Contact:
Sheri Pierce, 279-203-1426, spierce@calquake.com
Patrick George, 916-202-1982, pgeorge@ka-pow.com
CRMP Commends Governor Newsom’s Preparedness Month Proclamation; CRMP Urges Californians To Apply For Earthquake Brace + Bolt By October 1
Sacramento, CA – September 26, 2025 – The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) today commended Governor Gavin Newsom for proclaiming September as Preparedness Month, underscoring the importance of readying Californians for disasters, from wildfires to earthquakes. CRMP is reminding homeowners that applications for Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants are open now through October 1, 2025.
The EBB program offers grants of up to $3,000 to help eligible Californians strengthen vulnerable, pre-1980, wood-framed houses with a raised foundation by bolting them to their foundations and bracing cripple walls - proven steps to reduce damage and speed recovery after an earthquake. In many cases, additional, income-based supplemental grants may also be available to help cover remaining costs.
“Governor Newsom’s proclamation is a timely reminder that preparedness starts at home,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for CRMP. “A Brace + Bolt retrofit is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your family and your largest investment. If your home qualifies, apply by October 1—don’t miss this window.”
Preparedness Month highlights vital tools like California’s MyShake earthquake early warning app and community-based resilience through Listos California. CRMP’s EBB grants complement these efforts by helping households take concrete, affordable steps to prevent earthquake damage before shaking starts.
How to Apply
Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com to check ZIP Code eligibility, review contractor requirements, and submit an application. The current registration period closes October 1, 2025. Homeowners selected will receive step-by-step guidance to complete their retrofit.
“Every retrofit completed is one less red-tagged home and one stronger neighborhood after the next quake,” Maffei added. “If you live in an eligible ZIP Code and have a qualifying home, now is the time.”
About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)
Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity, such as ground shaking and soil failure, by bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.
About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)
CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit CRMP.org.