Home Preparedness Checklist: Earthquake

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

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If you are in an earthquake prone part of the world, there are steps you can take to prepare for the inevitable earthquake hit. Recent earthquakes have demonstrated that having a plan and being prepared will help pull your family and possibly even your home through this critical time.

Although you can't make your home Earthquake Proof, you can take precautions and steps to make it safe. Here are a few tips that will help keep you and your home safe:

Properly secure shelving and furniture that is top heavy. It's best to keep heavy items on lower shelves.
Keep living quarters such as beds away from windows and chimneys so they are free from falling glass and possible chimney collapse.
Use anti-skid pads and Velcro to keep your floor appliances from sliding around and possibly injure.
Keep your home in good mechanical order and fix items that can harm such as loose shingles.
Anchor the furnace, water heater and other heavy floor items in the cellar.
Properly label all emergency shutoff valves and ensure all house hold members know where they are and how to turn them off.
Keep an escape route clear of clutter

If you live in an older home, consider having a professional complete an inspection and make any recommendations on properly securing the house to the foundation, adding extra supports, etc... Also please note that if you have natural gas in your home, don't shut it off unless there is a leak or fire. Once the natural gas is shutoff, it must be turned on by a qualified trades person.