Napa Earthquake's Effect On Single-Family Houses Subject Of New Study Offering Gift Cards To Homeowners
NAPA (CBS SF) -- The California Earthquake Authority announced Tuesday that it is working with the City of Napa to learn more about how single-family houses fared in the South Napa earthquake that occurred Aug. 24.
Many of the older houses in Napa are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Experts hope that by understanding how those homes were affected by the quake, they will gain insight into the effectiveness of retrofitting techniques that can be used elsewhere around the state, according to the CEA.
To gather information, they're conducting a survey and offering a $25 gift card for the first 500 homeowners to participate. The questions will focus on types of damage their houses experienced, and whether or not seismic retrofitting had occurred prior to the quake, according to the CEA.
The survey will be offered in English and Spanish, and the CEA estimates it should take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Researchers are particularly interested in retrofitted houses that were constructed before 1960. Some of those homes may be selected for an inspection by the CEA, and homeowners willing to participate in that phase of the project will receive an additional $50 gift card.
The California Earthquake Authority, based in Sacramento, is a privately funded not-for-profit that provides earthquake insurance and works to reduce the risk of earthquake related loss.
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