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In promoting National Earthquake Preparedness Month, the eastside
cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Issaquah announce the start of Project Impact.
This program is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program
designed to mitigate earthquake damage through educational workshops
that help homeowners and contractors understand how to secure the first
floor framing of the house to the foundation. Encouraging homeowners to
do this will help insure that the house remains on its foundation in the
event of an earthquake. Many older homes, particularly those built
before 1965 may not be adequately bolted to the foundation. In lessons
learned from recent earthquakes one significant contributing factor of
damage to older light frame structures was the lack of connection of the
floor framing to the foundation. The Project Impact program has two
components: a simplified permit process that establishes generic
fastening solutions for older, wood framed homes (also called "home
retrofitting"); and professional training for contractors and
homeowners interested in doing their own retrofitting.
Home retrofitting has a proven record of making homes perform better
in earthquakes. Home retrofitting protects families and individuals,
increases public safety, safeguards real estate investments, and fosters
community support and involvement. The eastside cities of Bellevue,
Redmond, Kirkland and Issaquah are collaborating to promote this
neighborhood enhancement that will help reduce the damaging effects of
an earthquake. Elected officials within our communities agree that the
Project Impact program can significantly improve the safety of older
homes in the community and is part of our continued efforts to maintain
and enhance all of our neighborhoods.
Many public, private, and volunteer agencies have been involved with
the development and implementation of Project Impact. Examples include
City of Seattle, King County, Pierce County, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Phinney Neighborhood Association, Seattle Public
Schools, Bill Steele (UW Seismology Lab Coordinator), Roger Faris
(Well-Home Program Coordinator for Phinney Neighborhood Association) and
Safeco.
Additional information about the Project Impact program can be
obtained by contacting or visiting your local Building Permit Center at:
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