Expected Results
When we install a “QuakeValve,” our automatic gas shut-off valve, your home will be protected from fire caused by a broken gas line after a big quake.
This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. If you are away from the house when a big quake hits, you don’t have to worry: the valve senses the shaking (about 5.2 or higher) and shuts down the flow of gas to the house. These valves do NOT activate in small quakes or from heavy trucks driving down your street! They are easy to re-set. Click on QuakeValves to learn more and see the link to the web site of the valve we use.
After our Consult, you can expect to have a clear idea about how well your home is attached to its foundation. The very first order of business in the consult is the inspection of your foundation’s seismic adequacy. We’ve had some people say they saw bolts coming up through the mudsill, and figured all was well. It’s NOT. There are other things that MUST be present or the house will not stay on the foundation during a big quake.
A majority of the homes I inspect are inadequately secured to their foundation, even those which have been retrofitted. If I see that your seismic work is incomplete, I’ll recommend a few good, experienced retrofit contractors. As we go room by room, I point out the safest place to be when a big quake hits. There’s a lot of confusion in people’s minds about this, and it’s important to know the facts. People with children might have them join us for this part of the consult, because they want their kids to have this information as well.
Our QuakeSecure service: as we walk room by room, I will point out every appliance, piece of furniture, and wall hanging which needs to be secured to the wall. You’ll be left with no doubts about what is safe and what is not. We will talk about how to secure appliances, furniture, and wall hangings; where to buy the hardware and how to install. If you don’t want to do it yourself, we can refer you to a business which comes to your home and secures your appliances, furniture, and wall hangings. We recognize that there are a lot of folks who are physically unable, or just don’t have the time, to do securing. The people we refer you to do this for a living – they are very good.
Many folks are able to do this themselves, or have a handyman they trust who can take care of it. We don’t care if you do it yourself or hire someone: the main thing is to get it done, and done properly.
“Our water heater was ok, but some of our furniture needed securing. Thanks for your experienced eye.” – Amy Teeling
We walk through the house and I point out the best places to be when a serious earthquake hits.
“The most important thing to me was where to go in the house if there is an earthquake.” – Justine Shapiro
We look the gas, water, and electric cut-offs. You will know how to operate these before I leave. Most people know where the cut-off are, but some do not. My main concern is that everyone knows where they are and how they work. I show each client how to turn off the gas, water, and electric. I will make the gas and water valves move just a tiny bit to ensure they are functioning. The alarming thing is that I find – about 70% of the time – the gas shut-off valves are frozen and won’t budge.
We offer QuakeKits – our emergency preparedness kits,. You can purchase them after the consult, or order your QuakeKits from my web site and we will ship direct to you. We have kits available for home and car, and they are personalized by family size.
We install automatic gas shut-off valves. These provide great peace of mind if the quake hits while you are away from home. You don’t have to be concerned about a gas line in your home rupturing and causing a fire.
I invite you to receive my two FREE REPORTS: Rate Yourself on Earthquake Preparedness & What Should I Do? and subscribe to my free twice-monthly “QuakeTips” email alert.
Now that you know how we work and the results you can expect, learn about Our Services.
