Homeowners in Humboldt County can now apply for grants of up to $3,000 to help strengthen their homes against potential earthquake damage. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program is accepting applications through October 1 at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.
For the first time, the EBB program has expanded eligibility to include non-primary residences such as rental properties and second homes. This change aims to allow more property owners access to seismic retrofit funding.
The EBB program is run by the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP), a joint effort between the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The funds provided are meant for future earthquake protection and cannot be used for repairing damage from previous quakes.
Eligible retrofits involve bracing short wooden walls called cripple walls and bolting houses to their foundations, which reduces vulnerability during earthquakes. To qualify for an EBB grant, a home must have been built before 1980, have a raised foundation or crawl space, be located in an eligible ZIP code, sit on level ground or a slight slope, and feature wood frame construction.
Income-eligible homeowners with annual incomes at or below $89,040 may also receive supplemental grants that could cover up to all costs associated with seismic retrofitting, depending on available funding.
Property owners interested in applying can visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com to check ZIP code eligibility, review program details, and find FEMA-trained contractors licensed in California. Customer service is available at 877-232-4300. After registration closes, applicants will be selected randomly and notified by email if they are chosen or placed on a waitlist.
Northern California remains one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the country. According to data from the California Earthquake Authority, over 1.2 million houses in high hazard ZIP codes are particularly susceptible due to their construction prior to 1980 and lack of retrofitting (https://www.californiaresidentialmitigationprogram.com/).
A statement from local authorities emphasized: “If your home fits this description and has not already been retrofitted, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services encourages you to consider looking into what seismic retrofit options are available to you.”
While no retrofit can make a house completely resistant to earthquakes, these upgrades significantly reduce risk of damage.
More information about earthquake preparedness is available at https://humboldtgov.org/earthquake.
