Warning! Homeowners to Check Chimneys Before Earthquakes- Natural Hazards Commission

The Natural Hazards Commission has urged homeowners to inspect their chimneys ahead of future earthquakes, warning that unreinforced masonry structures remain a serious safety risk, reported RNZ.

The reminder follows the Christchurch earthquake, where more than 15,000 chimneys toppled, causing serious injuries and even fatalities.

According to a report by RNZ, Public education manager Hamish Armstrong said houses built before 1970 are particularly vulnerable, especially those with brick or concrete chimneys still in place.

“Pretty much every major earthquake over the past 170 years has shown that crumbling chimneys pose a significant risk to people’s safety and to our homes,” Armstrong said, RNZ quoted.

He explained that brick and concrete masonry chimneys are most at risk of cracking, shifting, or collapsing during seismic activity, potentially leading to damage to both people and property.

Armstrong advised homeowners not to ignore signs such as leaning or visible cracks and recommended having chimneys assessed by a licensed practitioner to reduce the risk, RNZ reported.