Small businesses, the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, are often the first to suffer from natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Although they create two-thirds of new jobs and stimulate economic growth – particularly in underrepresented communities – small businesses are often least prepared to withstand disasters
The COVID-19 pandemic brought devastating loss […]
Apartment buildings in the Greater San Diego Area may sit on soil that is prone to liquefaction, landslides or other instability when shaken by an earthquake.
If your apartment building is located in Mission Bay, Mission Valley, Tierra Santa, Linda Vista, and many other San Diego communities, it’s best to have […]
Asking “what’s the worst thing that could happen” is the best way for apartment owners to begin preparing to prevent costly earthquake losses that could lead to bankruptcy.
Imagine you wake up tomorrow to terrible shaking. Within hours you learn the apartment buildings you worked for throughout your life have partially […]
Structural engineering plays a very important role in our society today. We show our great confidence into the work of structural engineers every time we drive on an overpass, pass through a tunnel, or enter a building. In every case we trust our lives to the knowledge and workmanship of […]
Happy Building Safety Month! This low-profile observance, an international celebration of safe and sound structures, rarely gets noticed outside of the industry. It’s the unsung understudy to causes nearer and dearer to people’s hearts like ice cream, talking like pirates, even Ferris wheels.
Yet buildings play an ever-present and vital role […]
Before the massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, many Californians felt confident that they knew enough about earthquakes. But after 50,000 people died in these quakes, many people are asking a straight forward question: “Can similar earthquakes happen in San Diego or other areas of California?”
Experts offer a short answer. […]
Californians are all too familiar with earthquakes. But how much do we really know about the risks they present to us? Understanding these threats is important, particularly when buildings are essential to your livelihood. Wonder how much you really know? Try taking this little quiz, for starters.
What are the odds a major earthquake will damage your San Diego apartment building, other commercial structure or even your home?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazus modeling shows 120,000 buildings could suffer moderate to complete damage – with 8,000 beyond repair – and another 36,000 households could be displaced.
How does […]
Where can potentially unsafe, soft-story apartment building be found in San Diego? And how many such buildings are there?
Those questions and similar ones about other counties in California led Optimum Seismic, Inc. and the U.S. Resiliency Council to team up with Esri, a leading mapping company, to combine resources to […]
This month, an estimated 18 million Americans will take part in the Great ShakeOut, a national safety drill designed to heighten awareness of the many ways to prepare for a major earthquake.
We’ll hear many important messages about earthquake risk and personal safety, culminating with the annual drill, which happens on […]
