Not Just Lawn Chairs: Simple Steps Prevent Costly Earthquake Damage

By Andy Fell, OpenHazards

You might have smiled at pictures of tipped lawn chairs or broken plates from a minor earthquake like the one that hit northern California last week. But it’s less funny when it’s your best china that got smashed, or your hot water tank pulled loose -- and your insurance won’t pay.

Did you know that much of the havoc caused by earthquakes is not structural damage to buildings, but due to items falling, thrown around or broken inside buildings because they were not properly secured? This damage may not be covered by insurance, even if you have an earthquake policy.

California seismic codes help homes withstand earthquakes, but don’t secure the contents.  Luckily, there are quick, simple steps you can take to protect your home and save on costly repairs.

Start by identifying the objects that would cause you the greatest losses or physical harm if they fell.What do you own that is valuable or fragile? Does anything sit where it might fall on people?What items are sharp, heavy, flammable, toxic, caustic, or glass?

Here are some simple things you can do that could save you a big repair bill.
Secure bookcases or cabinets to the wall so they won’t tip. Add latches to cabinet doors. Rubberized shelf mats stop valuables sliding out. Secure heavy appliances to stop them tipping or sliding.Brace your water heater with two heavy gauge steel straps (not plumber's tape) that loop around it and screw into the studs or masonry of the wall. Install an automatic gas shut-off valve.

For more tips and information about living with earthquakes, visit http://www.openhazards.com/prepare.

Want to know more about the risk to your home from earthquakes? Use free home damage estimator and other free tools at http://www.openhazards.com/tools.