Myth: Local government building codes specify seismic retrofit. 

Fact: No local Bay Area government other than San Leandro has adopted a seismic retrofit code. Much new housing has adequate earthquake protection, but pre-1980 stud wall construction is inadequate. To date the retrofitting of these houses is not specified in the building code.
 

Myth: A building permit and an inspection guarantee your retrofit contractor will do the job right. 

Fact: Building permits and inspections are required, but the building permit describes only the work specified by the contractor, not what should be done. The building inspector signs off only on the work specified. So this process does not guarantee that the seismic retrofit design is adequate or meets standards recommended by FEMA or by the Uniform Building Conservation Code.
 

Myth: Earthquake insurance will compensate me if the unlikely 'big one' occurs. 

Fact: Most policies have large deductibles and many exceptions. (See EarthquakeInsurance.net.) Some insurance carriers require retrofits even for the limited coverage.
 

Myth: The best solution for the potential problem of an earthquake is to ignore it. 

Fact: There may not be a 'best' solution but if there is, the 'best' and the 'near best'  probably involve a retrofit.