The state has just established new earthquake maps that show the location of Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones.

The maps establish fault zones along segments of the Hollywood and Duarte faults, the Sierra Madre Fault and the Clamshell Canyon and Sawpit Fault. The new Duarte Fault affects portions of the cities of Azusa, Bradbury,

Duarte, Glendora, Irwindale and Monrovia in our East San Gabriel Valley area.

An AP zone is a zone of required geologic investigation approximately one-quarter mile wide centered on an active fault trace. During an earthquake, structures located directly over fault zones (surface fault traces) could sustain damage as a result of a seismic event resulting from ground fault rupture or surface cracking.

Check your location Liquefaction Hazard Zones are areas where there is a potential for, or a historic occurrence of liquefaction. Liquefaction is a liquid-like condition of soil which sometimes occurs during strong earthquake shaking where the groundwater is shallow and soils are loose and granular.

When liquefaction occurs, the soil temporarily becomes liquid-like, and structures may settle unevenly. This condition can cause lateral spreading of level ground as well as ground failure and sliding on slopes.

As a buyer of real property, you are given a Natural Haz ards Zone Disclosure report by the seller through escrow to identify any zones in the area surrounding your purchase.

You have a three-day right of rescission if you discover that the property is mapped in a designated fire, flood or earthquake zone.

What should you do if you find that your property lies in one of the newly mapped Earthquake or Seismic Hazard areas? Make a call to your insurance agent to inquire about additional earthquake coverage to protect your investment.

And as a part of your property inspection, check the property structure to ensure the foundation is bolted or could be retrofitted to withstand shaking caused by an earthquake.

Existing property owners should call the local building department to see if you are located in the newly mapped Duarte Fault Zone.

The closer you are to the fault, the more important it is to be prepared.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora 626 914-2904 adrianad@podley.com