on retrofits.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Recommendations for Retrofitting5Consider Purchasing Earthquake InsuranceCheck if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage from earthquakes. If not,it might be worth the additional cost of an earthquake and (or) flood insurance policy.More information at: insurance.wa.gov/earthquake-insuranceConsider Hiring a ProfessionalWhile some people can do some seismic retrofits on their own, it may be preferableto hire a professional with experience. You may also want to contact a licensedgeotechnical engineer and (or) engineering geologist to assess the potential forlandslides, liquefaction, or earthquake ground shaking to affect your property.The following resources may help in your decision to hire professionals to assess yourproperty’s seismic risk and the best methods to address that risk. Washington State Department of Labor & /hiring-a-contractorWashington State Department of ttle Department of Construction & Forms/EarthquakeHomeRetrofitPlanset.pdfSeismic Retrofit Guidelines for Detached, Single-Family, ocuments/92229Homebuilder’s Guide to Earthquake-Resistant Design ents/6015Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake 5www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
6Earthquakes in astRangeJanuary 26, 1700 AD(300 years ago)Cascadia M9.0SubductingCascadia earthquakes:large magnitude, longduration intense shakingfelt widely across statedeep earthquakes:moderate magnitude,moderate shaking feltover large regionWHY EARTHQUAKES HAPPEN IN WASHINGTONJust off the Washington coast is the Cascadia subduction zone(CSZ), a major tectonic plate boundary where oceanic crustis pulled beneath the North American continent. Subductioninvolves friction between tectonic plates. Right now, the CSZ isstuck, building up stress until the next big earthquake happensand releases it. As the subducting oceanic plate descends, italso bends and tears, which generates deep earthquakes likethe 2001 Nisqually earthquake.Near the surface of Washington State, shallow earthquakesoccur along faults in the crust such as the Seattle and Entiatfaults.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Earthquakes in WashingtonEASTCascadeRange 900 AD(1,100 years ago)Seattle Fault M7.0shallow crustal earthquakes:moderate magnitude, potentialfor ground rupture and intenseshaking closer to faultcontinental crustFebruary 28, 2001NisquallyM6.8oceanicpDecember 14, 1872Entiat/Chelan M7.0lateFACTORS AFFECTINGEARTHQUAKE DAMAGEOnce an earthquake occurs,damage to a home depends onfactors such as: theearthquake magnitude, itsdistance from your home,the rock/soil beneath yourhome, and your home’sstructural and nonstructuralcharacteristics.distanceto earthquakerock/soilbeneath cteristicswww.dnr.wa.gov/geology7
8Earthquake HazardsPRIMARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS IN WASHINGTONsurfagroundshakingce manent)CascadiaThe map to the right shows themaximum shaking intensity that has asignificant chance of happening in thenext 50 years.tsunamissubdtsunami hazard areauctiopotentially active faultn zonedamaging earthquake since 1871shaking intensityhigherlowerwww.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Earthquake Hazards9Ground ShakingThe closer you are to the fault along which an earthquake occurs, the more intensethe shaking may be. Most of the known active faults in Washington lie close topopulation centers.Ground shaking intensity depends partly on rock/soil type. Soft materials and loosesoils common near bodies of water and formerly glaciated areas (for example, thePuget Sound region) amplify the shaking, whereas hard rocks shake less severely.closerDISTANCE TO FAULTsoils/sedimentvery highMATERIAL TYPEfartherhard rockSHAKING ov/geologylow
10Earthquake HazardsLiquefactionWhen ground shaking occurs in water-saturated sediment, the sediment canbehave like a liquid (much like quicksand) which could cause damage to your home.beachdepositsyoungsedimentin river valleysLandslides and Ground FailuresGround shaking can also cause landslides and ground ruptures. Homes built onslopes or bluffs are at risk for earthquake-induced landslides. This is especially trueif soils are saturated from rain.Other ground failures can occur on gentle slopes due to soil liquefaction. Evensmall ground movements can disrupt utilities or make your home uninhabitable.