BE PROACTIVE:

• Install Seismic Strapping to your water heaters  (a water source for your family) and secure gas appliances to wall studs.  Call us to book your Earthquake upgrades and mention this article to receive a 10% discount!
• Have a professional  install  Automatic Gas Shut Off Valves   to protect your family from gas leaks and fires or learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

• Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.
• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.

PREPARE:

• Ensure that you have at least a  72 hours Emergency Preparedness Kit   in your home, workplace and car. Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy-to-access location.
• Purchase a  Gravity Fed Water Filter  to have access to a pure water source in the case of water lines breaking or electrical damage.
• Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed in case the earthquake strikes in the middle of the night.

PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT!

• Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake safety plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
• Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Practice “ drop, cover and hold on ” in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall, away from windows and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• If you are in bed, stay in bed and cover your head with your pillow.
• Decide on a family plan and make sure everyone is informed!  Practice regularly (in a fun, proactive way) so your children feel empowered with the skills they need to respond to an emergency.  When they know the value of being prepared,  they will be able to lead and help others if they are ever in that situation.