Monday, March 19, 2012
Be Prepared – Fix Potential Hazards in Your Silicon Valley Home Before the Next Earthquake
Over a year ago, on March 11, 2011 the fourth largest recorded earthquake in the world since 1900 took place in Japan. It was 300 times stronger and lasted 15 times longer than the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge Earthquake. This is a stark reminder of how important it is for those of us here in the earthquake-prone Silicon Valley to be prepared to reduce the risk to our lives and our pocketbooks.
Sadly several people died and thousands were injured in the Northridge earthquake because of unsecured building contents like toppling bookcases. A lot of this damage and injury could have been prevented in advance. Never forget that what’s inside your home can be just as dangerous as the building structure itself.
How prepared is your home?
It doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are simple steps you can take that will protect you if an earthquake happens tomorrow. Here’s a good rule of thumb: you should secure anything 1) heavy enough to hurt you if it falls on you, or 2) fragile and/or expensive enough to be a significant loss if it falls.
Walk through each room of your home and make note of what simple, yet lifesaving, precautions you should be taking. Here’s a list to get you started:
In Your Bedroom - Earthquakes often happen at night so make sure to move bookcases away from beds where you sleep. Only “soft art”, such as a tapestry, should be placed over your bed.
In Your Kitchen - Start by securing your refrigerator and other large appliances to walls using earthquake appliance straps. Then add latches (child-proof latches will work) to cabinet doors so they don’t fly open and allow glassware and dishes to come crashing down. Also, if you have gas appliances make sure they have flexible connectors to reduce the risk of fire.
In Your Garage - Secure items stored in your garage so that they won’t block access to your vehicle and your exits. Move any flammable or hazardous materials to a closed cabinet with latches and place these items on the bottom shelf.
Throughout your home - Collectibles, vases, and lamps can become deadly projectiles so use fasteners or a non-damaging adhesive such as earthquake putty. Mirrors and hung frames should be hung from closed hooks so that they can't bounce off the walls. Your electronics are heavy (and costly to replace) so secure them with flexible nylon straps and buckles so you can easily relocate them. Anchor the tops of all top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and file cabinets, to a stud in your wall. Finally, don’t forget to brace overhead light fixtures since they often come down and cause serious damage or injury.
Your Water Heater - Unsecured water heaters often fall over so make sure yours has two straps around it that are screwed into the studs or masonry of the wall.
This list will get you started but it isn’t all inclusive. Take a look at FEMA’s website for more information on how to prepare your home for an earthquake.
Imagine the relief of knowing you’ve done everything you could to get your house ready for an earthquake to keep your family safe! If it sounds overwhelming, because you just don’t have the time or the expertise, Simplify has qualified handymen who can get your Silicon Valley house prepared for any emergency.
Don’t wait! We’re offering an additional 10% off on all handyman service through March 31, 2012. Call us for a complimentary consultation and we’ll be happy to talk about how we can help you be prepared.
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