Secure Your Building: Stairwells

Earthquake Readiness Campaign

Disclaimer: The effects, descriptions, recommendations, and suggestions included in this web site are intended to improve earthquake preparedness; however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or a structure. The Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) takes responsibility for the inclusion of materials from various sources on these pages. The State of California, the Seismic Safety Commission, the ECA and all contributors to this document do not assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, loss of revenue, or any other effect of an earthquake.

Stairwells

Larger imageStairwell

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Purpose

To keep stairwells clear for exiting the building.

Recommendation

Consult a structural engineer to implement any of the following options:

Remove or anchor all materials which may be loosened or fall during an earthquake.
Reinforce or replace masonry walls and plaster (if not adequately reinforced) in the stairwell. Replace the wall with steel studs and sheetrock.
Install battery-operated emergency lighting in stairwells.
Reinforce windows.
Secure ceiling.

This campaign receives major sponsorship from:

Created in the SCEC

system

Last modified: May 22 2007 15:20

Southern California Earthquake Center @