In January 1994, the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake triggered over 11,000 landslides, contributing to the quake's total $20 billion in property damage centered around the San Fernando Valley region.
Earthquakes often trigger landslides, causing significant and even catastrophic damage to houses. If your house is in the path of an earthquake-induced landslide, it is at risk for damage from landslide debris, as well as sliding downhill itself. MyHazards can help you find out if the area where you live or work is prone to earthquake-induced landslides.
How to Prepare Your House for Landslides
A geotechnical or civil engineer can advise or help with retrofit plans to reduce risk to your house from earthquake-induced landslides. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program maintains a searchable database of California engineers.
Retrofitting for a geologic hazard often involves both structural foundation changes like bracing and bolting, and changes to the property surrounding the house. This can be time-consuming and costly.
Consider purchasing a CEA earthquake insurance policy from a participating residential insurer as a safeguard against earthquake induced landslide damage.