Book Description

Identifies nonstructural hazards (NH) at school sites and shows how those hazards can be reduced. NH are everything but the columns, beams, floors, load-bearing walls, and foundations. Common nonstructural items include ceilings, lights, windows, office equipment, computers, files, air conditioners, electrical equipment, furnishings, and anything stored on shelves or hung on walls. In an earthquake, NH may become unhooked, dislodged, thrown about, and tipped over; this can cause injury and loss of life, extensive damage, and interruption of operations. Includes a checklist of NH known to be dangerous or problematic in earthquakes, which school and administrators and engineers may carry with them as they survey a school site. Illustrations.