STEP 1: Identify hazards and fix them

STEP 1. Identify potential hazards in your home and begin to fix them.
Many people think that all injuries in earthquakes are caused by collapsing buildings. Actually, most injuries in quakes are from objects that break or fall on people. For example, in the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake, 55% of quake-related injuries were caused by falling objects, such as televisions, pictures and mirrors, and heavy light fixtures.

Consider the following as your homework for this week!!

1. Hanging objects

Keep art and other heavy objects away from where people sleep. (beds, sofas, or that special spot on the floor...) You can buy special closed “earthquake picture hooks” so your pictures won’t fly off and whack you on the head

2. Objects on shelves and table tops

Hold collectibles, pottery, and lamps in place by using removable earthquake putty, museum wax, or quake gel. Store heavy items and breakables on lower shelves

3. Furniture

Tall, top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and entertainment centers, may fall and injure you. Secure both top corners of tall furniture into a wall stud, not just to the drywall or plaster.

• Flexible-mount fasteners, such as nylon straps, allow furniture independent movement from the wall, reducing strain on studs. Quakehold! makes many kinds of straps.
• Secure TVs, stereos, computers, and microwave ovens with flexible nylon straps and buckles for easy removal and relocation.

4. Water and gas pipes

Water or gas pipes anywhere in your home can break. Water leaks can cause extensive damage, and gas leaks are a major fire hazard.

• If not already done, have a plumber replace rigid gas connections to water heaters, stoves, dryers, and other gas appliances with flexible gas connectors.
• Install an automatic seismic gas shutoff valve. Larry Guillot at QuakePrepare (who installed ours) is currently having a special: $199 for valve installation including labor. See the website for more information.
• As an additional precaution, a gas shut-off wrench should be kept near the gas meter.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.

5. Water heaters

Unsecured (tank type) water heaters may fall over, rupturing water and gas connections causing fires and water damage.

• Water heaters should be anchored to wall studs with metal straps and lag screws. Kits are readily available at hardware stores. Also, if your water heater is greater than 52 gallons you are required to have 3 straps instead of the normal 2 straps.

6. In the kitchen

Glassware and china may crash to the floor if cabinet doors are unsecured. Gas appliances can shift, rupturing their gas connections.

• Secure all cabinets doors, especially those overhead, to help prevent contents from falling out during quakes. Use latches designed for child proofing or earthquake or boat safety.
• As in part 3 above, secure refrigerators and other major appliances to walls using earthquake appliance straps.