Remember last year's earthquake "swarm?" There were over 700 quakes, none of them reaching more than 4.6 in magnitude. However, the rumbling down there could be a precursor to the big one. Thistle DKI in Las Vegas, Nevada would like to share a few tips on preparing your home for earthquakes.
Inspection
Building regulations in an earthquake zone require that a structure be designed to move with, the horizontal and vertical forces imposed by an earthquake. The force of an earthquake should be able to pass through the frame and foundation of a house and leave it intact. Hire a licensed engineer to inspect your home to find any weaknesses in the structure that would require a retrofit.
Furniture & Fixtures
Even a weak earthquake can knock over furniture and dislodge pictures from walls. Make sure your light fixtures and fans are secured correctly to the ceiling. Strap bookcases and tall cabinets to the walls. Prevent your refrigerator and oven from rolling by securing them to the kitchen floor.
In the Bedroom
Do not put heavy, glass mirrors or pictures above your bed. Position your bed, so it is not directly under a skylight or window. Make sure all tall furniture such as wardrobes or chest of drawers are secured to the wall. Keep a pair of sturdy, easy to slip on shoes and a flashlight within reach in case you are shaken awake in a power outage and there's broken glass on the floor.
Water Heaters
Brace your water heater. You can buy a special bracing kit at a local hardware store and install it yourself, but it is a good idea to ask a qualified plumber to carry out the installation. The bracing should be heavy metal strapping secured to wall studs.
Utilities
The main gas line to your home should be fitted with an earthquake activated shut-off valve. Have flexible gas and water pipe fittings installed on all appliances to keep ruptures from happening during an earthquake. Prevent
water damage and fires, find out where and how to shut off the gas, water and electric utilities.
Earthquakes test the structural integrity of all buildings whether they are up-to-date on the latest seismic resistant specs or not, only the next earthquake can confirm this. Call us here at Thistle DKI Nevada for property restoration, (702) 871-8462.