New CA program offers grant for homeowners to prepare for earthquake

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Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Program helps CA homeowners prepare for big quake
A $3,000 grant from the state is helping homeowners retrofit their houses to prepare for a big earthquake.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Are you ready for when the big one hits in California? Your home might not be.

Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority, says "California sits along the ring of fire and scientists remind us that our time is coming."

Older homes were often built on elevated foundations. In an earthquake the home can shake and slide off.

Tuesday officials announced a program called Earthquake Brace Bolt which can reimburse you up to $3,000 to retrofit your home.

The owners of a home in Studio City were awarded a grant and had the work done.

"They charged us precisely what the reimbursement was. We are very pleased. No out-of-pocket cost," said homeowner Larry May.

To qualify for the program your home has to be in certain ZIP codes. The areas chosen are the ones most at risk.

You can apply for a retrofit grant starting today by going to earthquakebracebolt.com.

Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority, is cautioning the public to be ready in case disaster strikes.