The Seismic Safety Zone
Field Trip Story 
On The Legislative Road With Petra
Petra & Daughter Jennifer in Sacramento
On 9/29/03 AB1576 was signed into Law by Governor Gray Davis.
After becoming aware that rental units in California were not required to have their water heaters retrofitted (strapped), I contacted the California Seismic Safety Commission in August of 2002 and recommended this issue be addressed.
Fortunately, they found this safety measure which affected 5.2 million California renter's was worthy of an effort to add a new section to California Building Safety Codes. Assemblywoman Carol Liu of Pasadena, California was asked to present the bill and accepted the invitation.
I attended the presentation to the Housing Authority Committee in March 2003 and joined Carol Liu and members of the Seismic Safety Commission and expressed the seriousness of the potential for property damage, bodily injury and even possible death for a tenant if a water heater fell during an earthquake.
After the bill was heard by all of the committees, it was brought to a floor vote and passed with 72 votes in favor and 5 opposed. On 9/29/03 Governor Gray Davis signed this legislation in law.
I would like to express my thanks to Assemblywoman Carol Liu and Legislative Director, Henry Sepulveda of the California Seismic Safety Commission for their outstanding efforts to bring equality to renters in regard to seismic safety.
Important Safety Tip:
If your water heater takes a turn during an earthquake, what should you do? If a fire is in progress, call 911. Otherwise, immediately turn off the main gas line to your residence. Keep all residents away from the area affected until the fire department arrives or a workman. If the water heater is losing water, turn off the main water shut off valve to the residence.
Remember; leaking gas can cause an explosion and the water is hot enough to burn your skin. This is a dangerous situation. Use caution.
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