Get Prepared: Make Your Home Earthquake-Ready with These Tips

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you know the importance of preparation. Earthquakes can happen without warning; being prepared can make all the difference in protecting your property and your family. To get your home earthquake-ready, follow some simple tips.

Make sure all family members know what to do in an emergency.

It’s smart to be familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans, and then create a plan for your family. This should include escape routes, an emergency meeting place, and a contact point to contact concerned relatives. Everyone should know where the gas, electric, and water main shutoff controls are, as well as how to turn them off in case of emergency. You should also have the necessary tools at hand, as well as an emergency kit.

Prepare the inside of your house for disaster.

Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to walls and affix ledge barriers on shelves. Install latches on cabinet doors and drawers to keep things from spilling out, put heavy things on low shelves, and attach computers and small appliances to desks, tables, or countertops. Secure ceiling lights and other hanging items, apply safety film to glass doors and windows, and anchor large appliances using safety straps or cables.

Get your house itself ready.

Have your home inspected, to determine if it has structural elements that need reinforcing. Common modifications include adding steel plates or anchor bolts between the house and its foundation, bracing the inside of the wall between the top of the foundation and the first floor with sheathing, and bracing any unreinforced chimneys, masonry, and concrete walls and foundations.

Prep your plumbing.

Fit gas appliances with flexible connections and/or a breakaway gas shut-off device, or install a main gas shut-off device. Secure water heaters, making sure it’s strapped to the wall studs in two places, because a tank full of hot water is not something you want to fall and break in an earthquake. Get to the main shutoff valve and turn off the water to your home at the first sign of an earthquake, to prevent flooding.

You can Always Rely on Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter

No matter what plumbing problem you’re facing, you can count on the professional plumbing contractors at Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter to provide stellar plumbing service with a smile. Since 1994, we’ve served San Jose, California, and the South Bay Area, building a reputation on excellent service and a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Our family-owned and -operated company is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations, and our staff is kept up-to-date on all the latest advances in the industry. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we’re available to take care of plumbing issues that can’t wait. Call 408.705.4820 or contact us through our website to learn more.