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Earthquake Hazards11Find out what type of material sits beneath your home and its liquefactionpotential. Check the Geologic Information Portal for maps showing liquefactionpotential: https://geologyportal.dnr.wa.gov/#natural hazardsArtificial fill, beach sand, dunes, river deposits,and relatively young sediment are especiallysusceptible to liquefaction.loose or artificial fillTsunamisFollowing a large earthquake, areas along the outer coast, the lower ColumbiaRiver, and Puget Sound are at risk for tsunamis. Local earthquakes can producetsunamis within a short period of time. A distant earthquake will not produce groundshaking but may produce a tsunami. If you feel the ground shake, drop, cover, andhold on. If you are near the water, evacuate to higher ground or inland immediatelyonce the shaking stops.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
12Home Siting and ConstructionWHAT COULD MAKE YOURHOME UNSAFE DURINGAN EARTHQUAKE?unreinforcedmasonryFallinginside nchoredatonehous foundationtounsecuredwater ISMIC IMPROVEMEEARTHQUAKE ARE MAFTER AN EARTHQUPROTECTION YOU Cwww.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Home Siting and ConstructionUNREINFORCED CONSTRUCTION WILL NOT FARE WELLDURING AN EARTHQUAKE, POSSIBLY CAUSINGFLOODING, FIRE, OR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.parapetexteriodeck rnancho otreto ho duseunbgasrigid neliracedpostspier & postENTS BEFORE ANMUCH CHEAPER THAN REPAIRSUAKE. THIS IS THE BESTCAN PROVIDE FOR YOUR HOME.unsecuredpropane tankwww.dnr.wa.gov/geology13
14Inside and Outside the HomeWater HeatersWeakness :Your free-standing and unsecured water heater is one of the mostunstable appliances in your home. During ground shaking it is aptto topple, causing broken gas and water lines, flooding, and (or) fire.Reinforcement :Ensure your water heater stays put with a water-heater bracing kit, available at yourlocal hardware store. Or build your own. Make sure all family members know howto turn gas and water off in the event of a leak. A heater that remains upright canbe a potable water source should utilities be interrupted.braces or mountsmust be anchoredto wall stud withlong lag screwsheavy-gauge metalstrap wrapped aroundtank 1.5 times (do notuse plumber’s tape)consider zip-tyingan appropriatelysized wrench foremergency gas leakswww.dnr.wa.gov/geologyflexible gasand water lineconnectorsand pipingplace bracesaround top andbottom of tank,not in themiddle
Inside and Outside the HomePropane TanksWeakness :During an earthquake, unsecured propane tanks with rigid supply linesmay tip over and break their connections, causing fire. You might want topurchase and install an automatic gas shut-off valve.rigid gas lineunsecured propane tankReinforcement :Keep your propane tank stable and connected by: 1 using flexible gassupply lines, 2 placing the tank on a concrete slab, 3 boltingflexiblethe tank footings to the slab, 4 ensuring large objectsgaslinenearby will not fall on the tank, and for largetanks, you may consider 5 installing bollardsaround the tank for further stability. Ifyou don’t own your tank, consultyour tank provider.Four bollardsaround tank:steel pipe filledwith concreteextending abovecenter line of tankcenter line of tankconcrete slabexpansion boltswww.dnr.wa.gov/geology15
16Inside and Outside the HomeWood StovesWeakness :Another cause of fire after earthquakes are free-standing wood stoves thatare not anchored to the ground.Reinforcement :There are several inexpensive ways to makeyour wood stove more secure:1 secure straps to the flue using aradiation shield and affix to wood wallstud with lag bolt,radiationshieldlagboltsteelstraps3 bolt legs of stove through anadded brick that is grouted to thefloor,ORwood stud2 attach flue sections, making surenot to penetrate the inner wall of thepipe, and eitherscrew fluesectionstogether4 anchor the legs using groutplaced in a pocket in brick.wood stoveleg placed onto newgrouted brick andbolted into floorORwww.dnr.wa.gov/geologyleg grouted intopocket in brick
Inside and Outside the HomeTall and Heavy EquipmentWeakness :Unsecured tall, heavy equipment such as compressed gas cylinders maytopple or become projectiles during an earthquake. These can also bepunctured causing explosions and fires.Reinforcement :To secure one gas cylinder, use steel eye screws, connectors, and chain tohold the cylinder against a wall, making sure to connect to a wall stud. Thistype of fastening is insufficient to secure two or more cylinders. Instead, use aprefabricated gas cylinder rack that will hold several cylinders and ensure that itis bolted to the floor and wall, if possible.multiplegas canisterssteel-eyescrew andthreadedconnectorsingle gas canistersteelcylinderrackwelded closedlink steel chainbolt into floorjoist or concretewww.dnr.wa.gov/geology17
