Earthquake preparation is more than just gathering supplies. Another aspect to preparedness is the mitigation of hazards in the home. By anchoring large pieces of furniture, you can minimize damage to your property (furnishings) and more importantly, remove the threat of injury to your family. There are so many things that you can do for your disaster preparation, but because we can get overwhelmed, we don’t take action. So let me share with you a simple step, that can garner big results in the event of an earthquake. This is something you can do today in 15 minutes or less.
So inventory all of your furniture that is taller than it’s length (such as bookcases, cabinets, and armoires) because they are very likely to fall when the ground starts shaking. You will need two straps for each piece. Take that number to your local home improvement center and purchase your straps and any other supplies you will need to get the job done.
Here’s what you need:
- A stud finder (If you don’t have a stud finder, you can watch this video on how to locate a stud without stud finder)
- Marker
- At least 2 Anchor Straps, for each piece of your tall furniture, you can find these straps at any home improvement store.
- Screw Driver
How to secure your bookshelves
- Locate the wall studs using a stud finder
- Mark the location
- Drill the hole
- Mount the anchor strap
- Clean the surface with alcohol to remove any wax at spot that you’ll apply the straps
- Then secure velcro straps to each other
Place heavy and/or large items on lower shelves and consider using museum wax to prevent them from flying around the room in an earthquake.
So that’s it!
Now go and strap your furniture, invite your friends and families to do the same.