5 Tips to Earthquake-Proof Your Home

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Earthquakes, big or small, can cause household belongings to move around. Read these tips below on how to earthquake-proof your space to keep your family safe.

Graphic of woman with house. Text: TIPS for EARTHQUAKE-PROOFING your living space Earthquakes, big or small, can cause household belongings to fall and create hazards. Read the tips below to learn how to earthquake-proof your space and help keep your family safe.A picture of the state of California detailing the possibility of a destructive earthquake. Text: A major earthquake could strike at any time and it is crucial that your living space is earthquake-proofed for you and your family's safety. HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE:

An image of a bookshelf and bed with steps on how to earthquake proof those home items. Text: Rearrange sizable items. Place your heavy belongings on lower shelves. This will prevent items from falling, potentially causing injury or any structural damage with a drop. Shift beds away from direct contact with any windows as they can shatter during an earthquake.Graphic of kitchen with cabinets and steps on how to velcro and secure them. Text: Secure swinging doors and cabinets. Add velcro stickers or install latches to bathroom and kitchen cabinets. This will prevent them from flying open and emptying out belongings of varying weights, sizes and sharpness in the event of an earthquake.Picture of a large crack in wall. Text: Assess minor faults in your home's structure. Inspect any minor cracks or faults in your home's structure that could be worsened by an earthquake. Begin by locating any cracks in the ceiling or walls. If found, coat the cracks with a premixed drywall mud and apply paper drywall tape to reinforce the mud. Utilize a drywall sanding sponge to smooth the surface once dry. If your home is built before 1980, look into brace + bolt retrofitting to prevent home from sliding off its foundation. If you notice any faults in the building's foundation, contact a foundational expert.Graphic: Large tree with a saw with steps on when to trim trees outside the home. Text: Trim trees close to your property. Trim back trees regularly that are in close proximity to your home, especially branches near windows. This reduces the risk of property damage and broken glass.Graphic of a picture and a fridge with an eye screw and instructions on bolting home items. Text: Anchor all vulnerable items. By securing items to the wall, people and structures are better protected against falling or tipping heavy decor and appliances. Swap out nails and anchor heavy wall decor like mirrors and photos by stringing wire through eye screws and securing with wall studs. Attach eye screws to bookcases, shelving and water heaters and fasten in the same way to prevent them from tipping over. Add a screw to the back of refrigerators and utilize an angle bracket to attach to a stud in the wall.Text: To learn additional ways to prepare for an earthquake, visit ready.gov/earthquakes.