Below are a list of “pre-earthquake tips”. If you live alone, we strongly recommend that you draft a plan for yourself in the event you are there when the earthquake strikes. If you are living with your family, make sure you have a plan that each family member can follow. It is essential to your survival that you communicate your plan with your family. Each member must know and understand the plan, know their resources and be able to find emergency items if necessary.

Before an Earthquake

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Mirrors, picture frames, and other hanging items should be secured to the wall with closed hooks or earthquake putty. Do not hang heavy objects over beds, sofas, or any place you may be seated.
• Brace overhead light fixtures and top heavy objects.
• Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.
• Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on.

So many people have large items above their bed. Photos, wall shelves, mirrors, sconces, etc. We know these tips might not fit your design aesthetic, but in an emergency, you're going to wish you had removed those items. Nothing is worth getting hurt over.

On page 3 we will tell you what to do during an earthquake. Pay close attention to bullet point #4. Apparently there are some myths about this one and doing it incorrectly could cost you your life!

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