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Earthquake Mitigation Activities At Home
During an earthquake,
contents can shake violently, potentially injuring or trapping occupants.
You can mitigate the effects of earthquakes by doing these, and
other, measures: anchor tall bookcases;
secure propane tanks; restrain
computers and appliances; install
latches on cabinet doors; secure
gas and water lines; brass crippled
walls; and mount framed pictures
and mirrors to the wall.
Anchor Bookcases and File Cabinets
Anchoring furniture so that it remains upright not only helps prevent
injuries and helps to keep exits clear, but it also helps protect
both the furniture and its contents. You can anchor large pieces
of furniture in several ways. Make sure that all anchoring screws
penetrate not just the wall but the studs behind it as well. Screws
embedded only in drywall or plaster will pull out. The cost of anchoring
a bookcase or file cabinet will depend on its width. In general,
if you do the work yourself, you can expect the cost to be approximately
$5 per foot. So, for example, anchoring a 3-foot-wide bookcase will
cost you about $15. Check with your local home improvement store
or click
here for additional information.
Secure Propane Tanks
During earthquakes, propane tanks can break free of their supporting
legs. When a tank falls, there is always a danger of a fire or an
explosion. One way to prevent damage to propane tanks and compressed
gas cylinders is to anchor and brace them securely. Bracing and
anchoring a propane tank will cost about $250. Having flexible connections
installed on the tank and at the house will cost about $75. Attaching
one gas cylinder to the wall will cost about $50. Check with your
local home improvement store or click
here for additional information.
Restrain Appliances and Computers
You can protect desktop computers and other small appliances by
restraining them in a variety of ways. Some methods, such as using
hook-and-loop material (Velcro for example), require no tools. This
will cost approximately $2 to $10, depending on the amount of hardware.
Others, which include using chain, cables, or elastic cord ("bungee"
cords for example), will usually require simple hand tools. Using
velcro material will be the cheapest method. Using chain or cable
will be the most expensive method but may be necessary for heavy
items. Check with your local home improvement store or click
here for additional information.
Install Latches on Drawers
and Cabinet Doors One way to prevent the accidental opening
of drawers and cabinet doors is to install latches, such as barrel
bolts, safety hasps, and child-proof locks. Most hardware and home
supply stores stock a variety of latches. Most latches will cost
between $2 and $5. If you do the work yourself, the cost of adding
latches to all the cabinets and drawers in a medium-sized kitchen
could range from about $60 to about $100. Check with your local
home improvement store or click
here for additional information.
Brace Cripple Walls
A cripple wall is a short wall that rests on the foundation and
supports the floor and exterior walls. If the cripple wall is not
braced, it can shift during an earthquake. When this occurs, there
is a greater likelihood that your house will be severely damaged
and that you and members of your family will be injured. To protect
your home, horizontal blocking that consists of 2" by 4'' boards
is added between the vertical studs at the top and bottom of the
cripple wall and, if necessary, at other locations between the studs.
New vertical studs can also be added if necessary. Plywood or oriented
strand board is then nailed to the interior face of the cripple
wall. Also, nails are added through the existing blocking between
floor joists to ensure that the floor is securely attached to the
cripple wall. Bracing a 2-foot-high cripple wall will cost you about
$1.50 per linear foot of wall. For example, a house measuring 60
feet by 30 feet will have a perimeter of 180 feet. So the cost for
that house would be about $270. Check with the Public Works Department,
Building Division at 961-8331 in Hilo and 327-3520 in Kailua-Kona
to see whether you need a permit to do this work. Check with your
local home improvement store or click
here for additional information.
Use Flexible Connections on
Gas and Water Lines Because most gas and water lines are
rigid, they can be torn from their connection points during an earthquake.
A broken gas line is especially serious because of the potential
for a fire or even an explosion. One way to prevent broken gas and
water lines is to have flexible connection pipes installed between
appliances and their supply lines. Having a flexible connection
installed on a furnace or other large appliance will cost about
$75.
Changes
to the gas lines and plumbing in your house must be done by a licensed
contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly
and according to all applicable codes. This is important for your
safety. Call the Public Works Department, Building Division at 961-8331
in Hilo and 327-3520 in Kailua-Kona to obtain a permit to do this
work or click
here for additional information.
Frame Pictures and Mirrors
Large pictures and mirrors can cause injuries when they fall, and
the broken glass that often results increases the potential for
injury. One way to mount framed pictures and mirrors securely is
to use long-shanked, open eye-hooks instead of traditional picture
hangers. Also, an alternative to running wire across the back of
the picture or mirror is to use closed eye-hooks securely screwed
into the back of the frame. The cost of mounting a picture or mirror
with eye-hooks will depend on its size and weight. In general, for
a large picture or mirror that requires two eye-hooks, you can expect
the cost to be approximately $3 to $5. Check with your local home
improvement store or click
here for additional information.
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