Home & Garden Columns

Take a Good Look Around 

It’s surprising how few of us have walked around our home to take note of which furniture is ready to injure us in a serious quake. There’s usually quite a bit of it, folks!  

I’ve done many consultations where the homeowner thinks that because a piece is heavy, like an armoire or a desk, for example, it won’t fall. Or that because something is on wheels, like a baby bed, it will slide and not fall. Not true! Pieces like these are crying out for securing.  

For the handy person, securing is no big deal. Just go to your friendly hardware store and find the earthquake hardware section. 

If you’re not inclined this way, or just don’t have the time, hire your own handyman or go to my website. 

This is not that expensive. Most importantly, in a big quake, most injuries are due to falling objects (not fire).  

Is it worth taking a chance that you or somebody you love could be badly hurt? And, try comparing the securing cost of $150-$350 to the expense of replacing all kinds of furniture, computers, and TVs, after the quake destroys them.  

Larry Guillot is owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing, and kit supply service in the East Bay. www.quakeprepare.com.