How do I prepare my home for an earthquake?

Anchor tall furniture and the water heater to studs, secure heavy and breakable items, learn your gas, water, and electrical shutoffs, and build a multi-day emergency kit.

What should be in an earthquake kit?

Several days of water (about 4 L per person per day), food, medications, flashlight, radio, first aid, and copies of key documents, plus a family plan and meeting place.

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Earthquake Preparedness Checklist

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Secure your home

Anchor tall furniture and bookshelves to studs

Strap the water heater to the wall

Secure the TV and heavy items

Move heavy objects to low shelves; latch cabinets

Know your shutoffs

Learn how to shut off the gas (and keep a tool)

Locate water and electrical shutoffs

Kit & plan

Store water: ~4 L per person per day, several days

Stock food, meds, flashlight, radio, first aid

Agree on a meeting place and out-of-area contact

Practise 'drop, cover, and hold on'

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Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare my home for an earthquake?: Anchor tall furniture and the water heater to studs, secure heavy and breakable items, learn your gas, water, and electrical shutoffs, and build a multi-day emergency kit.
What should be in an earthquake kit?: Several days of water (about 4 L per person per day), food, medications, flashlight, radio, first aid, and copies of key documents, plus a family plan and meeting place.

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