Does Warren, AR need an earthquake retrofit?

Under the seismic model IBC and ASCE 7 use for new construction, Warren is Category C. Moderate seismic hazard. Code adds irregular-building restrictions and requires bracing of some nonstructural components (e.g. tall shelving, water heaters) in addition to structural detailing. Nationally, Warren ranks above 70% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 70th percentile.

Warren by the numbers

USGS's underlying values for Warren: 0.106g peak ground acceleration, 0.214g at short period, 0.11g at 1 second. Within Arkansas alone, Warren ranks 41 of 68 cities by seismic hazard - the 40th percentile in-state. Warren has a population of about 5,196.

Retrofit economics for Warren

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Arkansas specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Arkansas.

Insuring against this, not just retrofitting

A Warren homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Warren's figures come from

Warren's Category C and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category C does and doesn't tell you about Warren.