King County’s Department of Development and Environmental Services is helping county residents prepare for disaster with free home earthquake retrofit permits.

The region dealt with the impacts of the Nisqually earthquake in 2001. While that event was not of the same magnitude as more recent international earthquake disasters, modern building codes minimized the damage, according to DDES Director John Starbard.

Certain homes can qualify for the permits. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/property for more information.