Earthquake Survival

In earthquake-prone states like California, preparing your home or office for the "big one" is a way of life. Tall bookshelves, file cabinets, dressers and hutches should be strapped to a stud in the wall. Televisions, computers and stereos should also be strapped down. Glass and other fragile items should be anchored to the shelf or table top. Pictures and mirrors should not be hung above beds and should be hung with specially designed picture hangers. Install latches on cabinets and drawers so they don't fly open and spill their contents when the earth starts to shake. And so on.

Earthquake Tip: Tie a pair of shoes with a flashlight or headlamp in them under the bed onto the bedpost of every occupant in the house. Make sure everyone knows to put on their shoes before leaving their beds if there is an earthquake in the middle of the night. Broken glass can cause significant injuries to bare feet!