03/02/2010
With California and other parts of the world experiencing Earthquakes, it may be time to evaluate or prepare your earthquake plan. Southern California alone experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, but very few are large enough to cause significant damage. However, damage from big earthquakes can be limited by taking preventative steps. Identifying and securing potential hazards before the earthquake hits can both limit damage and prevent injuries after the shaking stops. Anything that is heavy enough to cause injury when falling should be secured with furniture straps or brackets. Fragile items that may be expensive to replace or dangerous when broken can also be secured with putty, museum wax or gel.

Many baby proofing items can be used to secure cabinets and drawers, preventing or reducing their contents from spilling onto the floor. Even expensive electronics can be individually secured with straps to reduce the potential for damage. Mirrors and framed pictures should be hung from closed hooks so that they don't bounce off the wall during an earthquake. If living in an older home, make sure that your water heater has been secured with two straps mounted into the studs or masonry of the wall. Finally, creating a disaster preparedness plan can help the entire family know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
For more information on earthquake safety, please visit www.earthquakecountry.info.

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