Disaster Mitigation – Eartquakes

Earthquakes are more common in certain areas of the country such as the west coast, however many of us have experienced earthquakes in other parts of the country.  Canadian earthquakes have, in recent history, been notoriously mild in comparison to what we have recently seen on the news in Japan, Chile, and The big San Francisco Quake of 1989.  However, most damage and injuries are caused by relatively light damage such as objects falling from shelves or bookcases and cabinets tipping over.  To help reduce damage, there is one golden rule…if it’s not tied down, tie it down.  Use material straps to secure bookcases and cabinets to the wall.  These traps can be made from old jeans or other sturdy cloth and is easily installed out of site. Keep heavy objects off the upper shelves and secure figurines and other family heirlooms to shelve by using earthquake or florist putty.  Water heaters and other heavy appliances can be secured with perforated, flexible metal strapping known as plumber’s tape.  You can also have your home retrofitted by having foundations and framing secured by a reputable contractor.  If you have natural gas or propane appliances in the home, use flexible connector pipes when having them installed.  Also, flexible plumbing such as PVC or PEX can be used.  This will flex with the movement of the earth and is less likely to break during an earthquake.