What comes to mind when I say the word “earthquake?” Chances are it’s the big Hollywood spectacle: the ground trembles, lights flicker and coffee tables start to rattle. Before you know it everyone is screaming, books are flying off the shelves and the rafters break apart! Suddenly the ceiling caves in; the scene cuts to black.
Sound familiar? Despite its cultural prevalence, this chaotic incident is foreign to most of us. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen where you live. In fact, between 2000 and 2009, more than 32,000 earthquakes shook the United States, and not all of them were in California.
So what about the people who live outside earthquake-newsworthy areas? What should they do, if anything, to safeguard their homes against the occasional tremor?
As Director of Public Affairs at the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), I’m helping to bring the IBHS Earthquake Outreach Tour to five states from Feb. 7 to 11. Throughout the tour, we’ll be answering that very question.
Due to the infrequency of earthquakes, you might believe you live outside an at-risk area. However, eight of the 17 states in which COUNTRY Financial has clients are classified as either “very high risk” or “high risk,” and another four present a “moderate risk.” Whether you live in one of these areas, or another of the 28 at-risk U.S. states, here are seven ways to earthquake-proof your home:
- Fasten bookcases and cabinets to nearby walls using L- or Z-brackets. Also, ensure they’re well anchored to the floor.
- Affix self-locking or manual latches to cabinet drawers or doors to further reduce spillage.
- Secure heavy decorations and electronic equipment with braces, hook or loop closures, heavy glue or seismic straps.
- Secure picture frames using closed screw-eyes to prevent falling.
- Put protective film on glass windows to prevent shattering.
- Ensure the hangers supporting mechanical and plumbing systems are less than 12 inches long to reduce sway during a tremor.
- Brace major appliances, such as boilers, furnaces and water heaters to the wall and/or floor to prevent overturning or shifting.
With a little upfront investment, you can safeguard your home (and wallet) against costly earthquake damage. Simply set aside a weekend to complete these seven, and you’ll protect your household for years to come.
For additional information on earthquakes or other natural disaster safety instructions visit the IBHS website at http://www.disastersafety.org/ or check out our earthquake guide, which includes a complete list of materials and tips to earthquake-proof your belongings.
(Candace Iskowitz is the Director of Public Affairs at the Institute for Business & Home Safety)
