Owning a house is one of the most significant investments a person can make in their life. We work so hard to attain a place that we can call our home and build a future with our loved ones. For that reason, it is essential to take preventive measures to secure your property against potential losses caused by a natural calamity such as earthquakes.  

Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches and they can happen anywhere and without warning. As a homeowner, you have to be knowledgeable about what you can do to prepare your home for an earthquake to keep you, your family, and your home safe. 

Here are the 3 Ways to Prepare your Home for an Earthquake 

• Anchor Heavy Items

When an earthquake hits our home, it results from items falling or shifting due to the shaking of the earth. That’s why, it is important to evaluate your home and check for potential hazards to protect yourself and your loved ones before an earthquake. 

The first thing that you should do is to secure heavy items in your home by fastening them down or attaching them to the wall. Bookcases, shelves, heavy pictures, and mirrors over furniture are some of the items that you have to watch out for. Make sure that they are anchored to the wall to prevent them from falling over during an earthquake and causing accidents. If they can’t be anchored, move them to areas of the home where they are less likely to cause injuries if they fall.

Avoid hanging heavy objects such as mirrors and pictures over beds, or places where people sit or sleep to be safe from potential dangers. 

• Latch Cabinets 

Falling objects are the primary cause of earthquake-related injuries. Anything that can move or fall during a quake should be placed in a closed cabinet or a secondary container. As a precaution, store breakable items, such as glassware and bottled foods inside closed cabinets.

Use latches on your drawers and cabinet doors to prevent them from flying open during an earthquake. This will stop items from falling out, which could prevent accidents and help keep a clear path to an exit.

• Secure Water Heaters

The water heater should be strapped to the wall to keep it upright and keep pipes from rupturing during a quake. Water heaters are connected to both water and gas lines, thus, making them a potential source of indoor flooding and can cause fires. It can also be a source of clean water after an earthquake, as long as it hasn’t been damaged. 

If you’re not sure how to do it properly, you can hire a plumber to strap down your water heater according to your local code. Hiring a professional will give you peace of mind that it is properly taken care of. 

These are just some of the many ways you can prepare your home for an earthquake.

Buying or Selling your home in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas or the greater Los Angeles area? Contact The Michelle Hirsch Group’s team of top real estate agents for all your Real Estate and Investment Property needs at 818-293-8460 or visit the website at https://MichelleHirsch.com