Disasters · 1 weekend · Basic
Earthquake-Proof Your Home
Secure the heavy things that injure people, know your gas and water shutoffs, and set up a kit before the shaking starts.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
- 01
Hunt for falling hazards
Walk every room and ask: what could fall on someone or block an exit? Bookcases, dressers, TVs, water heaters, mirrors and framed pictures over beds are the usual culprits.
- 02
Anchor and latch
Strap tall furniture and the water heater to wall studs. Put latches on kitchen cabinets, move heavy items to low shelves and hang nothing heavy above beds or couches.
- 03
Learn your shutoffs
Find the gas meter, main water valve and electrical panel. Keep the right tool at the gas meter. Only shut off gas if you smell gas, hear hissing or see damage — once off, only the utility should turn it back on.
- 04
Stage the bedside kit
Keep sturdy shoes, a flashlight and glasses by every bed. Broken glass on the floor at night causes many earthquake injuries.
- 05
Practice Drop, Cover, Hold On
Rehearse with the whole household so it becomes a reflex: drop to hands and knees, cover head and neck under a sturdy table, hold on until shaking stops.