An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

They
most often occur in volcanic regions and are caused there, both by tectonic faults and the movement of magma in
volcanoes. The effects of earthquakes include shaking, ground rupture, landslides, avalanches, fires, soil liquefaction,
tsunami and floods. These effects of an earthquake may cause injury, loss of life, road/bridge damage, general property
damage, and collapse or destabilization of buildings.

There are several precautions a person can do in preparedness of an earthquake. While structure modification
to pre-existing buildings and earthquake proof desks can be very expensive options, there are many measures that can
be done in one’s home at a reasonable expense (less than $100). By doing a few of the precautionary steps listed in this
document and the corresponding YouTube video series, you can potentially reduce the likelihood of injury occurring
while in your home due to flying projectiles and tipping furniture while in an earthquake.

Here are a few simple things you can do within your home to help prepare for an earthquake:

1. Do a walkthrough of your home and try to identify potential hazards. The kitchen and garage are the most
dangerous places to be in an earthquake due to the abundance of small projectiles.
2. Identify safe places in each room of your home. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an
interior wall away from potential hazards.
3. Store heavy objects as well as hazardous materials low to the ground; preferably in floor-level cabinets.
4. Secure tall furniture to the studs in the wall. Use a stud finder and furniture safety straps to install at the
corners
5. Install all cabinets with earthquake latches, with priority being cabinets above waste level. Child-proof latches
are more commonly found but require daily unlatching. The SeismoLatch Automatic Earthquake Activated
Cabinet Latch will only activate with lateral movement found during an earthquake.
6. Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a shutoff wrench/tool accessible for that purpose.
7. Replace the nails holding up heavy picture frames with earthquake proof hooks that prevent the frame from
jumping off the wall during an earthquake. (e.g., Quakehold! The A-Maze-ing Picture Hook)
8. Secure flat screen TV’s to the wall studs using a television wall mount or place it on a lower, sturdy stand. If
using a stand, use the Quakehold! Flat Screen TV Safety Strap to secure it to the stand.
9. Secure the water heater using bolts or earthquake straps to prevent gas leaks.
10. Move beds away from windows and preferably against the rooms inner wall. Inner walls are the most stable
during an earthquake.
11. Move heavy items away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
12. Keep sturdy shoes (e.g., tennis shoes, boots, etc.) under each family members bed and put a flashlight or
headlamp with each pair. If an earthquake strikes in the middle of the night you do not want to go without
quality shoes in case there is broken glass or hazardous materials on the ground.
13. ...and of course, make a 72-hour Emergency Backpack (e.g., Bug Out Bag) for each member of your family and
store it in a convenience, accessible location for quick retrieval.
 Here is a list of recommended products, with the manufactures product description, that you can use for
securing the furniture and appliances in your home. You can purchase all of them for a total cost of around $100.

Quakehold! Furniture Strap Kit: This is the strongest, most versatile strap available and is
easy to install. Peel and press one end to the furniture, screw the other end into the wall stud
through grommet hole. Each kit contains two nylon straps, enough for one large item of
furniture. Straps won't damage wood and hide from view. Available in various colors.

Quakehold! Museum Putty: Removable, reusable and non-toxic Quakehold! Museum Putty
secures antiques, collectibles and more from falling and breaking. Pull off amount needed, roll it
in your fingers until soft, apply to base of object. Lightly press object to surface. Remove by
twisting and lifting from base. Comes off clean, works on most surfaces and walls. Won't damage
furniture.

SeismoLatch Automatic Earthquake Activated Cabinet Latch: The new SeismoLatch cabinet
door latch is the world's first earthquake activated fastening latch. Unlike push latches or child
safety fasteners, the SeismoLatch allows for full use of cabinet doors between seismic events. No
need to continually feel for a release mechanism, the patented SiesmoLatch lock mechanism
engages in earthquake motion, and keeps contents inside. Available in three colors, the
SeismoLatch is essential part of your preparedness plan.

Quakehold! The A-Maze-ing Picture Hook: The A-Maze-ing picture hook has revolutionized
the way we hang pictures and heavy mirrors. This heavy-duty hanger traps the backing wire in a
maze and prevents wall hangings from jumping off the hook. To hold items up to 100lbs, screw
the hook into the wall stud. For lightweight items, hang with a nail. Easy to install and remove.

Quakehold! Flat Screen TV Safety Strap: Flat Screen Safety Straps are your best defense
against earthquakes. Secure large flat screen televisions from toppling in an earthquake,
preventing damage and injury. Easy peel and press application with no holes required and the
straps are hidden from view. Each package contains two straps for mounting your flat screen TV
to your TV/entertainment stand. The straps are black in color to blend with the surroundings of
the electronics.

Watts TSE-25 Water Heater Earthquake Strap: This Watts water heater strap kit contains
four straps for restraining the top and bottom of the water heater. Lag bolts are pre-installed
and held with paper keepers to prevent dropping behind the tank. The straps adjust easily to fit
the water heater.

On Duty Emergency Gas & Water Shutoff 4-in-1 Tool: A light-weight, heavy duty, easy-to-use
tool which Shuts off Gas, Shuts off Water, Pries Open Doors, and Digs through Debris. This tool
will help you prepare for any emergency. Patented and Made in USA.