A Wake-Up Call for Homeowners and Landlords
On February 13, 2025, a series of earthquakes rattled the Bay Area, with magnitudes reaching up to 3.7 near Hayward. While relatively minor, these tremors serve as a stark reminder that California sits on some of the most active fault lines in the world. For homeowners and landlords, this is yet another reason to rethink property resilience and disaster preparedness.
What Happened?
The recent quakes were centered along the Hayward Fault, a well-known seismic hotspot. Though no major damage was reported, residents across San Francisco, Berkeley, Concord, and Fremont felt the shaking. Geologists warn that the Hayward Fault has the potential for a major earthquake within our lifetime, making earthquake preparedness a top priority.
The Reality for Homeowners: Are You Financially Protected?
Many California homeowners don’t realize that standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Despite the well-known risk, only 13% of California homeowners currently have earthquake insurance. Without coverage, homeowners are left to cover repair and rebuilding costs entirely on their own.
For landlords, the stakes are even higher. Structural damage can displace tenants, disrupt rental income, and create liability issues. As seismic activity continues, understanding how to protect your investment is critical.
How to Prepare Your Property for the Next Earthquake
Here’s what every homeowner and landlord should do now to minimize earthquake damage and financial risk:
1. Conduct a Structural Assessment
Older homes, especially those built before modern seismic codes, may need retrofitting to withstand earthquakes. Common retrofits include:
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Reinforcing cripple walls (short wood-framed walls between the foundation and first floor)
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Bolting the home’s foundation to the frame
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Installing seismic bracing for water heaters and heavy appliances
Hiring a structural engineer to assess your home’s seismic resilience and recommend reinforcements is a proactive step.
2. Secure Heavy Items and Utilities
The biggest indoor risks during an earthquake come from falling objects and broken utilities. Take these precautions:
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Secure bookshelves, cabinets, and large furniture to walls
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Anchor water heaters and gas lines to prevent leaks and fires
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Install automatic gas shut-off valves
3. Review Your Insurance Policy
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Check if you already have earthquake insurance (most standard policies do not include it)
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If you don’t have coverage, consider policies from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA)
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Landlords should verify their loss-of-rent coverage in case tenants are displaced due to quake damage
4. Build an Earthquake Emergency Plan
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Have emergency supplies (water, food, first aid) for at least three days
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Establish a safe meeting place with family or tenants
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Train tenants or family members on how to shut off gas, electricity, and water
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Keep important documents (deeds, insurance policies) in a fireproof, waterproof container
How Henge Can Help You Stay Ahead of Disaster
At Henge, we believe in proactive protection. Our tools and insights help homeowners and landlords prepare for disasters before they happen.
Here’s how we help:
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Seismic risk reports to understand your home’s earthquake vulnerability
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Insurance guidance to find the best policies to protect your investment
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Property resilience recommendations
Whether you're assessing risk, exploring insurance options, or looking for ways to reinforce your home, Henge is here to support you every step of the way. Small, informed decisions today can make a huge difference when the next earthquake strikes.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Inaction is Too High
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but preparedness is a choice. Retrofitting, securing valuables, and having the right insurance could mean the difference between recovering quickly or facing financial ruin.
The recent tremors are a reminder, not an anomaly. Make sure your home and investment properties are ready for the next big one.
Looking for guidance? Henge provides the insights and tools to help you navigate earthquake preparedness with confidence.
Are you prepared for the next earthquake?
