ANY PROPERTY OWNER should know that maintaining a stable and safe piece of land is just good investment management. A home is not just a place to hang your hat but an investment in your future.
A part of living in the Caribbean is being prepared for the hurricane season every year. We are currently in the middle of this year’s hurricane season, as such, emergency kits and plans should already be in place in the event of disaster.
More than just preparing your home for weathering a hurricane, there are several steps that can be taken to make your domicile safer in the event of an earthquake.
Here are some tips on how to protect your property from www.disastercenter.com.
How to protect your property
Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs. Brace or anchor high or top-heavy objects. During an earthquake, these items can fall over, causing damage or injury.
Secure items that might fall (televisions, books, computers, and so on). Falling items can cause damage or injury.
Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets.
The contents of cabinets can shift during the shaking of an earthquake. Latches will prevent cabinets from flying open and contents from falling out.
Move large or heavy objects and fragile items (glass or china) to lower shelves. There will be less damage and less chance of injury if these items are on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. Latches will help keep contents of cabinets inside.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches, on bottom shelves. Chemical products will be less likely to create hazardous situations from lower, confined locations.
Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. Earthquakes can knock things off walls, causing damage or injury.
Brace overhead light fixtures. During earthquakes, overhead light fixtures are the most common items to fall, causing damage or injury.
Strap the water heater to wall studs. The water heater may be your best source of drinkable water following an earthquake. Protect it from damage and leaks.
Bolt down any gas appliances. After an earthquake, broken gas lines frequently create fire hazards.
Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings will be less likely to break.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects. Earthquakes can turn cracks into ruptures and make smaller problems bigger.
Check to see if your house is bolted to its foundation. Homes bolted to their foundations are less likely to be severely damaged during earthquakes. Homes that are not bolted have been known to slide off their foundations, and many have been destroyed because they are uninhabitable.
Consider having your building evaluated by a professional structural design engineer. Ask about home repair and strengthening tips for exterior features, such as porches, front and back decks, sliding glass doors, canopies, carports, and garage doors. Learn about additional ways you can protect your home.
A professional can give you advice on how to reduce potential damage. (NN)
