Making Your Home ‘Quake Safe’

After witnessing the recent events in Los Angeles, it is not hard to imagine overwhelmed police, fire and medical services should a major quake strike.

This, as well as recent large temblors, has kindled renewed interest in earthquake safety measures homeowners can take to help reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a large earthquake:

--Bolt or brace armoires, bookcases or other “top-heavy” furniture in your home to the wall studs. During a large quake these items are likely to fall, posing an obvious danger, especially to small children.

--If you have a choice, use plexiglass instead of real glass when framing pictures, and do not hang a heavy picture over a bed.

When hanging any heavy picture or other object, be sure that the fastener in the wall penetrates the wall stud. If there is not a solid wall stud where you want the item to go, use a toggle bolt instead of an ordinary picture hook.

--Help keep your water heater from toppling by bolting it to the wall studs with plumbers’ steel ribbon. This will reduce the risk of fire and provide a source of drinking water.

--Be careful not to place heavy objects on high shelves in the home where they could become projectiles during a quake. Secure fragile decorative pieces with self adhesive “Velcro” ribbon.

--If possible, position beds away from windows to reduce the risk of falling glass causing injuries. Where this is not possible, the glass can be made shatterproof by the application of a clear Mylar film to it, commonly called “hazard glazing.”

--If your home was built more than 50 years ago, the structural members may not have been bolted to the foundation. While there is some debate about whether adding foundation bolts can weaken the concrete, most experts believe that it is generally beneficial. A contractor who specializes in seismic upgrading or structural repairs would be the appropriate professional to consult with on this.

--A brick chimney can be a hazard during a quake. To help reduce the risk of its toppling, it should be secured to the structural members of the roof with steel braces.

--Make sure you know how to turn off the electricity, gas and water for your home. If you are uncertain, contact your local utility and ask them to send a representative to show you how.