How big of an earthquake would it take to break buildings?

Question

i live in LA, California, and i have a 3 story condo, which was built in 1989. how big of an earthquake would it take to break my house? what can i do to prepare. and where should i put my safety items? stuff like water, canned foods, first aid..... etc. should i store it outside? thanks

Answer 1

there is no way to know for sure because even buildings built to withstand earthquakes still have flaws and could easily succumb.

the best place to be is in an archway because you are inside the wall

Answer 2

There are several factors decides the amount of destruction during earthquakes. Any thing above Richter scale seven may affect you. If you have basement you can store it there.This is how the gold bars are preserved in New-york city.

Answer 3

magintude of 6+

Answer 4

it depends on the building design if its all brick and mortar its terribble but if it has steel ribarbs its ok

Answer 5

In the Mercalli scale, an 8, hope it helps!