Making your home safer from the threat of an earthquake

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – What can you do to make sure your home is safe if a major earthquake strikes?

The first thing you should do is make sure larger pieces of furniture are secured to the wall, according to Jay Lewis with Terra Firm.

He says don’t think a bigger cabinet is impervious to a quake

“A geologist that works with us says look ‘Earthquakes move whole continents, boilers and cabinets in your bedroom are child’s play for it’.”

Lewis says hot water tanks are especially concerning because most in the Lower Mainland use gas.

“They’re very tall or the have a very small base and they tip over rather easily. If they do, you have a house full of water and gas which is problematic.”

If that water tank is properly secured it could help you save some water in an emergency.

Firm says some cabinet makers try to give generic bracing opportunities, but you need to be aware of some of the problems with that.

“What you have is a couple of holes on the top side that are secured and integrated into the cabinet to some degree. The chances of those lining up into a stud is unlikely.”

 

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