Making your home safer for an earthquake

During an earthquake, many injuries are caused not by the shaking itself, but by falling furniture, broken glass, and unsecured household items. Preparing your home in advance greatly reduces the risk of injury and property damage.

This guide provides clear, practical steps you can take to secure your living space and protect the people inside it.

Why home earthquake preparation matters

When an earthquake strikes, the ground moves — and so does everything inside your home:

• Tall shelves can tip over
• TVs and appliances can fall
• Cabinet doors can fly open
• Glass can shatter

Most of this damage is preventable with simple safety improvements done ahead of time.

Step 1: Secure heavy and tall furniture

Start by securing anything heavy enough to injure someone if it falls.

Items to secure to the wall:

• Bookcases and shelving units
• Wardrobes and dressers
• Tall storage cabinets
• Large televisions and monitors
• Refrigerators and standing appliances

How to secure them:

• Use L-brackets, furniture straps, or wall anchors
• Attach to wall studs, not drywall
• Place heavier items on lower shelves

If you're renting: use removable or low-damage anchors — they work surprisingly well and don’t leave big marks.

Step 2: Make the kitchen safer

Kitchens contain many breakable objects and are one of the most hazardous rooms during shaking.

Recommended improvements:

• Install latches on cabinets to prevent dishes from falling out
• Store heavy items low and close to the floor
• Use non-slip pads under countertop appliances
• Avoid placing glass containers on high shelves

Step 3: Reduce glass and shatter hazards

Broken glass is a major cause of injuries after earthquakes.

Improve safety by:

• Applying safety film to large windows and glass doors
• Moving beds away from windows if possible
• Avoiding heavy frames or mirrors above beds and seating areas
• Choosing shatter-resistant frames where possible

Step 4: Secure the water heater and utilities

A falling water heater can lead to flooding, fire, or gas leaks.

• Strap the water heater to wall studs
• Ensure gas lines use flexible connectors
• Know where the gas, water, and electricity shutoffs are located
• Make sure everyone in your home knows how to shut them off safely

Step 5: Keep exit routes clear

In an emergency, you may need to move quickly.

• Keep hallways clear
• Do not block doors with furniture
• Ensure evacuation paths are open and easy to move through

Especially important in small apartments and crowded homes.

Step 6: Review room by room

Key takeaways

• Most injuries during earthquakes come from falling objects, not the shaking.
• Securing heavy furniture and reducing glass hazards protects lives.
• Perform these improvements before an earthquake happens.
• Each small change contributes to a safer home.

Preparedness is a long-term safety investment — not something to rush at the last minute.

References

1. FEMA – Protect Your Home Against Earthquakes
   https://www.fema.gov/earthquake

2. USGS – Earthquake Hazards and Home Safety
   https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards

3. American Red Cross – Earthquake Preparedness and Safety
   https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html