Nisqually Earthquake Causes Extensive Chimney Damage
Release Date: March 13, 2001
Release Number: 1361-19
» More Information on Washington Earthquake
Olympia, WA -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report today that 50 percent of the homes inspected by FEMA so far sustained chimney damage in the Nisqually Earthquake. Most of the chimney damage found is in King, Pierce and Thurston counties.
To date, of the $5.1 million provided by FEMA through its temporary disaster housing program, $3 million has been distributed to homeowners for chimney repairs. "FEMA is providing funds for essential repairs for one damaged chimney per residence," said Bill Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the earthquake recovery operations. "Funds may be made available from FEMA for work on additional chimneys that pose a safety hazard."
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may provide long-term, low interest loans for chimney-related repair costs not covered by FEMA. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing earthquake damage to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
Officials are warning residents to have their chimneys inspected by local authorities before using their fireplaces and not to begin any repairs to un-inspected chimneys, which could pose a significant safety risk. After chimneys are inspected, homeowners will need to obtain a building permit before beginning repairs.
State law requires permits for chimney work, and some counties are waiving permit fees for chimneys damaged in the earthquake. For more information about required permits and safety inspections, homeowners should contact their local building department.
"Improperly repaired chimneys could allow carbon monoxide fumes to leak through to living areas, threatening safety and health," said State Coordinating Officer Diane Offord. "Even chimneys without visible damage can contain cracks in the flue or vent."
Cracked flues in masonry and metal chimneys may permit toxic gases to escape into the house. Vents on appliances that burn natural gas, such as fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces and stoves are subject to the same hazards and should be inspected at the same time.
Chimney Rebuilding Advice Available to Homeowners
FEMA's mitigation experts have established a toll-free number, 1-800-838-7046, that people can call to get advice on chimney repairs and strengthening homes, securing contents and rebuilding stronger and better. Telephone lines are open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Homeowners, renters and business owners also can talk one-on-one with mitigation specialists at any of five Disaster Recovery Centers located in Seattle, Kent, Silverdale, Olympia and Tacoma from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The centers are closed on Sunday.
FEMA staff will provide evaluation checklists, advice on selecting contractors, do-it-yourself suggestions and information on making structural and non-structural changes and upgrades. Structural changes may include chimney and cripple wall bracing, roof strapping and sill plate bolting. Non-structural changes and upgrades can include elevating and strapping water heaters; bracing propane tanks; anchoring bookcases, cabinets and appliances; and installing latches on drawers and cabinets.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs and does not normally compensate individuals for their entire loss or duplicate assistance provided under private insurance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may be in the form of loans. FEMA representatives are available at the toll-free registration number to explain the details.
People whose homes and businesses were damaged by the earthquake are urged to call the FEMA toll-free number at 1-800-462-9029 to register for disaster assistance and an on-site inspection. Hearing or speech-impaired persons may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Homeowners whose property sustained earthquake damage also may be eligible for HUD-FHA insured loans to finance repairs to their homes. For information call HUD's Community Builders toll-free at 1-877-741-3281. HUD staff also are available at Disaster Recovery Centers.
Chimney Damage Figures by County
The number of homes/dollar amounts paid out by FEMA as of COB 3/12/01
| King County | 845 | $1,478,904 |
| Pierce County | 281 | 467,419 |
| Thurston County | 264 | 476,861 |
| Kitsap County | 143 | 240,354 |
| Lewis County | 66 | 153,857 |
| Grays Harbor | 23 | 74,000 |
| Mason | 22 | 3,560 |
| Snohomish County | 21 | 14,618 |
Recovery Centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All centers are closed on Sunday, except as noted.
Seattle Earthquake Recovery Center
Pioneer Square
Lowman Building, 3rd Floor
07 Cherry St. (at 1st Ave.)
Seattle, WA
Kent Disaster Recovery Center
Center Point Corporate Park
Cascade West Bldg. Suite 300
20610 68th Ave. S. (West Valley Highway)just north of S.212th St.
Kent, WA
Silverdale Disaster Recovery Center
9621 Mickelberry Rd., Suite 101 at the corner of Bucklin Hill Rd,
E. of the Kitsap Mall
Silverdale, WA
Olympia Disaster Recovery Center
626 Black Lake Rd. Suite 305
Westfield Shoppingtown Capital Mall
next to The Bon
Olympia, WA
Tacoma/Pierce County Disaster
Recovery Center
3639 South Pine St.
Tacoma, WA
(Former Costco building)
Aberdeen Disaster Recovery Center*
South Shore Mall
1017 South Boone St. Space 106
Aberdeen, WA
[Wed. - Fri., March 14-16,9 a.m.to 6 p.m.]
[Sat., March 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.]
[Sun., March 18, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.]
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Oct-2003 11:13:16