Before the quake
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Before the quake
Before an earthquake happens, secure all objects that may fall when the quake strikes.
If you have tall cabinets, use "L" brackets at the top and sides to anchor to the wall. Water heaters should be secured to the wall as well, as these can fall over disconnecting gas lines, electrical cords and spilling hot water on unsuspecting victims. Use either specially designed brackets or strong moving straps. Make sure these are anchored to the wall for minimum movement.
The kitchen should have special latches on cupboard doors to keep the contents inside. This prevents glassware from falling and breaking on floors, canned items from coming out and possibly hitting a victim on the head. Pots and pans can also cause injury by spilling out of cupboards. Special latches on the kitchen drawers keep them from coming open and spilling the contents on the floor.
I also recommend the refrigerater door be secured so milk, bottles, and other miscellaneous items will not spill out and be contained inside.
All overhead lamps and ceiling fans should be checked to make sure they are anchored well to the ceiling and will not come loose from the violent shaking.
Aquariums should be stabilized by putting a lip on the shelf where they sit keeping the tank from sliding off the shelf onto the floor. Water will slop out, but the tank will remain in place.
The best way to know what will need reinforcing is to walk thru the house and write down all that you see that would be a falling hazard or a cubpoard that will come open and spill its contents. Don't forget the garage and patio as well.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Byron White |
