BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Vertical Bottom Inlet

Reference

Products and specification for a State of California-compliant earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff valve.

Earthquake Valve Overview

Reference

A one-page fact sheet outlining the purpose of an earthquake valve and how the valve can stop gas from flowing into a residence or building.

Installing an automatic gas shutoff valve

Video

Video from NW Seismic explaining how automatic gas shutoff valves work to shut off gas flow into a home during a seismic event and how to install a shutoff valve.

Excess Flow Valves

Reference

Website for gas utility customers describing the installation of excess flow valves to stop the flow of natural gas into a home in the event of a line rupture.

Excess Flow Valve

Reference

Flyer from the City of Ellensburg WA describing what an excess flow valve is, how they work, and associated costs.

Designing for Earthquakes - A Manual for Architects, FEMA P-454

Reference

Report explaining the principles of seismic design to architects.

Code Compliant Portal Frames Built Right

Presentation

Webinar explaining the importance of wall bracing to resist loads from wind and earthquakes.

Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt, FEMA 528

Reference

Poster describing earthquake safety tips and protection measures to take at home.

Anchor it and Protect a Child

Reference

Safety brochure from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) describing the dangers to children of furniture tipping over if it is not securely anchored.

Central United States Earthquake Consortium Website

Reference

Website providing disaster preparedness information and resources for residents and building owners in locations susceptible to earthquakes.

National Hazard Mitigation Association

Reference

Website providing information on tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms and more.

Introduction to the National Seismic Hazard Maps

Reference

Website providing a probabilistic map of the expected number of damaging earthquakes around the U.S.

What Is a Seismic Shut-Off Valve?

Reference

Infographic explaining what a seismic shut-off valve is and providing frequently asked questions.

Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valve Requirements

Reference

Fact sheet for natural gas customers describing city’s seismic gas shut-off valve requirements.

Gas Shut-Off Valve Requirements

Reference

Brochure for natural gas utility customers describing seismic valves and excess flow valves for homes.

Retrofit of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings: The State-of-the-Art

Reference

Technical paper covering the retrofit of unreinforced masonry buildings.

New and Substantially Improved Buildings - Electrical Systems

Reference

Guide for electrical systems design including installation guidance and best practices for flood-prone areas.

Ready.gov: Build A Kit

Reference

A fact sheet providing tips on how to assemble a kit of food, water and other disaster supplies in the event of an emergency.

NW Seismic: Seismic Retrofits

Reference

A website containing a video series by NW Seismic illustrating how a seismic retrofit should be done and ways they are done incorrectly.

Window Systems

Reference

Fact sheet describing impact-resistant window systems with specifics on Florida’s building codes.

Earthquake Country Alliance: Water Heater

Reference

Factsheet describing how to secure water heaters to resist seismic activity.

Gas Shutoff Valve Certification for Residential Structures

Reference

Website providing certifications and codes for automatic gas shut off valves in the state of California.

Earthquake Safety at Home, FEMA P-530

Reference

Guide provides homeowners ways to prepare for an earthquake and protect a home against earthquake damage.

Safety: Excess Flow Valves

Reference

Brochure for utility customers describing installation of an excess flow valve to automatically shut off natural gas flow into a home in the event of a gas line rupture.

C-36 - Plumbing Contractor

Reference

California State Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, listing requirements for plumbing contractors.

Residential Seismic Strengthening

Reference

Website providing resources for seismic retrofits for builders and homeowners as well as city permit requirements from the City of Portland OR.

San Francisco's Big Seismic Gamble

Reference

Article describing San Francisco and how impending seismic activity may affect modern skyscrapers.

Which building form is safest in an earthquake?

Video

Video showing why square and short building forms are safest in earthquakes per National Building Museum recommendations.

Disaster Resistant Landscaping

Video

Video discussing effective methods to landscape homes for wildfire and high winds from FLASH Strong Home recommendations.

Protect Your Property from Earthquakes

Reference

Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, evacuation tips, and electrical and appliance tips.