Simple Homeowner Tips after a DC Earthquake

Wondering if today's quake left its mark on your home? Check out these simple tips:

• Look for stair stepped cracks at the foundation to your home. They will generally follow the mortar joints in your brick or block foundation. If you see that, further inspection is recommended. If you have concrete, look for cracks that start at the foundation line and progress up the wall at a 45 degree angle.
• Inspect for large cracks in drywall and brick (greater than ¼”) running 45 degrees from openings such as doors and windows. Look specifically at large openings such as picture windows and garage doors.
• Look or feel for sags in floors, ceilings and roof line.
• If you smell gas, exit the home immediately and call 911.
• Make sure the hot water heater is founded on concrete and not compromised from its original position.
• You may want to consider strapping your hot water heater to the closest wall at your house. It is cheap and will save you a small fortune if we have another earthquake since it will prevent it from falling over and flooding your house.