The Great ShakeOut, which takes place annually on October 17, reminds millions across California of the importance of earthquake safety. While the drill teaches the lifesaving “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, there is a broader aspect of earthquake preparedness that is crucial in regions like Orange County: seismic retrofitting. With Southern California prone to earthquakes, retrofitting buildings to withstand seismic activity can significantly reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life.
Orange County, situated between two major fault lines—the Newport-Inglewood and San Andreas faults—is at constant risk of seismic activity. Many buildings in the area, particularly those constructed before modern seismic codes, are not fully equipped to handle the magnitude of shaking that could come from a large earthquake. Seismic retrofitting addresses these vulnerabilities by reinforcing older structures, making them more resilient against the forces that earthquakes exert on them.
One of the primary concerns in Orange County is soft-story buildings, which are common in residential areas and commercial districts. These structures often have large openings on the ground floor, like garages or storefronts, which make them susceptible to collapse during earthquakes. Retrofitting these buildings involves adding steel frames or shear walls to stabilize the open areas, significantly reducing the risk of structural failure during an earthquake.
In addition to soft-story buildings, unreinforced masonry structures—common in older parts of Orange County—pose another significant risk. These buildings can crumble under seismic pressure if not retrofitted. Recent advancements in retrofitting techniques allow for the strengthening of these buildings without compromising their architectural integrity, making the process both effective and unobtrusive.
While earthquake preparedness often focuses on what to do during an earthquake, such as the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol, retrofitting is a preventative measure that provides long-term protection. Orange County’s location within a seismically active region makes this an essential step for property owners, particularly as the area continues to grow and develop. Recent studies suggest that investing in retrofitting now can save lives and billions in potential future damage.
The Newport-Inglewood fault, which runs close to densely populated areas of Orange County, is capable of producing a major earthquake that could have widespread consequences for the region. The damage from such an event could be mitigated by retrofitting buildings now. Seismic retrofitting not only makes buildings safer but also preserves property values, making it a smart investment for property owners.
As part of the broader earthquake preparedness efforts, the Great ShakeOut serves as a reminder to both residents and officials in Orange County that earthquakes are inevitable, but the damage they cause is not. Seismic retrofitting can play a crucial role in protecting lives and livelihoods when the next big earthquake strikes. In places like Los Angeles and San Francisco, retrofitting has already proven to be a cost-effective strategy to reduce earthquake damage, and it’s time for Orange County to follow suit.
The importance of acting before a disaster strikes cannot be overstated. Orange County residents should be proactive in strengthening their homes and businesses through seismic retrofitting. By doing so, they contribute to a safer, more resilient community ready to face the uncertainties of seismic activity.
If your apartment building is a soft-story structure at risk of failure in an earthquake, call Optimum Seismic today at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com to arrange a complimentary evaluation of your building to find out precisely what risks and liabilities you may be facing.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Seismic Retrofit Guidelines,” available at https://www.fema.gov.
About Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering, steel fabrication and construction services for multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With more than 4,000 earthquake retrofit and renovation projects completed, Optimum Seismic’s work includes soft-story multifamily apartments, tilt-up, non-ductile concrete, steel moment frame and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To arrange a complimentary assessment of your building’s earthquake resilience, contact Optimum Seismic at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com.
