Earthquake Hazards Materials
Gas Water Heater Bracing
| Materials Needed | Comments |
|---|---|
| Metal strapping (plumber's) tape | Encircle the gas water heater with metal tape. |
| Nut and bolt | Secure the metal strapping into a tight circle. |
| 1/2" metal electrical conduit tube | Cut two pieces, each about two feet long. Flatten the ends with a hammer; drill holes on flattened ends. |
| 5/16" x 3" lag bolts with washers | Connect ends of conduit to studs in wall. |
| Nuts and bolts | Attach the other ends of the conduit to metal strapping. |
Strengthen Your Shelves
| Materials Needed | Comments |
|---|---|
| L-shaped brackets and screws | One edge screws into the shelf, the other to a stud in the wall. |
| Velcro strips (with sticky backs) | Place velcro under large or breakable items to prevent them from falling during earthquake shear. |
| Wood strips for kitchen shelves | Cut thin strips of wood (1" x 1") to the width of open shelves and permanently attach. |
| Child-proof latches for cabinets | Latches will prevent the doors from springing open during an earthquake. |
Download the pdf information sheet of bookshelf and water heater bracings.
You can also print copies of the home survival checklist, how to prepare your family for earthquakes, a perspective drawing of how to build shear walls, and shear wall cross sections.