Project Impact and Earthquake Information

Home earthquake resistance retrofit program

If you own a wood-framed home built before the mid-1970s, it may not be connected to its foundation adequately enough to ride out an earthquake without sliding off the foundation.

Kirkland is participating in a nationally sponsored program called Project Impact, which is designed to create a more disaster-resistant community by encouraging owners of older wood frame homes to connect the main floor framing of the house to the foundation. Installing proper straps, anchors and bolts provides more stability and a better chance the home will remain on its foundation, thereby reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacement after an earthquake.

If you’re a City of Kirkland homeowner, the city will provide you with information on how to do the job yourself, or give you tips on how to hire a contractor. Plus, you’ll get technical assistance from city staff and even a break on the cost of building permits. The investment needed to complete this type of installation is minimal in comparison to the cost of repair or replacement of a home after an earthquake.

Click here for more information on the benefits of Project Impact, or call the Kirkland Fire and Building Department at (425) 587-3600.

Nobody Expects A Disaster to Strike . . . But When It Does, the Results Can Be Devastating.

Washington State is prone to natural disasters - severe wind and ice storms, landslides, floods, wildfires, volcanoes and earthquakes. They affect all parts of the state - large cities, small towns and remote rural areas. When disasters hit, individuals, families and businesses may suffer serious loss and financial hardship. It can take years to recover.

Prepare in Advance…

Safeguard the people and things you value. Develop a preparedness plan with your family. And secure your property to make it less vulnerable to disaster-related damage. Be the person who says, "I’m thankful I did" - not the one who says, "If only I had . . ."

Check your insurance

The right kind of disaster insurance is key to protecting your property and belongings. Talk to a knowledgeable agent to make sure you fully understand what your policy covers - and what additional protection you may need.

Remember . . . floods don’t just happen in floodplains. Other areas sustain groundwater flooding as well - and special insurance can cover flood-related damage. Since Washington is serious earthquake country, you may also want to consider earthquake insurance.

Voluntary organizations and government resources may help with your recovery. They will not restore you to your pre-disaster situation. Plan Now. That is Your Best Protection.

Step-by-Step Help After a Disaster

After the initial post-disaster shock, you’ll come face to face with practical considerations. What do you need? Who can help? What should you do first?

Emergency Assistance

Need immediate help? Listen to your radio or TV-broadcast Emergency Alert System for critical information. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army or other voluntary organizations will help with food, shelter, health care and immediate medical needs.

Insurance

What does your insurance cover? Contact your insurance agent to check policy coverage and file claims.

Call FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to find out what help may be available in your area - and how to proceed.

FEMA. Registration and information: 1-800-462-9029. For speech or hearing-impaired TTY 1-800-562-7585. Web: www.fema.gov

Programs that May be Available Following a Serious Disaster

Need housing assistance?

Housing Grants through FEMA’s Disaster Housing Program

Need a loan?

Small Business Administration Loans*

U.S. Department of Agriculture Loans*

Need more help?

Financial Assistance Grants (average is approximately $2,500). For individuals, families, and small businesses. For farmers and ranchers.

1-800-462-9029 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 if you’re speech or hearing-impaired.

YOU MUST APPLY WITHIN THE 60-DAY APPLICATION PERIOD.

Still have serious needs?

Help through the American Red Cross Additional Assistance Program* Know what your insurance covers. You must be ineligible for an SBA loan to qualify.

*May be available without a Presidential disaster declaration

About Government Disaster Recovery Programs

Register with FEMA by calling 1-800-462-9029.

Some of the following programs are only available following a Presidential disaster declaration. FEMA will let you know what’s available in your area.

Housing grants.

FEMA provides limited financial help for individuals and families - either owners or renters - whose primary residence is uninhabitable. If your insurance is inadequate, you may be eligible for:

Alternate rental housing or temporary shelter

Emergency repairs to make your residence safe to live in until more permanent repairs can be made

Mortgage and rental assistance if there’s a disaster-related loss of income and you can’t pay your rent or mortgage.

Loans for individuals, families and small businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest home and business disaster loans to uninsured or underinsured people who qualify. Loans can cover insurance deductibles.

Financial assistance grants.

These FEMA/state grants help with serious, disaster-related needs when other assistance programs are inadequate or unavailable. Examples include medical, dental and funeral expenses, transportation, and other property costs. Grants under this program are very limited. The average grant awarded is approximately $2,500.

More Help May Be Available

Following a disaster, call 1-800-462-9029 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 to find out which programs are available in your area. Some of the following programs are only available following a Presidential disaster declaration.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Administered by the Washington Department of Employment Security, this program may be available for people not covered by regular unemployment insurance - such as the self-employed, farm workers, or farm and ranch owners.

Tax Assistance. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may allow special income tax deductions for underinsured or uninsured disaster losses related to your home, personal property, and household goods. The IRS may also offer tax counseling and tax rebates. In addition, your County Assessor may allow for reductions in local property tax valuations.

Check Express. The Social Security Administration may be able to expedite address changes and benefit check delivery. Veterans may be able to get special help through the Veterans Administration.

Crisis Counseling. This service may be offered through the Washington Department of Social and Health Services or a local mental health agency.

Disaster Legal Services. Free legal services may be available for low-income disaster victims with disaster-related issues, such as help with insurance claims and replacing legal papers lost in the disaster.

Other voluntary organizations or charitable institutions. Voluntary disaster relief organizations may be able to provide short-term assistance throughout the recovery process.

Commonly Asked Questions

Following an emergency or disaster, what should I do if I’m unable to meet my basic needs?

Request help from the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other charitable organizations. These agencies typically help individuals and families with necessities - such as food, medical assistance, shelter, cleanup, transportation and clothing. Emergency assistance through voluntary agencies is available to everyone affected by a disaster without regard to citizenship or other status.

What role does insurance play in helping me recover?

Having the right kind of insurance is key to your disaster recovery. If you are insured, government programs may supplement it Œ but only after you’ve exhausted your benefits. If you already have insurance, make sure you understand what it covers and excludes.

When and how does the federal government get involved?

The Governor must formally ask the President to make a disaster declaration. If a declaration is made, several state and federal government agencies will come together to administer assistance programs in designated counties. To establish eligibility for assistance you must first register with FEMA using the toll-free disaster application line. FEMA may also open temporary Disaster Recovery Centers to help people get information and assistance.

Who is eligible for government assistance?

Individuals, families and small business owners in the counties included in the disaster declaration may be eligible - including renters, homeowners, farmers and ranchers. To be eligible for federal and state government programs, you must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or a "qualified" alien.

Need More Information?

Government Program Information:

FEMA. Registration and information: 1-800-462-9029. For speech or hearing-impaired TTY 1-800-562-7585. Web: www.fema.gov

U.S. Small Business Administration. Tel: 1-800-488-5323 (only activated if there’s been an SBA Declaration). Web: www.sba.gov/wa

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Call your county USDA Farm Service Agency Service Center or Extension Agent. Web: www.fsa.usda.gov/wa/

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Consumer advocacy and outreach: 1-800-562-6900. Web: www.insurance.wa.gov

Preparedness Information: (Information only - not for emergency assistance)

Washington Military Department / Emergency Management Division. Tel: 1-800-562-6108. www.wa.gov/wsem/

Other Information:

Washington State Emergency Management
www.wa.gov/wsem/

City of Seattle - Project Impact useful links

City of Bellevue - project Impact link