For many people, the possibility of an earthquake striking at any given moment is a reality they must prepare for. Although there may be some warning signs, it’s never easy to predict exactly where, when and how badly an earthquake will hit.
It’s important for homes to be earthquake proof when they’re in areas that are prone to earthquakes. But, how do you prepare your home for an earthquake so you and your family stay as safe as possible? Here are a few easy tips.
- Strap Things Down
The biggest danger to people during an earthquake isn’t the floor suddenly splitting in half as you’ve seen in movies. People are most often hurt during earthquakes by items that have fallen on top of them. Strap down items in your home, like your TV or computer.
- Anchor Heavy Items
Heavy items, like bookcases or storage cupboards, can cause a lot of damage during an earthquake if they fall over. Not only could they easily break other items in the home but they can also break bones or trap someone underneath them. Anchoring these heavy items will mean only the contents are likely to fall.
- Safety Latches
If you’ve got young children, you may already use safety latches to keep little fingers out of cupboards and drawers. However, they can be of great use to anyone living in an earthquake area. Cupboard doors can violently swing during an earthquake and there’s a danger of them swinging into you as you try to make it to safety.
- Ceiling Brace
If you’ve got a ceiling fan or a large light fixture, you’ll need to invest in a ceiling brace. The last thing you’ll want to fall on you or your home is a heavy ceiling fixture. Instead of using a ceiling fan, consider installing air conditioning instead. You can find the best air conditioning company in your area with a quick search.
- Get a Survey
If you’re buying a home in an earthquake zone, or you’ve already bought one, it’s a good idea to get a survey or inspection done. Homes that were built after 1992 will have already passed most earthquake resistance standards. Any homes built before that may need some upgrades or renovations to ensure they meet current standards.
- Arrange Your Accessories
You’ll need to keep an earthquake in mind when you’re arranging your home accessories. For example, heavy mirrors should never be hung above beds or near seating areas. You should also make sure that heavy ornaments are placed near to the floor, rather than on shelves.
- Hazardous Items
Hazardous items, like chemicals, bleach or gasoline should be stored away from the main house. These items can easily be spilled during an earthquake and they’re highly flammable. Store them in your garage away from everything else.
Easy Steps for an Earthquake Proof Home
There are lots of easy measures you can take to earthquake proof your home without it having to cost you an arm and a leg. Take a look at some more tips on how to design your home with creative ideas.
