Earthquake Preparedness - 2 Common Mistakes Californians Should Know About

The 1906 Earthquake –

The most lethal earthquake in United States history struck San Francisco on April 18, 1906. More than 480 city blocks were obliterated, causing close to $400,000,000 in structural damage. But even though 250,000 people lost their homes, under 700 people lost their lives, meaning that roughly one person died for more than 285 homes destroyed.

How was this even possible, especially considering that the largest tremors struck at 5:15 AM, when most were still in bed asleep? The fact is: the initial quake only caused the tip of an iceberg of damage. The majority of homes were destroyed by the fire that raged unchecked across the city for the three days following. After the ground had stabilized, the vast majority of citizens were able to escape from their homes relatively unharmed, even if it meant living like refugees in the years to come. (More info on the 1906 quake can be found here.)

The Aftermath - Modern Earthquake Preparedness

With all that has been learned in the last century about fire control, a 6.5 on the Richter scale does not require my attention. I do, however, follow all the new guidelines and regulations that have responded to what we have learned from disasters, such as the 1906 quake. Tips, such as securing shelves, checking electricity and gas connections (to prevent fire after a quake), and organizing storage so that heavier items are stored closer to the ground are made available to everyone across the country on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

Two Common Mistakes Californians

Because FEMA is a Federal organization, it is missing the regulations that are specific to California. These are crucial for households that may undergo an earthquake, because they decrease the likelihood of significant structural damage and fires resulting from earthquakes.

• Forgetting water heater straps - The state of California has made water heater straps mandatory to prevent heaters from falling over during quakes. Simply check all water heaters for two thick straps attached to the wall. One strap should hug the top and one the bottom. If a heater is missing them, they may be installed either professionally or by the owner.

• Not checking for an automatic earthquake gas valve – A study conducted after the 1994 Northridge earthquake concluded that roughly half of the resultant fires would have been prevented by earthquake gas valves. These will automatically shut off the gas to a home in the event of an earthquake, preventing damaged gas lines from causing fires and are now . For more information on how to know if you have one, see my page.

Additionally, comments, tips, regulations, or new technologies I have missed are welcome! We want to make sure everyone is safe and secure.

Hybrid Water Heaters Deconstructed

Hybrid Water heaters should be easier to understand, and so I'm setting out to “make it so,” as Captain Picard would say.  Although plenty of people know of their existence, hybrid water heaters can be a little more difficult to consider purchasing.  More so, applying for federal tax rebates, finding the right unit, and installing this new technology, especially without a clue as to whether these things will work well can deter many consumers.  Read the following for all the basics, and follow the links below to dig deeper if you like. 

Hybrid Water Heater Basics
These units, which use a combination of tank and tankless heating, electricity and gas,  typically cost more money upfront, and save a lot of money in the long run.  Compared to the normal, tank units, hybrids:

• Use about half as much energy – saving roughly $250/year (depends on region and usage)
• Last almost twice as long – roughly 20-year life-spans compared to the 10-13 year norm
• Contribute to the preservation of energy and the environment
• Cost about 3X the norm, including installation
• Many units are credited by government incentives, which pay 30% of the cost, up to $1,500

So, using the average values, if a hybrid water heater is purchased rather than an $1300 conventional heater, then it would take anywhere between 3-5 years to save enough money in energy costs to pay back the difference in the initial investment. 

Energy Star Requirements
The EPA has effectively created an energy-efficient stamp of approval that guarantees the federal rebate.  Few products receive the Energy Star label, and these are set apart from the competition by meeting a few, broad requirements:

• The product must conserve energy when compared to the national average
• The product must be verified to pay for its additional cost in energy savings within a “reasonable” period of time – Going by the numbers, this figure is definitely under ten years for water heaters, and if the product would not deliver on its own, then the government will often give incentives in the form of tax breaks, to bring the payback period “within reason”
• The product must meet performance and feature standards, as outlined by consumers
• The product must use widely available technologies that are offered by multiple manufacturers.

Currently, incentives (30% of cost, up to $1,500) are attached to all hybrid water heaters with the Energy Star label, in addition to other models that meet specific energy efficient requirements.  You can check out those requirements on the government web site, as well as download the application for the refund.

Product Reviews
But what are people saying about these new models?  How do we know, especially for those without the Energy Star label, they work as well as the tried-and-true conventional units?  I found only positive reviews when I searched, such as the one quoted below.  The following is the only overall disadvantage he/she found with the GE Hybrid water heater: “It took 3 guys around 3 hours to install (this is new for them as well) and took more work than a regular water heater. The most difficult aspect was the intake and outlet pipe had to be reworked into an "L" shape so that there was room to allow the air filter to be removed. You definitely want to be experienced with soldering pipes etc if you were to do this yourself. Our house is older, so we also needed an electrical line installed to replace the 20A we had in place (included in installation costs).” -trevorc45102 reviewed November 20, 2009

The reviewer commented further that, after tax breaks, there was an $800 difference in cost between the standard tank unit and the hybrid, which was expected to be paid back in energy savings within five years.  The full review can be found here; and if you want to have one installed, here is an San Francisco Plumbing company that will install them.
George Salet Plumbing
www.PlumbingPro.com

What is the PHCC and why do we belong?

As a Child my Father instilled in me and my brothers the value of a job well done. He used to say "be the best at whatever you do and you will never have to worry about a job". When I became a Plumber I took his words to heart and became the best plumber I could be. Eventually I went on my own to start George Salet Plumbing and my mission was to have the best plumbing company in the bay area. In my search to be the best I noticed the companies I admired as being top notch all belonged to the PHCC, which stands for Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors.
  The PHCC was started in 1883 and is the oldest trade organization in the construction industry, approximately 3,700 members nationwide. Originally formed to differentiate between trained plumbers and others in the new field of plumbing. Their mission statement is as timely today as it was over 125 years ago.

PHCC is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the industry for the protection of our environment and the health, safety and comfort of society.

Wow were they ahead of their time?
Needless to say I joined, and what a great decision that was, today All of my Plumbers have been certified by the PHCC as Journeyman Plumbers or currently enrolled in training, because you can't be the best unless you have the proper training. The PHCC also allows me to meet with manufacturer and learn about new products and methods of installations. Today I am in Napa California with over 120 Plumbing Contractors from over four states at a PHCC convention were we will attend seminars about the newest and greatest in plumbing and the plumbing issues that confront us all.

Thanks for viewing,
George Salet
George Salet Plumbing
www.PlumbingPro.com
P.S I am having a Great Time