Are you prepared for an earthquake

The M 4.9 earthquake that shook the area this weekend is a reminder for residents to take steps to protect their family, home, and business before an earthquake hits. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® offers the following easy and affordable earthquake safety tips for residents.
Look Up:
1. Support ceiling fans and light pendants with bracing wire secured to a screw eye embedded at least an inch into the ceiling joist.
Look Around:
Secure hanging artwork and furniture with these easy and affordable steps.
2. Anchor the tops of bookcases, file cabinets and entertainment centers to one or more studs with flexible fasteners or metal “L” brackets and screws to prevent tipping.
3. Secure loose shelving by screwing into the cabinet or with earthquake putty placed at each corner bracket.
4. Secure china, collectibles, trophies, and other shelf items with earthquake putty.
5. Install a lip or blocking device to prevent books or other articles from falling off shelves.
6. Secure televisions, computers, and stereos with buckles and safety straps that also allow easy removal and relocation.
7. Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent them from opening and spilling out their contents.
8. Hang mirrors, pictures and plants using closed hooks to prevent items from falling.
9. Cover windows with approved shatter-resistant safety film to protect against broken glass.
Look Down:
Prevent post-earthquake fires with these easy and affordable steps.
10. Ensure appliances have flexible gas or electrical connectors.
11. Strap the top and bottom of a water heater using heavy-gauge metal strapping secured to wall studs.
12. Locate your gas shutoff valve and ensure you know how to turn off the gas supply to your home with the use of a suitable wrench.
13. Relocate flammable liquids to a garage or outside storage location.
For additional resources for businesses visit the FLASH and FEMA QuakeSmart initiative. For more how-to earthquake information, residents can visit the Protect Your Home in a FLASH video library.