18Hazardous ObjectsSmaller Items: Furniture and ValuablesBOOKCDamage or injury from unsecured belongings, especially those(also wthat may fall from inside cabinets/shelves.on refrigeraReinforcement :Weakness :Many items in the home can be secured to prevent topplingduring an earthquake, which may block exits or cause injury.Securing these items also prevents them from breaking andneeding to be replaced. The following methods are possiblesolutions using materials that can be obtained at your localhardware to bracedwallstudsvenylonstraps abucklesSMALLOBJECTSearthquake puttywww.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Hazardous ObjectsanglebracketsCASESworksators)CABINETS o wall studWALLHANGINGSrubber matson shelveswww.dnr.wa.gov/geology
20Beneath the HomeFOUNDATIONSFoundations are the critical connection between your living space and theground, and during an earthquake the type of foundation may determineif your home remains standing. For this reason, it’s important to knowexactly what kind of foundation you have beneath your home and whatcondition it is in.Concrete Slabs and BasementsSlab foundations and basements usually consist of a masonry or concrete structureupon which the house is directly placed. As long as the slab is in good condition (nocracks or sagging) and the house is adequately bolted or strapped to the slab, houseswith these types of foundations generally perform well during earthquakes.CONCRETESLABBASEMENTUnreinforced MasonryUNREINFORCEDMASONRYFoundations built from bricks, concrete blocks, ormortared stone often fail during earthquakes.Have a licensed engineer check to see if yourmasonry has been reinforced. Options forreinforcement include strengthening or replacingwith a concrete foundation.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Beneath the Home21Post & PierThough not common, post and pier foundationsare extremely vulnerable to collapse duringearthquakes if not properly braced. Contact aprofessional engineer to evaluate your home ifyou have this type of foundation. Some homesmay be made safer by bracing the posts andusing pier bolts, but you may be better servedby adding a brand new foundation.POST & PIERCaissonsCAISSONSSoft StoriesThis type of foundation involves all or part of ahouse elevated above concrete piersembedded in the ground. If the piers reachbedrock, they pose little hazard. But if the piersrest in unconsolidated material, earthquakemovement may seriously compromise thestructure of the home.Contact a professional engineer to evaluateyour home if you have this type of foundation.Some homes may be made safer by bracingthe posts.Soft stories are floors in a multi-story buildingthat are largely unsupported by shear walls thatprevent horizontal shaking. Garages, large baywindows, and wide doors are all good examplesof this type of structural weakness. Houses withsoft stories are vulnerable to collapse.Soft stories may be made more rigid by structuralreinforcement. Contact a professional engineer toevaluate the best retrofit method for your home’sdesign and your budget.more foundations on the next pagewww.dnr.wa.gov/geologySOFT STORIESABC 1234
22Beneath the HomeStem WallsSTEM WALL:CRAWLSPACEHOUSE SHIFTSOFFNDATIOFOUNWeakness :These foundations consist of short walls made of poured concrete on which thewood frame of the house rests. The only weakness of concern with these types offoundations is that the wood frame of the house must be bolted or anchored to thestem walls. Otherwise, during an earthquake, the house could shake right off itsfoundation. Many older houses are not bolted to their foundations.Reinforcement :The good news is that a handy homeowner could retrofit this type of foundation ontheir own, and it’s MUCH cheaper to have the stem wall anchored to the house than tohave to replace the foundation after an earthquake moves it. It’s possible to do theserefrotfits yourself, but a professional engineer and (or) contractor can navigate otherissues inherent in older construction.flooranchorboltsjoistsmudsillstem wallfoundationwww.dnr.wa.gov/geologysteelplates
Beneath the Home23Stem Walls with Cripple WallsSTEM WALL:CRAWLSPACEWITHCRIPPLE WALLBUCKLEDCRIPPLE WALLWeakness :Cripple walls are vertical wood frames that rest on the stem wall and lie beneath thefloor of the house. These exterior foundations support the weight of the house. Withoutproper reinforcement, however, these walls buckle or collapse during horizontalshaking during earthquakes. Older houses may not have the required shear wallsinstalled to protect against collapse.Reinforcement :floorReinforcingjoistcripple walls involvesinstalling plywoodor Oriented StrandBoard (OSB) shearventilationwalls. Reinforcementis likely too advanced crippleholesfor mostwallhomeowners.A professionalblockingengineer and (or)contractor withplywood or OSBexperience doinganchor nailed on studsthis type of work isboltrecommended.mudsillconcrete foundation(stem wall)www.dnr.wa.gov/geologyshearwall
