Secure Your Furniture

You must secure the contents of your home or office to reduce hazards during a disaster. You should secure anything heavy enough to hurt you if it falls on you. The following are steps should be taken to secure your possessions.  Click here for additional "How To" assistance.

Anchor Your Furniture

  • Secure the tops of all top-heavy furniture to the wall, such as bookcases and file cabinets. Be sure to anchor to a stud, not just to the plasterboard. Flexible fasteners such as nylon straps allow tall objects to sway without falling over, reducing the strain on the studs.

Secure Tabletop Objects

  • TVs, stereos, computers, lamps and chinaware can be secured with buckles and safety straps (thumb lock) or earthquake safety mat material that can be purchased from your local disaster supply center. These materials allow for easy movement when needed but will provide stability when the ground starts to shake.
  • Glass and pottery objects can be secured with nondrying putty or microcrystalline wax.

Secure Overhead Objects

  • Ceiling lights and fans should be supported with a cable bolted to the ceiling joist. The cable should have enough slack to allow it to sway.
  • Framed pictures, especially glass-covered, should be hung from closed hooks so that they can't bounce off. Only soft art, such as tapestries, should be placed over beds and sofas.
  • Hanging plants should be hung with closed hooks, so as not to become projectiles when there is ground movement.

Secure Items in the Kitchen

  • Use childproof latches, hook and eye latches or positive catch latches (such as those found on boats) to secure your cabinet doors.
  • Make sure your gas appliances have flexible connectors to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Secure your refrigerator to prevent movement.

Protect Yourself From Broken Glass

  • Replace strategic windows with ones made from safety glass or cover them with strong shatter-resistant film. Be sure you use safety film and not just a solar film.
  • Move furniture away from windows (especially in the bedroom) to prevent injury from shattered glass.
  • Keep a pair of shoes under your bed. In the event of disaster you will be able to move about your home in safety.