The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program offers homeowners up to $3,000 to have retrofitting work done in designated zones. The work typically costs an average of $4,500 in Southern California.
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The program was expanded this year to include more cities.
The California Earthquake Authority says more than 1 million homes in California are vulnerable to serious earthquake damage.
"It's hard to imagine in a peaceful neighborhood like this the sort of devastation that can be wrought by even a minor earthquake," said state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.
The work includes adding anchor bolts to a home's foundation, adding plywood to brace cripple walls and strapping in water heaters.
"It's going to save a lot of grief in the long run," said homeowner Sue Peabody, who had $3,000 out of the $3,500 cost paid for by the state program.
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That has helped give her peace of mind as well as a better earthquake insurance policy, she said.
Registration for the lottery-style program remains open through Feb. 27.
More information is available at earthquakebracebolt.com.