Other Structural Considerations24ChimneysWeakness :Unreinforced masonry chimneys may crumble or toppleduring an earthquake, posing a hazard to roofs, people,and nearby vehicles. These chimneys tend to break at theroofline or peel away from the house, and the likelihoodof breakage increases with chimney height. Check thegrout between the brick or stones by picking at it with a knife. It shouldnot crumble.Reinforcement : Replace masonry chimneys above the roofline with lighter metalflues that may be veneered to match the lower brickwork. Add plywood above the ceiling joists in the attic or layeradditional plywood directly beneath the roof shingles near thechimney to prevent any collapsing brickwork from damaging theinterior of the home. Reinforce the masonry with additional anchorage at each floor,roof, and ceiling to meet design standards.ParapetsWeakness : Parapets are low walls alongthe edges of roofs or balconies. Olderunreinforced masonry designs are typicallyunbraced—during an earthquake they can fall apart,damaging the house and possibly causing injury.Reinforcement : The materials used to construct theparapet determine the method used to brace them. Contacta professional engineer to evaluate your parapet.www.dnr.wa.gov/geology
Other Struct
1992 Seattle Fault key finding 1996 Southern Whidbey Island fault key finding 2001 Tacoma fault key finding 2001 Nisqually earthquake M6.8 2005 Saddle Mountain fault (eastern Washington) key finding 2011 Tohoku, Japan earthquake M9.1 and tsunami 1964 Great Alaska earthquake M9.2 and tsunami First building code adopted by Washington State 1975
5. George Washington is honored on Valentine's Day. YES NO 6. Washington State is on the East Coast of the U.S. YES NO 7. George Washington's birthday is in January. YES NO 8. George Washington's face is on the 5 bill. YES NO 9. George Washington was a general in the Vietnam War. YES NO 10. George Washington was an important movie star .
STATE OF WASHINGTON 712712018 2:42 PM BY SUSAN L. CARLSON CLERK NO. 95974-9 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON ACCESS THE USA., LLC, a Washington Limited Liability Company; 520 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT FUND II, LP, a Washington Limited Partnership; and PREMIER 520 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT FUND II, LP, a Washington Limited Partnership, Appellants, V.
Washington State Office of Financial Management Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Washington State Patrol . This is the first NWHIDTA Marijuana Impact Report providing data for the State of Washington. This report has been organized in order to lay out the foundation of legalization
Washington State Farmers Market Manual The Washington State Farmers Market Manual is a publication of the Washington State Department of Agriculture Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program, the Washington State University Sma
USC at Ohio State LAST WEEK’S RESULTS Boise State 19, Oregon 8 LSU at Washington Stanford 39, Washington State 13 Arizona 19, Central Michigan 6 Arizona State 50, Idaho State 3 California 52, Maryland 13 Oregon State 34, Portland State 7 UCLA 33, San Diego State 14 USC 56, San Jose State 3 WASHINGTON vs. IdAHO
10 participated in the 2016 Washington State Truck Parking Study survey, 60 percent indicated taking an 11 hour or longer to find overnight truck parking.6 12 Washington State Truck Parking Assessment 13 As part of the 2022 Washington State Freight System Plan, the Washington Department of
The information provided here about the physical and ecological geography of the Washington coast was assembled from the scientific literature, enhanced by contributions from Washington State resource management agencies and other contributors. . The outer coast of Washington State lies within the temperate California Current Large Marine .
SSL Premise Address Property Type 0155‐ ‐0837 1614 17TH ST NW WASHINGTON DC 20009 Apartment 0156‐ ‐0234 1740 Q ST NW WASHINGTON DC 20009 Apartment 0156‐ ‐0330 1733 P ST NW WASHINGTON DC 20036 Apartment 0156‐ ‐0353 1715 P ST NW WASHINGTON DC 20036 Apartment 0156‐ ‐0856 1772 CHURCH ST NW WASHINGTON DC 20036‐1302
