Preparation Tips

Flammable Products

Round up weed killers, pesticides, and any other flammable products and store them in securely closed cabinets with latches on bottom shelves to make sure they don't cause trouble during an earthquake.

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The Most Dangerous Room

Kitchens are the most dangerous rooms during a quake. There are always scads of drawers and heavy appliances that shimmy around. Use latches to secure the drawers and cabinets just as if you were baby-proofing. There are heavy-duty brackets that can be obtained to secure refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves.

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Preparing Water Heaters

One of the biggest causes of damage from an earthquake is not the quake itself but the resultant fires. Many of these fires start at water heaters. Be sure your water heater is properly secured to the wall. Consult a plumber or your local fire department for specific instructions.

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Survival Kit Container

In most cases you can build a better quake survival kit, for less money, than you could purchase one. Ideally, you would like enough supplies to last at least 3 days. So you need a large sturdy container, such as a rubber trash can.

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Bedroom

If at all possible, you might move pictures and anything else that hangs directly above the bed. It's also not a bad idea to move the bed away from windows or from beneath a heavy ceiling fan either. Any of these things make for a greater scare than the quake itself.

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Pet ID's

You may consider getting a pet ID if you have not already. In an earthquake, many animals take off because of fright. A collar with a tag works, but there are other methods such as tattooing, or items like micro ID implants.

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Securing Falling Objects

There are several companies today that manufacture specially designed brackets and straps used to secure any type of household item, from a heavy dresser to a precious china vase.
Many of these fasteners have been tested in earthquake simulators greater than 6.0 and have proven to withstand such force.

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Scene Check

If your house or building is within the radius of a large earthquake, it can suffer some structural damage. However, damage can result from nearby electrical wires, power lines, and old or leaning trees too.
It's not a bad idea to survey your property ahead of time for these possible hazards. Often times, reinforcements can be made to minimize any of these risks.

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Connection Checks

Check for defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections periodically. In a quake, these are certain to become fire hazards.

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Quake Preparedness Kits

There is still so little known about the predictability of earthquakes, so we are lacking in the way of advance notification. It can be very useful to maintain certain supplies and equipment ahead of time in the event of an earthquake.

Here are the suggested supplies to assemble your own kit:
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of batteries.
* At least 3 gallons of water per person, if not more.
* Canned food & a can opener.
* First Aid kit.
* Essential medications.
* Tools & instructions to shut off utilities.
* Sturdy shoes and work gloves.
* Sanitation supplies.
* Fire extinguisher.

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Securing Water Heaters

Water heaters can be one of the biggest fire hazards during a quake. They simply tip over if left unsecured. You can secure it by strapping it to a wall with wall studs and also by bolting it to a floor.

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Re-Locating Breakables

To reduce the hazard of walking on sharp broken objects, store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass and china in low, closed cabinets with those safety latches.

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Window Glass

Since broken glass will pose its own hazard, you might consider reinforcing this as well.
You can either use tempered or wired safety glass during building or renovating. Or simply add a shatter-resistant film to windows already installed. It can be purchased or ordered through most building supply retailers

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Canopies and Porches

Another area to consider in surveying and prepping your property is the porch or canopy. You might reinforce an irregular or large porch or canopy to keep them from separating from the main part of the building.
Consider a stronger frame or a smaller, regular shape for them when you build or renovate.

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Overhead Fixtures

The higher up the fixture, the harder it will obviously fall. You can brace overhead fixtures ahead of time and there are many specialized brackets out there for such a task.

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Garage Doors

Most garage doors buckle during an earthquake, unless they're reinforced. This can also lead to structure collapse when the garage is attached.
A simple steel frame or plywood panels can be added to both side of the garage door, which can sufficiently reinforce it.

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Re-Locating Heavy Objects

Because falling debris is such a hazard, place heavy objects on lower shelves and hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere else where people sit and sleep.

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Room Inspection

Inspect each room to remove or secure items that could crash down. Cabinets, tall furniture, dresser drawers, open shelves, hanging pictures, televisions and personal computers can all be secured ahead of time. Most injuries are a result of the falling debris and not the quaking itself.

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