1. Blog: Ezsystemspdx.com SMALL SOLUTIONS TO BIGGER PROBLEMS Earthquake preparedness in Portland and Vancouver has become very important due to the tectonic plates in these areas showing seismic activity. The best way to provide earthquake safety in Vancouver and Portland would be retrofitting or creating modular structures. First, let us understand what process a company that offers retrofitting follows. At first, they will ask for you for your personal information like address and name. Then some specific information will be sought like how old your home is and what does the foundation of the home comprise of. After the telephonic or electronic communication has been done, the company personnel will visit your place and check the house himself. He will check the house for any faults in foundations or load bearing walls, and if you have a basement it will be thoroughly inspected. After fully examining your house, the personnel will suggest you which type of retrofitting will be best for your house or building. The basic type of retrofitting involves covering the building with steel brackets which bear the load in a crisscross manner, distributing it evenly. Another method is dampening of the foundation or isolation of different parts of the structure, so that damage to one part does not affect the other parts. Moreover, modular structures have also become very popular nowadays for earthquake prone areas. Many companies are also offering to make temporary structures in highly seismic activity prone areas. These structures cost less and have to be relocated very frequently.