Water Heater Safety Bill Signed
Gov. Pete Wilson has signed into law a bill requiring homeowners to strap down their water heaters as one of the first quake-related measures of the 1995-96 legislative session.
The bill, carried by state Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles), expands existing law by requiring that all water heaters be secured so they won’t topple in an earthquake.
Under current law, only homeowners with new or replacement water heaters must strap them down.
Rosenthal said Tuesday that fallen water heaters caused as many as 21 structure fires after the Northridge earthquake.
The senator said homeowners need not fear a knock on their doors from the “water heater police,” as enforcement will take place when a home is sold.
The law will go into effect Jan. 1.
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