/news/2011/04/12/portland-ready-to-help-homeowners-with-seismic-retrofits/ Building and Construction News in Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:05:17 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.6 /news/2011/04/12/portland-ready-to-help-homeowners-with-seismic-retrofits/#comment-57649 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:05:17 +0000 /?p=70401#comment-57649 I’m a little surprised there is no mention of Northridge Valves on the BDS website or brochure (unless I missed it). I know this focuses on structural upgrades, but a Northridge Valve is a simple add on to your gas line that most older homes do not have. It basically has a metal ball that moves in the event of an earthquake and shuts off your gas line. Without it, even with seismic bracing, the shaking could rupture your gas line and the smallest spark would ignite it.

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