Identify Potential Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards and Begin to Fix Them
Objects on open shelves and tabletops
- Hold small valuables in place with removable putty, museum wax, or quake gel.
- Add lips to shelves to prevent costly items from sliding.
- Move heavy objects and breakables to lower shelves.
Kitchens
- Install strong latches on cabinet doors.
- Secure refrigerators and major appliances.
Wood stoves
- Anchor stove feet by bolting to floor or creating brick and mortar bracing to keep stove from sliding. Note: anchors must not conduct heat.
- Brace stove pipes.
Hanging objects
- Place only soft art above beds and sofas.
- Hang mirrors and pictures on closed hooks.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
Home and office electronics
- Secure televisions, computers, sound systems and other electronics with flexible nylon straps and buckles.
Furniture
- Store heavy and breakable items on lower shelves.
- Secure tall furniture to wall studs with lag bolts.
Water heaters
- Anchor to wall studs or masonry with metal straps and lag screws.
- Install flexible (corrugated) copper water connectors.
Garages and utility rooms
- Move flammable or hazardous material to low cabinets that are securely latched.
- Ensure that items stored above or beside vehicle cannot fall.
Know your Risk
Start now by determining whether you live, work or play in a tsunami hazard zone and consider adding earthquake and/or flood insurance
