HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-10 FEMA Advice on Building Back Stronger Available at Disaster Recovery Center in Kea'au -- press release
DR-4366-HI NR009
July 10, 2018
HI-EMA-PIO: 808-733-4300
NEWS DESK: 808-851-7928
News Release
Advice on Building Back Stronger Available at Recovery Center
HONOLULU–FEMA recovery expertsat the Kea’au Disaster Recovery Center are offeringresidentsadvice on
building back stronger from disaster damage and tips on retrofitting to protect against earthquake damage.
Whether from wind, fire, flooding or earthquake, FEMA specialists can offer advice on how to rebuild and how
to prepare for multiple hazards.
With a focus on the recent earthquake activity, a“continuous load path”model ison display atthe desk of
FEMA’smitigation specialistsintheKea’auDRC,locatedat Kea‘au High School Gymnasium, 16-725 Kea‘au-
Pahoa Rd.
The model, a wood frame construction, shows how residents can providehigh levels of securityforhazard
eventssuch as earthquakes. It displaysa relatively inexpensive way to reinforce joints with metal connectors
and make the house more resistant to damage from the elements, particularly where the rafter meets the wall,
according toDavid Kulberg, a FEMA hazard mitigation specialist.
Force is transferred to the rafter at the top of the wall thatis typically the weakest connection in the house.The
forces continues down through the wall to the bottomplate and into the foundation, which completesthe
continuous load path. The metal connectors reinforce every joint.
“Hawaii is subject to allhazardsand we encourage residents to rebuild to protect their family and property from
the effects ofpotentially devastatinglosses,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Bern Ruiz, who is
directing the federal recovery effort here. “Our mitigation experts at the DRC have tips for building back
stronger for everyone from the do-it-yourselfer to the professional contractor.”
For more information about how to protect your property or business from disaster and get the specifics on how
to:
Protect Your Business from All Natural Hazards
Protect Your Property from an Earthquake
Protect Your Property from Fire
Protect Your Property from Flooding
Protect Your Property from High Winds
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FEMA mitigation specialists at the Kea'au Disaster
Recovery Center exhibit a continuous flow model of
frame joints that can limit earthquake damage.
Pictured is Jeanne Johnstone and David Kulberg.
FEMA photo/Wendy Shapiro