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Earthquake resilience checklist

Use our Earthquake resilience checklist yourself to identify any weak points in your house, from your home’s foundations to its chimney.

The checklist

Some of the problems that could affect Wellington homes in an earthquake are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix, like tying the house to its foundations or securing a hot water cylinder. Use the following checklist yourself to identify any weak points.

Under the floor Check
Foundations

Are your piles in good order?

Is your house properly tied to pile foundations?

Are your pile foundations properly supported by bracing?

Do you have reinforced concrete slab foundations?
Framing

Are your jack studs and your wall framing braced?

Are the timber frames that support the floor in good order?

Are the poles supporting your house braced and in good condition?
Floor to ceiling Check
Walls

Are your masonry walls reinforced?

Do you have properly fixed wall linings?
Water storage and heat appliances

Is your internal hot water cylinder and heat pump secured to the walls?
Ceiling to roof Check
Roofs

Is the roof space beneath your chimney strengthened?

Is your gable-ended roof braced?

Are your clay and concrete tiles properly fastened?
Chimneys

Is your chimney safe?
Header tanks

Is your header tank secured properly?
Grounds and surroundings Check
Retaining walls

Are your retaining walls in good order?
Pipes and cables

Are your pipes and cables in good condition and your cables secure?

More information

Visit the Earthquake Commission (EQC) website to find out what you can do to make your home safer for you, your family or flatmates. It includes guides for:

To prevent damage and injury in an earthquake, it’s a good idea to restrain your large appliances and furniture. Seismic Restraints NZ stocks an extensive range of earthquake safety fasteners to secure common fixtures and furnishings in every part of your home.

The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has information about preparing for an emergency, and ways to connect with your community before a natural disaster.