THE BIG ONE : HOME EARTHQUAKE PLANNING
FOUNDATION/FRAMING Things you should check: * Look at the exposed framing to see if the wood is secured to the concrete foundation by foundation bolts. * Determine if there are vertical studs extending from the foundation up to the floor. If so, and if they are exposed, nail plywood sheeting to the studs in order to strengthen the walls. * On exposed framing, use metal connectors to strengthen joints where beams and posts join. Use nails or lag screws to fasten connectors to exposed frame in such places as porches, patio covers, garages and basements.
IN THE ATTIC If your home has a chimney, nail plywood to the ceiling joists around the chimney to help protect from falling bricks.
ON WALLS Make sure heavy mirrors, pictures and wall hangings that must remain are anchored in studs, not just through the wall. If possible remove such items and substitute something lighter, particularly above beds.
HANGING PLANTS/LIGHTS Anchor lights and plants in wooden beams rather than simply through plaster or other ceiling panels. Close open hooks by bending them shut with a pliers or wrapping them with wire. If you are using ceramic or other heavy plant pots, consider changing to baskets and/or plastic pots.
IN THE KITCHEN Install latches on cupboards and cabinets. Restrain large appliances, such as refrigerators, remembering that a degree of flexibility provides more stress resistance.
BOOK SHELVES Remove heavy objects from the top. L-shaped braces/fasteners screwed to studs (not just anchored in plaster) can be used to attach shelves to walls. Metal or wood guardrails will keep books and other objects from sliding off shelves. Other candidates for this treatment include china cabinets and wall units.
APPLIANCE GAS CONNECTIONS If the tubing that carries gas to your appliances is rigid, consider replacing it with approved corrugated metal connectors, which are not as likely to break with severe shaking. WATER HEATERS Secure your free-standing water heater using plumber’s tape.
A GAS LEAK PRIMER * Know where your gas meter is. It could be in one of several locations including at the side of the house; under the house or in a crawl space; in a cellar or basement; around the garage; in a porch; underground near the curb or in the middle of the lawn, or at a multiple meter set. * Locate the shut-off valve and determine that you can reach it. * Have an adjustable wrench available for turning off the valve. The wrench should be long enough to make it easy for you, particularly if the valve is difficult to reach. The longer the wrench the more force you can generate. * Make sure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the valve.
NOTE: Keep flammable liquids and other hazardous substances (paint, cleaning fluids, chemical sprays) in the garage or in an outside shed.
Sources: Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project/Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; Orange County Fire Department, Emergency Management Division; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Lafferty & Associates, Inc.
