Preparing for Earthquake

Even though Southern California is one of the most seismically active areas of the world, it’s easy to get complacent about the risk.

Here are some basic home seismic safety measures to keep in mind:

* All bookcases, armoires, wall units or other top-heavy furniture pieces should be bolted, strapped or braced to the wall studs.

These items are likely to fall during a major shaker, so they are an obvious danger, especially to small children.

TVs, computers and other home electronics can be secured with nylon strap kits or heavy Velcro sold at home centers.

* Don’t place heavy objects on high shelves, where they can become projectiles during a quake. Secure fragile decorative pieces with Velcro or Quake Wax, available from hardware stores.

* When possible, position beds away from windows to reduce the risk of injury from broken glass.

Where this is not possible, glass can be made shatterproof by “hazard glazing,” the application of a thin clear film of Mylar. Contact a window-tinting company in your area.

* The hook or anchor for any heavy picture, mirror or other object hung on a wall should be secured a wall stud. If none is located where you need it, use an expanding toggle bolt anchor instead of a picture hook.

Also, never hang a picture over a bed and use plexiglass instead of real glass when framing.

* According to state law adapted after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, all residential gas water heaters must be anchored to wall studs with approved strapping available from hardware stores and home centers.

Your water heater must comply before you can sell your home. Makes sense to do it now.

* Given the thousands of chimneys that fell during the Northridge quake, it is obvious that brick chimneys pose a significant hazard. To help reduce the risk, the chimney stack should be secured to the structure with steel braces.

Contact a chimney contractor for an appraisal. This will not be inexpensive but will be worth the investment from a safety standpoint as well as a good sales point when you want to move.

* If your home was built more than 40 years ago, you should make sure it has been retrofitted.

Check that the structural framing has been adequately bolted to the concrete foundation and that “sheer” panels have been added to the framing and “cripple” walls under the home.

This is another significant investment that will definitely pay off in terms of safety and will help keep your out-of-pocket repair costs after a quake to a minimum. Many insurers require these upgrades. Most general contractors can help with this work.

* Make sure you know how to shut off electricity and water for your home. Contact your local utility for a demonstration if you are uncertain.

* Have a seismic gas shut-off valve on your home to help avoid a fire. Most of the fires after the Northridge quake were resulted from broken gas lines. A shut-off valve automatically stops the flow of gas at a preset level of shaking, greatly reducing the odds of gas leakage. The valves are required in Los Angeles and will soon be required statewide.

* Keep flashlights in several areas of your home at all times. Replace the batteries once a year.

* Install plug-in emergency escape lights that automatically turn on when power goes out.

* Keep a crowbar or some other prying tool in your bedroom to open stuck doors after a shaker.

* Keep at least a five-day supply of emergency food, water and first-aid products on hand at all times. Replace the food and water at least once a year.

* Keep a battery-operated radio or television set on hand for media updates after a quake.

Gary Abrams is a general contractor who has written about home improvement for The Times for 10 years. Comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 711, Thousand Oaks, CA 91319. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.