Home & Garden Columns

At a retrofit seminar last weekend, I saw a photo of a braced chimney that had fallen in an earthquake, just like its un-braced neighbors.  

The point being made was that bracing a chimney is a waste of money—if you have a masonry chimney, you can pretty much count on it falling in a serious quake. 

So, you can spend a bunch of money and have it removed and replaced with a wood-framed chimney and metal flue, or you can make real sure that you are not outside under the chimney when it falls. 

If you’re there when the shaking starts, move to another spot!  

Wishing you a safe home and peace of mind.  

Larry Guillot is owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing, and kit supply service.  

Call him at 558-3299, or visit www.quakeprepare.com.