Make your home safer in the event of an earthquake by attending an upcoming earthquake retrofit “info clinic,” sponsored by Regional Home Retrofit, on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Lowe's, 12525 Aurora Ave. N., from 9-10 a.m.

During the first 30 minutes you’ll hear about the vulnerability of homes in the Puget Sound and the resources available through Regional Home Retrofit. The other 30 minutes are focused on how to secure your hot water heater, bookcases, china hutches, picture frames, breakables and electronics.

Classes for Contractors
Project Impact, along with the University of Washington, also sponsors a home retrofit class for contractors. This six-hour professional workshop provides a consistent, approved approach to the earthquake (seismic) retrofit of older, wood-frame homes regionally to reduce earthquake-induced damage. Once professionals have completed training, they can be added to the Project Impact Trained Contractor Referral List. The next class will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the UW Seattle Campus. See registration details at right.

Why Retrofit?
The Puget Sound area’s triple-threat from earthquakes has many homeowners concerned. All homeowners have the power of action to lessen their fear. Regional Home Retrofit helps residents protect themselves from a quake.

250,000 of this region’s homes were built before the earthquake codes were changed, making them more vulnerable to shaking damage as well as causing injuries to families. These pre-1980 homes can be strengthened to resist earthquake damage by reinforcing three typical weaknesses at the foundation, basement and first floor levels.

Regional Home Retrofit provides free classes and consumer information for homeowners, training for contractors, a tool-lending library for do-it-yourselfers, pre-engineered drawings, an expedited permit process with inspections at participating building departments, financing and much more. The goal is to make retrofitting as easy as possible for homeowners, so the process has been simplified. There are resources at every turn to assist making good decisions for a safer home and family.

“The time of year is perfect for taking on home projects, and since we never know when the next quake will strike – today is a good day to begin.” stated Roger Faris, a retrofitting expert. “Homes needing retrofit are spread throughout the region, so it’s important to know there are resources through Regional Home Retrofit to assist you in protecting your home and family today."