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Benefit-Cost
of Mitigation Projects
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Home >> Mitigation >> Benefit-Cost of Mitigation Projects
While mitigation is highly important in reducing the risk from earthquakes
and other hazards, it does not come without costs. A benefit-cost
analysis helps determine how a mitigation project will return more
than the initial cost, over the life of the project. Money is saved
because the project reduces or prevents damages from earthquakes
and other hazards. Structural and Non-Structural mitigation
projects can vary greatly in costs. For the typical homeowner,
non-structural project are the most economically feasible. Structural
mitigation is equally important, however, and recent additions
of seismic design requirements in building codes illustrate this
concept.
At
home or in the office, "non-structural" mitigation
projects can often be done in a very cost-effective
manner. Below are some projects
around the house that don’t cost much, but have a large
return benefit. Remember that the mitgation costs and replacement
values could be higher or lower in value, depending on your particular
situation.
|
Item |
Replacement Value |
Mitigation Action |
Mitigation Cost |
Potential Return |
| Television |
$250-5,000 |
Strapping
in Place |
|
$480 |
| Computer
& Monitor |
$1,000-3,000 |
Strapping
in Place |
$20-50 |
$1,480 |
| Hot
Water Heater |
$200-600 |
Adding Flex
Line; Securing to Wall Studs |
$40-100 |
$310 |
| Filing Cabinet |
$75
- $200 |
Securing
to Wall Studs |
|
$65 |
| Gas Meter |
*** |
Installing
Automatic Shut-Off Valve |
$350 |
*** |
| Totals |
$1475
- $8800 |
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$440-$570 |
$1435-$8580 |
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| On
the low side of this example, if the items listed were to
be damaged in an earthquake, the replacement value of all the items
would
be
around $1,476. To mitigate these items would cost around 30% of
the replacement value, or $440, for a total potential return of
$1,435.
This $1,435 would be the replacement costs minus the mitigation costs.
Without a gas meter installation, the costs of the project would be around 6%,
or $90. Sometimes, there are earthquakes that are too damaging
for these mitigation
applications
to withstand,
but
for
light to
moderate
shaking,
a little mitigation can go a long way. |
CUSEC File Photo: Installation
of a gas shut-off valve can save lives |
| ***In
our example above, there is no potential return listed for installing
a gas-meter automatic shut-off valve. If there
were to be a gas leak because of an earthquake, a fire could break
out; causing damages that could include both loss of life and loss
of property. Having an automatic shut-off valve on your gas meter
can potentially save your life, so this is one of the most important
mitigation steps that a homeowner can take. It is also important
to know where the water & gas mains are located in the event
of a disaster. These shut-off valves have also been installed at
schools, hospitals, and other public and private buildings around
the country. Most installations that are not in
single family housing, are more expensive, due to the larger equipment
and In addition, make sure that you have your shut-off valve installed
by
a qualified,
licensed
technician. |
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The safety information contained on this page was compiled
from many sources. We have tried to maintain the most credible and
pertinent information for earthquake safety. The recommendations
found on this page are just that and are subject to change as new
information and procedures become available. The Central United States
Earthquake Consortium or any of its Members are not responsible and
assume no liability for any actions undertaken by any person utilizing
information contained herein or liability for any injury, death or
property loss which occurs in connection with an earthquake. |
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