Earthquake: Home Safe Home

Produced by the non-profit Owner Builder Center, and hosted by veteran OBC instructor and licensed engineer Tony DeMascole, Earthquake: Home Safe Home is an outstanding guide to making one's home structurally more sound and consequently safer in the event of an earthquake. Using excellent computer graphics and clear explanations, DeMascole explains to laypersons how an earthquake works, and why one needs to lessen both up-and-down and side-to-side movements (which can have deleterious effects--like totaling your abode--during an earthquake). Properly placed anchor bolts, hold downs, and shear walls can mean the difference between a safe home and endless trips to the dipsy dumpster. Following the explanations of how and why the strengthening upgrades work, DeMascole visits carpenter Barshia Cohee, and together they cover the tools, materials, and procedures necessary for doing the job. Cohee whips through the projects in no time, while DeMascole explains what she's doing. An excellent tape, well-produced and chockfull of useful information, Earthquake: Home Safe Home is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: Owner Builder Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702.)