Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/303885
prep talk 34 W e s t W o r l d >> s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 istock Where do disasters happen? Big, cinematic cityscapes where spectac- ular explosions light up the screen and people leap to safety through geysers of flame in the nick of time. But you're probably watching that movie at home, and chances are that's where you'll be should a disaster strike. For B.C. residents, that trouble just may come in the form of an earthquake. So what can you do to ready your home for a major quake? "A few simple steps can be taken that would help avoid injuries and potential significant damage," says Serge Corbeil of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Earthquake experts point out that in B.C., building collapses are not the most likely result of a quake, given our con - struction standards. What's more likely to cause damage or injur y is the falling or shifting of furniture, appliances and household items. Fortunately, you can help reduce the risk by securing certain objects in your home and identifying its safe and dangerous areas. "Safe spots are under heavy tables or desks, inside hallways, corners of rooms, and archways," explains IBC's Steve Kee. "Dangerous areas are near windows or mirrors, under any objects that can fall, and particularly the kitchen where the stove, refrigerator or contents of cup - boards may move violently." Here's a checklist of 10 steps to con- sider, which could improve safety in your home's more dangerous zones. While the list may look long, think about completing just one task at a time, over a period of weeks, to make it more manageable. Then you can relax on the couch and enjoy your movie. After you've secured your TV, of course (see step 5). Home Safe Home Take 10 simple steps to secure your house in the event of an earthquake by Steve Burgess 1 secure mirrors and pictures to the wall using closed hooks, and make sure they are fastened to a stud, not just drywall. For hanging objects such as plants, use closed hooks that are secured directly to a ceiling stud. 2 position beds away from any heavy hanging objects, if possible, as well as from windows. (It's also a good idea to close blinds or curtains at night in case the win- dow shatters.) 3 install child- proof or safety latches on cabinets to help prevent objects from spilling out and causing injury. store glass, breakables and heavier items in lower cupboards, at floor level where possible. 4 Keep flammable household chemicals away from the house in an outdoor shed, or if that's not possible, secure them in a latched cupboard away from heat sources. 5 place Velcro or anti-skid pads under orna- ments and electronic devices, including computers, stereos and televisions, to reduce the risk of sliding off surfaces. It's also worth adding a secure anchor to a wall stud for big-screen TVs. 6 Keep important documents in a fireproof container and store in a safe spot. In the event of an insurance claim, having all your papers on hand will save you both time and stress. 7 secure all top- heavy furniture to prevent tipping, notes Corbeil. You can secure tall pieces like book- cases, china cabinets and shelving units to wall studs using L or corner brackets. Again, be sure to store heavier items on the lower shelves. 8 take some more advanced steps once you've covered the basics. "Tie down your water heater and other appliances," Corbeil recommends. "They could break a gas line or water lines if they topple." Fasten kitchen appliances to floors, walls or countertops using strong appliance straps and bolts, while your water heater should be attached to the wall with metal straps or braces. 9 Check your chimney, as it can be another source of danger in a quake, with the potential for heavy bricks to fall through the roof and attic. "Consider reinforcing the chimney and putting plywood sheets in the attic around the chimney to prevent bricks and mortar from coming through the ceiling," Corbeil suggests. 10 inspect your house or building for structural soundness. "Check for home hazards," says Corbeil. "Is the house bolted to the foundation? Are the walls braced?" Houses that are not bolted to the foundation can move off their foundations in an earthquake. remember to consult a professional for any checks, repairs or reinforcements that you aren't comfortable handling yourself. ℹ Visit bcaa.com/earthquake to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your home for an earthquake.