Laserfiche WebLink
59 <br /> <br />4.4 EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT PROGRAMS <br /> <br />The City of San Leandro includes earthquake safety as one of the top priorities in its public <br />safety mission. There are currently two retrofit programs in effect within the city. One <br />program addresses the seismic strengthening of older unreinforced masonry buildings, <br />while the other program addresses the strengthening of older wood-frame homes. <br />The retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings throughout the city is nearly complete <br />thanks to the diligence and commitment of the building owners. This retrofit work has <br />improved the earthquake resistance of these buildings, thus enhancing the safety of the <br />occupants. The owners are to be commended for their efforts. <br />The seismic strengthening of older wood-frame homes throughout the city is progressing <br />with the help of the HOME EARTHQUAKE STRENGTHENING PROGRAM. This is a <br />comprehensive residential seismic strengthening program that provides property <br />owners with simple and cost-effective methods for strengthening their wood-frame <br />houses for earthquake survival. San Leandro's Home Earthquake Strengthening Program <br />includes six fundamental elements, each of which is described below. <br />Earthquake Strengthening Workshops - This popular workshop series, provided to <br />homeowners on a quarterly basis, reviews common residential construction weaknesses <br />and introduces the average citizen to basic repair techniques that can significantly <br />improve a home's performance in earthquakes. The course is offered through the City’s <br />Building Division and consists of four evening sessions for homeowners who wish to learn <br />how to "do-it-yourself" or learn how to get the best service if they hire a contractor. <br />The City also offers similar classes for contractors. A major obstacle to homeowner <br />participation in earthquake strengthening is the difficulty in hiring qualified retrofit <br />contractors. To increase homeowner confidence in finding a qualified retrofit <br />professional, another element of San Leandro's Home Earthquake Strengthening <br />Program is the Contractor Workshop. This quarterly 8-hour course is aimed at optimizing <br />and regulating the quality of services that retrofit contractors provide to San Leandro <br />homeowners. <br />The San Leandro Earthquake Handbook - This is a high-impact, full-color, 16-page <br />booklet that provides residents with a plain-English explanation about earthquake risks <br />in the community. It contains easy-to-follow illustrations and step-by-step instructions for <br />evaluating and strengthening a wood-frame house against earthquakes (anchor-bolting, <br />plywood shear-paneling, nailing, blocking, etc.), guidance for strapping a water heater, as <br />well as preventing the collapse of a brick chimney. It also contains information about the <br />City's over-the-counter permit for home-earthquake strengthening, references to other <br />resources in the community, and frequently asked questions and answers. <br />A Prescribed Retrofit Standard & Free Plan Set - Improving upon a concept that <br />originated with the City of Santa Barbara, San Leandro developed a recommended <br />standard for regulating the quality of home retrofit procedures undertaken in the San <br />98