OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
March 2023 NEWSLETTER
Recent earthquake disaster underscores need for L.A. County nonductile concrete retrofit law
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
We were all shaken by February’s earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria. Some 50,000 confirmed dead, and at least 164,000 buildings either collapsed or so badly damaged they need to be demolished.
From the comfort of our homes, it’s easy to think we are immune to such catastrophes. But many of those fallen buildings share the same life-threatening construction flaws that hundreds do in our communities.
We also experienced the devastation of nonductile concrete buildings in the 1971 Sylmar and 1994 Northridge earthquakes. Yet today, there are an estimated 1,335 nonductile concrete buildings in the City of Los Angeles alone in desperate need of retrofits. We know this because L.A. took the initiative to institute a mandatory retrofit law for these buildings. L.A. County is just starting the process to inventory nonductile buildings in its jurisdiction. Sadly, many other communities are oblivious to the dangers they face with nonductile concrete and other vulnerable structures.
Identifying these risks is the first step to making our communities safer for us, our children, and future generations.
L.A. County moves to require quake retrofits as Turkey-Syria deaths top 50,000
Los Angeles County took the first step last week toward a mandatory earthquake retrofit order for the types of concrete buildings that collapsed in the devastating earthquakes that shook Turkey and Syria, causing many of the 50,000 deaths tallied so far.
Deadly Long Beach quake propelled state’s seismic laws
One month to the day after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, California’s Legislature and governor, acting with a speed born of panic and voters’ fury, put into law the Field Act, which ordered rigid construction codes as well as inspections for public schools.
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What Turkey’s quake says about seismic forecasting
Two decades ago, John McCloskey drew a red line on a map of southeastern Turkey to pinpoint where a large earthquake would probably strike. The only question was when.
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Tips on donating to help quake victims
Before you make a donation, especially to a lesser-known organization, do research to make sure it is reputable. Sites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar grade nonprofits based on transparency and effectiveness. Many national and international charities are providing assistance. Click the link below to learn more.
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Resilience Advantage helps businesses prepare
Experts in engineering, seismic retrofit construction and financial resources will provide information during the next Resilience Advantage webinar on March 28. The event will feature representatives of the U.S. Small Business Association, the U.S. Resiliency Council and Optimum Seismic to discuss the impacts of earthquakes on business. Save the date for the Resilience Advantage on Tuesday, March 28th from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Click were to watch
Optimum sponsors USC, CSDA emergency summit
California Manufacturers & Technology Association joined Optimum Seismic as sponsors of the California Special Districts Association’s Emergency Preparedness Summit 2023, presented by the USC Price EXED Forum on Feb. 24. The keynote speaker was Sen. Angelique Ashby, and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez spoke on AB 1505 and earthquake safety. Other speakers addressed wildfire prevention, drought, cybersecurity and active shooter prevention and response.
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Millions live ‘Apocalypic’ reality after major quakes
Some 18 million people have been affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, with 50,000 dead and “millions upon millions” of people having lost their homes, livelihoods and assets. “There is only one way to describe it,” said one UN World Food Program representative, “Apocalyptic.”
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200 arrested in connection with building collapses
Nearly 200 people have been arrested for alleged poor building construction following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey last month. Some 50,000 people were killed across Turkey and Syria after the earthquake struck on Feb. 6. The ministry said 626 people were “suspects” after buildings fully collapsed or were seriously damaged. Some of the suspects died in the quake, while police are still hunting for others.
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