Earthquake Proof Your Home: 3 Things to Consider

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Much of the damage that occurs during an earthquake is the result of falling objects and debris. Steps can be taken to avoid unnecessary damage to your home and possible injuries. By using this guide as a checklist, you will discover how easy it is to earthquake proof your home.
1. Bolt It Down Take a walk around our house and keep a list of the larger objects that need to be bolted to the wall or the ground. This will likely prevent them from falling over during the next natural disaster. Items such as bookcases should be bolted to studs in the wall. Other large objects--such as hot water heaters--should be secured, as well. Additionally, bolting down the water heater might also help prevent future gas leaks.
2. Avoid Windows Large windows often shatter as a result of earthquakes. Take the precaution to move pieces of furniture out from underneath such windows. Beds should not be placed below windows. This precaution should be taken with other furniture items, like couches and chairs, as well. By doing so, you will likely avoid unnecessary injuries as a result of glass shards.
3. Latch Cabinets and Store Items Smartly Following sizable tremors, contents are often thrown out of cabinets. Fine china may be thrown to the floor and destroyed. Cereal, spices, and dishes might be tossed from kitchen counters and will land on the floor. The kitchen will look like a disaster area. To avoid a messy clean-up, consider using child safety latches as a way to secure cabinets. Additionally, think about which items you place in which cabinets. Heavy items should be placed in cabinets that are low to the ground, thus minimizing the possibility of injury should they fall.
By taking the necessary precautions in advance, you will likely limit the amount of damage to your home. Additionally, by securing your home and objects inside, you will also safeguard you and your loved ones again harmful injuries.
Jay Monroe has made emergency preparedness his business. Living in a disaster-prone area, he knows first hand the experience and the horror of being caught unprepared. Head over to QuakeKit.info [http://www.quakekit.info] to find inexpensive emergency supply kits, as well as fantastic resources you can use to prepare you and your family for the next natural disaster.
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