Anything simply hanging on a wall will come flying off in a large shake. Use an appropriately sized eyebolt and a hollow wall anchor for lighter items. Larger items will require an eye screw that is screwed into a wall stud.

DECORATIVE ITEMS AND BRIC-A-BRAC ON SHELVES, BOOKCASES, ETC.

Unsecured objects will fall during a shock. Run a wire, monofilament fishing line, or guardrail across the shelf front. (The line/rail should be placed 1/3 the height of the shelf, from the bottom.) Objects can be secured in place with Velcro, 2-sided tape, porcelain glue. Place large or heavy objects on the bottom shelf. Heavy items can be secured with industrial strength Velcro.

Cupboards will open and spill their contents during a quake. Put heavy items on bottom shelves and use positive latches to prevent doors from opening.

Spilled flammable liquids may cause fire and destroy a home that would have survived undamaged. Store all flammable liquids outside, in their original/proper containers, away from structures and vehicles. If you must store flammable liquids in your home store them in the garage, keep them in a cabinet with locking doors, and always store them on the lowest shelf. See "Hazardous Materials" Section.

Plate glass may break during a disaster. Relocate beds away from windows and tall heavy furniture. Apply safety film to all windows where people live or work.

NON-STRUCTURAL HAZARD MITIGATION FOR BUSINESSES

Good employees are your most valuable asset. Protect them with a safe working environment.

• Strap rows of multiple file cabinets, mainframes, book cases, etc. together. High racks should be secured together on top and to the floor on the bottom.

• Secure desktop computers, typewriters.

• Keep computer CPUs on the floor next to their work stations.

• Secure cabinet doors with positive latches.

• Store hazardous materials correctly and educate all your employees about them.

• Secure freestanding, moveable partitions.

SECURE ANYTHING HEAVY THAT IS AT OR ABOVE DESKTOP LEVEL

Seen and unseen objects overhead and above suspended ceilings may pose hazards to workers below.  Secure all objects that are above desktop level.

• Check for diagonal bracing wires in suspended ceilings.

• Ensure proper restraint of "stem" light fixtures and fluorescent light panels.

• Securely attach decorative ceiling panels, spotlights, speakers, air conditioning units, etc.

• Check above suspended ceilings for poorly attached ducts, cables, etc.

Shock hazards exist if unsecured electrical equipment breaks its connections or exposes energized lines. Unsecured equipment may short out the power in your office or building.

• Secure any electrically powered equipment

• Have backup power generators for emergency lighting and to protect computers against data loss.

• Ensure that generators, their fuel tanks, battery packs, and fuel lines are properly secured.

• Secure emergency lighting.

• Secure telecommunication equipment, switches, and control boxes.

Loss of plant equipment may prevent you from continuing your business after a quake.

• Secure water heaters, furnaces, boilers, fans, pumps, heating, ventilating, air conditioning equipment, and the ducting or pipes that go with them.

Unsecured or improperly stored hazardous chemicals may force your business out of an otherwise undamaged building.

• Secure large containers of production chemicals or cleaning supplies.

• Ensure that all toxic items are in the correct containers and properly labeled.

• Ensure that all employees know what to do in case of a spill.

• Keep all large containers or vats of toxic, hot, or hazardous items covered to prevent surging in an earthquake.

• Establish an education and awareness program for work and home. Encourage family involvement.

• Encourage employees to be prepared at home and work.

• Give each employee specific instructions as to areas of responsibility before, during, and after a disaster.

• Establish a good safety program. Keep the employees continuously informed regarding hazards, safety warnings, emergency plans, and supplies.

• Find out what your business neighbors do. Their enterprise may put your business in greater jeopardy and you may need to plan for problems related to their potential problems.

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Los Angeles Fire Department
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 485-5971