As millions worldwide participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill this October, the City of Seattle took measures to address the safety of its historic unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. Recognizing the potential hazards posed by these structures in the event of an earthquake, a local campaign dubbed "Fix the Bricks" has been launched, urging Washingtonians to rally support for seismic retrofits. According to a Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) dispatch, the campaign encompasses social media efforts, informational materials, and a call-to-action video.
Looking ahead, the proposed House Bill 1810 aims to bolster efforts in making URM buildings safer. It aims to encourage the economic viability of retrofits by offering incentives, such as tax credits, to property owners, according to SDCI. Meant to urge the preservation of affordable housing and protect historic landmarks, the bill is also tasked with completing a statewide URM inventory, shedding light on the potentially thousands of vulnerable buildings.
Recent changes at the federal level have affected local mitigation funding. With the BRIC grant program now defunct and the notable absence of reauthorization for the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP), cities like Seattle have been left to devise their own approaches to disaster preparedness. These developments, as noted by the SDCI, highlight the importance of state-led solutions.
In reflecting on past tragedies, such as the 2011 Christchurch, New Zealand, Earthquake and recognizing the proximity to the 25th anniversary of the 1999 Nisqually Earthquake, the impetus for seismic readiness in Seattle is clear. Reinforcing URM structures not only serves to address security concerns but also aligns with the city's climate objectives, thereby preserving embodied carbon and mitigating potential environmental damage from mass demolitions. The Seattle government expresses strong backing for HB 1810, championing the #FixtheBricks campaign in hopes of sidestepping the extensive fallout experienced by Christchurch post-quake.
