TONIGHT AT 5:30: Hundreds of Puget Sound buildings at risk during earthquake, retrofits expensive

SEATTLE — Hundreds of hospitals, homes, offices, and schools across the Sound are vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake.

Some of the older buildings have been retrofitted, but there is no state law requiring it, and the process can be expensive.

“A small building -- a couple hundred thousand dollars -- a 4 or 5-story apartment building -- definitely over $1 million,” said Seattle Seismic owner Ryan Vytlacil.

KIRO 7 Investigative Reporter Madeline Ottilie spent weeks identifying the properties most at risk.

Tonight at 5:30 on KIRO 7 News, she tells us which buildings are more stable and which ones can break into pieces and collapse.

She also has tips to help you stay safe.

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