July 2018 Newsletter.
The emergency room at Long Beach Community Hospital was shut down last week over concerns that it would be unable to meet state seismic compliance regulations that take effect next year. The age of the 94-year-old structure and its location on top of a fault led to the closure. In fact, in 2001, approximately 40 percent of California hospitals were determined to be at risk of failure or collapse in a major earthquake. Why are hospitals being regulated? It’s important they be available to treat people in the event of a disaster. But many other buildings serve important functions in our society: as homes, places of business and in the case of building owners, a significant lifetime investment. Seismic retrofits help to not only protect the structures, but the well-being of our social fabric. How can you help? Contact us today for a free consultation on your property.
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal, Optimum Seismic, Inc.
Need a Retrofit? Don’t Skirt Hazardous Substance Testing
The discovery of lead or asbestos in a building can substantially increase the cost of any demolition or reconstruction project. But the risks of ignoring these circumstances can lead to serious penalties.
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California Earthquake Resiliency Bill Gains Support
A bill to help create a statewide inventory of buildings at risk of failing in an earthquake is gaining broad support from diverse interests in California. More information to follow.
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‘Big One’ Would Create Refugee Crisis in California
When a catastrophic earthquake hits California, buildings will topple and potentially hundreds could be killed. But what gets less attention is the wrenching aftermath of such a huge temblor, which could leave hundreds of thousands of people without a home.
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USGS Cites Serious Risks in San Francisco High-rises
A recent report by the U.S. Geological Survey includes a list of buildings that are potentially vulnerable to a large quake. That list includes some of San Francisco’s most prominent high rises are on the list — representing many of the same building types that are found in skyscrapers in downtown Los Angeles.
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Experts Seek a Universal Symbol for Ground Shaking
Social media is already being used by scientists to almost instantaneously locate earthquakes, as people take to Twitter to report shaking and damage and casualties. An emoji could cut through language barriers and speed the flow of information.
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New Data Could Double Recent Projections for Quake Damage
New research and findings have scientists nearly doubling the impacts of a catastrophic earthquake in Los Angeles, the New York Times has reported. “It’s going to amplify the shaking in terms of intensity and duration,” one scientist said.
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AAGLA, Optimum Seismic to Host Seismic Retrofit Seminar
The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles will host a free educational seminar presented by Optimum Seismic from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday July 11 at the John C. Fremont library, 6121 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. RSVPs required.
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