 | | | Peter Yanev discusses earthquake safety tips at Orinda Books Photos Cristina Kim
| | | | | | The twentieth anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake and the studies indicating that the Bay Area is due to have another large earthquake in the next 30 years have generated renewed public interest in earthquake safety procedures. The mass earthquake drill that took place throughout California on October 15, 2009, reflects only a sliver of what it means to be prepared. Although it may seem daunting to take precautions beyond "DUCK-COVER-HOLD," there are many ways to prepare for an earthquake. Orinda resident Peter Yanev, an engineer and co-author of "Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country: How to Save Your Home, Business and Life," offers a multitude of ideas concerning earthquake safety.
Yanev stresses the importance of inspecting and retrofitting homes to withstand earthquakes. Although earthquake safety measures often concentrate on public infrastructure, Yanev is much more concerned with private homes and old, private commercial areas in Lamorinda. He particularly urges owners of older and larger homes, which have a high risk of incurring damage, to reinforce their homes' structural strength.
Yanev emphasizes the importance of taking action before an earthquake and not just after the damage has been done, citing earthquake home insurance as a "secondary measure" that does little to limit damage or save lives.Yanev's colleague and co-author Andy Thomson colorfully elaborates, "Buying house earthquake insurance only, without retrofitting, is tantamount to buying car insurance and never fixing the brakes."
According to Yanev, the Hayward Fault, which is a mere two miles from his own home and other Lamorinda homes, has a very high probability of being the epicenter of the next major Bay Area earthquake. While this may be very alarming, Yanev confidently states, "Do I sound scared? No, because if you do basically what the book says and retrofit your home you will be fine." Although Yanev strongly suggests contracting an engineer for guidance and instruction, he claims that many homeowners can do some of the retrofitting detailed in his book on their own. As for safety procedures during an earthquake, Yanev suggests getting away from glass but notes, "If the house is safe there is no reason to be afraid."
In commemoration of the Loma Prieta earthquake, Peter Yanev and Andy Thomson signed copies of the book and answered questions about earthquake safety at Orinda Books on Thursday, October 15. Their book, "Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country: How to Save your Home, Business, and Life" is available at Orinda Books and other book retailers.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA