Is Your Building Earthquake Safe? Here’s How to Find Out

Is Your Building Earthquake Safe? Here’s How to Find Out

Living in Los Angeles comes with the constant risk of earthquakes, making it crucial to know whether the building you live in is safe. As a renter, understanding the structural integrity of your building could make all the difference in protecting yourself and your belongings during a seismic event. Here’s what you need to know to assess whether your building is prepared for an earthquake.

What Are Soft-Story and Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings?

Two types of buildings are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage:

Soft-Story Buildings: These are typically multi-story structures with large open spaces on the ground floor, such as parking garages, retail spaces, or large windows. These openings weaken the structure, making the upper floors more likely to collapse onto the ground level during an earthquake.

Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings: Older concrete buildings constructed before modern seismic codes were in place fall into this category. “Non-ductile” means that the concrete lacks the flexibility to absorb and dissipate the energy from an earthquake, which can result in sudden structural failure.

If you live in a building with these characteristics, it’s important to find out if it has been reinforced or retrofitted to withstand an earthquake.

How to Check if Your Building Has Been Retrofitted

Fortunately, it’s easy to find out whether your building has been retrofitted and is better equipped to handle an earthquake:

1. Visit the LADBS Online Services: Start by going to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety’s online portal, where you can search for your building’s retrofit status.

2. Locate Retrofit Program Information: Once on the portal, look for the “Retrofit Program Information” section.

3. Check the “Possible Soft-Story” Tab: If your building is listed here, it will show a “Yes” or “No” under “Possible Soft-Story.” A “No” means your building is not considered a soft-story structure, which is a good sign.

4. Review the Non-Ductile Concrete Retrofit Program: Similarly, look for the “Possible Non-Ductile Concrete Building” section. Seeing “No” here indicates that your building does not fall into this high-risk category.

Why This Matters for Renters

As a renter, you may not have control over whether your building is retrofitted, but you do have the right to know about its safety. A building that has been retrofitted is better prepared to withstand the forces of an earthquake, reducing the risk of severe damage or collapse. This not only protects your safety but also your personal belongings.

If your building hasn’t been retrofitted, consider talking to your landlord about their plans for future upgrades. Understanding the risks associated with your building can help you make informed decisions about where to live and how to prepare for potential earthquakes.

Take Action

Earthquake preparedness starts with knowing your building’s structural integrity. Checking the retrofit status of your building is a crucial step toward ensuring your safety in the event of a quake. If your building hasn’t been retrofitted, have a conversation with your landlord or property management about the next steps. Remember, a safe building is key to protecting yourself during an earthquake.