Earthquake Fast Fixes for Mountain View Homes

You do not need a major remodel to make your Mountain View home safer before the next quake. A few smart, fast fixes can reduce injuries, limit damage, and give you peace of mind. This guide shows you the high‑impact steps you can tackle tonight, this weekend, and with a short visit from a pro, plus local context and resources to help you plan. Let’s dive in.

Why quick fixes matter in Mountain View

Mountain View includes many buildings and soils that can amplify shaking. A city study identified about 488 suspected soft‑story multifamily buildings, covering roughly 5,123 housing units, which are more vulnerable in a strong quake. You can read the summary in the local report on soft‑story buildings in Mountain View. (source)

Parts of northern Mountain View are mapped for higher liquefaction susceptibility in strong shaking, which can worsen damage to foundations and utilities. See the USGS liquefaction hazard map for northern Santa Clara Valley. (map)

The good news is you can reduce risk quickly. Securing heavy furniture and contents, practicing a household drill, and addressing utility hazards are simple steps with outsized benefits. Practical checklists from the Earthquake Country Alliance can guide you. (guide)

Tonight: zero‑cost safety moves

• Move heavy items off high shelves and away from beds, sofas, and doorways. Place heavy pieces on lower shelves.
• Identify safe spots to Drop, Cover, and Hold On in each room. Do a quick family drill.
• Walk your home and note anything that could fall or block exits. Plan how you will clear or secure it this weekend.

This weekend: low‑cost DIY upgrades

• Strap tall furniture and bookcases to wall studs. Use closed hooks for pictures and museum putty for small breakables.
• Add childproof or seismic latches to kitchen cabinets to keep contents from flying out.
• Secure TVs and monitors with straps or wall mounts anchored into studs.
• Install anti‑tip brackets or anchors on freestanding appliances where practical.

For step‑by‑step how‑tos, use the Earthquake Country Alliance “Secure Your Space” resources. (how‑to)

Call a pro: short jobs that cut risk

• Strap your water heater and use a flexible gas connector. Many hardware stores sell approved kits, and a plumber can handle installation in a single visit. This reduces leak and fire risk and aligns with California code for new or replacement units. (water heater safety)
• Install flexible gas connectors on gas appliances and verify lines. If you have questions, hire a licensed plumber.
• Brace and bolt a raised‑foundation single‑family home. This is one of the most cost‑effective structural upgrades, often completed in days. Typical projects run about 3,000 to 7,000 dollars, and the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program may offset costs when registration is open. (cost range) (grant info)

Gas and utilities safety

Know where your main gas shutoff is and how to operate it, but do not turn gas back on yourself after a quake. If you smell gas, evacuate, call 911, then PG&E. Treat all downed power lines as live and report hazards. PG&E’s disaster safety page has clear guidance. (PG&E safety)

If you are considering an automatic seismic gas shutoff valve, PG&E does not install these on the customer side. A licensed plumber must install an approved device on your piping, and utility crews handle service restoration after activation. (seismic valve policy)

Buying or selling in Mountain View

If you own or are considering a multifamily property, know that soft‑story retrofits are more complex and costly than simple brace and bolt work on single‑family homes. Program analyses show many small apartment retrofits running into six figures, depending on size and scope. (multifamily context)

City leaders have studied a mandatory retrofit program for soft‑story buildings, yet a citywide ordinance had not been finalized at the time of the cited reporting. Check the City of Mountain View Building Division for the latest on permits and policy updates. (local report) (permits and fees)

For single‑family homes on raised foundations, keep an eye on Earthquake Brace + Bolt registration windows. Many homeowners receive grants, and completed retrofits can provide insurance premium discounts from the California Earthquake Authority. (grant details)

A simple plan you can follow

• Tonight: clear heavy items from beds and seating, pick Drop, Cover, Hold On spots, and plan your weekend tasks.
• This weekend: strap furniture and TVs, add cabinet latches, and anchor appliances.
• Next two weeks: schedule a plumber for water‑heater strapping and flexible connectors, then consult a licensed contractor about brace and bolt if your home is eligible.

Ready to prioritize the right prep for your sale or purchase plan in Mountain View. If you are weighing pre‑listing improvements or due‑diligence upgrades, we can help you choose high‑impact fixes and coordinate trusted pros. Reach out to Tim Alford for a practical plan that fits your timeline.

FAQs

What are the first earthquake fixes to do in a Mountain View home?

• Start with life safety: secure heavy furniture near beds and seating, strap the water heater and use flexible gas connectors, and practice Drop, Cover, Hold On. (guide)

How do I secure a water heater in California?

• Use two approved straps anchored to studs and a flexible gas connector. Many kits are available, and a plumber can complete the job in one visit. (how‑to)

Do I need an automatic gas shutoff valve in Mountain View?

• It is optional for most homes. If you choose one, a licensed plumber must install an approved device on your side of the meter, and PG&E handles service restoration after activation. (PG&E policy)

Are soft‑story apartment retrofits required in Mountain View now?

• The city has studied a large soft‑story inventory and discussed mandates, but a citywide ordinance had not been finalized at the time of the cited reporting. Check current Building Division notices. (local report) (permits)

How much does a brace and bolt retrofit cost for a single‑family home?

• Typical projects run about 3,000 to 7,000 dollars, and the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant may help when registration is open. (cost range) (grant info)