Make your home earthquake-ready

August 13, 2024

Californians live in earthquake country and while tremors can strike at any time without warning, there are ways to make your home safer.

Strap down heavy objects: Secure television sets, computers and stereos. Use buckles and safety straps to keep oversized objects from moving during the shaking.
Anchor and brace: Tall items (such as bookcases, entertainment consoles, file cabinets, dressers and large appliances like refrigerators) can tip over. Use flexible fasteners to anchor them to the studs in the wall. Use a metal bracing kit to strap the water heater to wall studs. Use a brace that is secured to the ceiling joist for ceiling fans, chandeliers and light fixtures to keep them from falling in a quake.
Install child safety latches: Cabinet doors and drawers can swing vigorously during intense shaking, causing injuries and destruction. Installing latches on cabinet doors and drawers prevents contents like glasses and dishes from flying out and causing injuries and damage.
Hire an inspector: If your home was built before 1992, when more earthquake-resistance standards were introduced, hire a professional to inspect your home. Even homes constructed after 1992 should be checked to ensure that structural integrity is maintained.
Rearrange furniture: Position beds near interior walls and away from windows. Store heavy items on low shelves to prevent them from falling during a tremblor and causing injuries or property damage. Don’t hang heavy items (such as mirrors, plants and framed artwork and pictures) above beds, couches, chairs or in places where people are likely to be sitting or sleeping. Use closed hooks or adhesive tabs to hang pictures, art or mirrors on walls.
Secure knickknacks: Quickly, safely and affordably secure decorative items with adhesives such as putty and Velcro.
Store hazardous chemicals properly: Hazardous household chemicals (bleach, gasoline and fertilizer) should be stored far away from furnaces and stoves so they can’t tip over and catch fire during a quake.
Clear a path: Keep all forms of exits clear and easily accessible.
Add flexible connections: Make sure appliances have flexible gas or electrical connections so they won’t break and cause other hazards like gas leakage or fires during an earthquake. Know how to turn off your utilities, including gas, water and electricity.
Check the chimney: Have your chimney inspected by a licensed civil engineer for stability and safety – especially in homes built before 1960.
Assess the foundation: Have a licensed civil engineer ensure that your home is bolted to the foundation; this is particularly important if your home was built before 1935. If your home is built on a raised foundation, make sure that it has shear plywood walls in the crawlspace, rather than the older-style cripple walls.
Consider insurance: Consider buying earthquake insurance since most homeowner’s policies do not cover earthquake damage.