Are you a licensed California contractor with a class “A” or “B” classification? If so, you may qualify to join the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program. This free online Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) course trains qualified licensees to provide residential seismic retrofit services. FEMA awarded an additional $80 million to fund 21,000 EBB retrofits.
The program was developed by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). EBB issues grants to eligible homeowners to complete code-compliant retrofits to their home and lessen potential earthquake damage. EBB involves residential seismic retrofits that bolt the house to its foundation and add bracing, if required, around the perimeter of the crawl space making it more resistant to earthquake activity.
Qualifying general contractors will be listed as Participating Contractors in the EBB Directory. Homeowners accepted into EBB program must choose a contractor from the EBB Contractor Directory.
To join, contractors must:
- Be a California licensed “General Engineering (class A)” or “General Building (class B)” contractor in good standing;
- Complete registration on the EBB website;
- Complete the two-hour retrofit education course.
To assist qualified contractors with marketing retrofit services, the EBB provides free marketing materials including yard signs, EBB brochures, and an “EBB FEMA-Trained” logo to use online.
Contractors experienced in seismic retrofitting are highly sought after and contractors can help boost their business by taking part in the EBB program. Help homeowners learn how to protect their homes and take the opportunity to get free training and marketing assistance. For more information on the EBB program and to register contact EBB.
About Business Consumer Alliance
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening integrity in the marketplace. We help consumers by resolving disputes and providing transparent business reputation reports. At the same time, we support contractors, movers, and small business owners with contract assistance, arbitration services, reputation management resources, along with business and HR advice. We’re here to help good businesses stand out and succeed while protecting the public.