California Earthquake Authority South Napa home impact study

This report summarizes findings of an in-depth California Earthquake Authority (CEA) research project to survey and analyze what happened to single-family dwellings and homeowners affected by the August 24, 2014 South Napa M6.0 earthquake. Through an online survey, interviews, and home inspections, a large amount of new data were collected about the characteristics of Napa area houses and the effects of the quake. In addition, a new approach to home earthquake vulnerability assessment was piloted.

The results show a population widely impacted by a moderate event, and individuals who are resourceful and resilient but faced with many challenges in how to handle earthquake vulnerabilities. Insights gained about the beliefs and experiences of Napa homeowners can help CEA further improve its insurance offerings and mitigation programs, as well as advancing the state-of-the-art in earthquake retrofit performance research.