HOME PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST The Puget Sound area has a history of frequent earthquakes. Washington experiences more than 1,000 earth quakes each year but only a dozen or more are strong enough that people can feel the ground shake. Prep your home so you can be prepared for the next “big one.”
Move heavy objects to lower places
Clear stairwells of clutter Strap the water heater tank to the wall Remove objects above beds Move beds away from windows Keep a fire extinguisher accessible Secure ceiling fans and hanging lights with closed links Securely fasten or double-hang mirrors and pictures
Use museum putty or Velcro to secure vases and breakables Store shoes, gloves and a flashlight beneath beds Store household chemicals near or on the floor Secure objects on shelves to prevent falling Practice how to drop, cover and hold on Place stoppers against refrigerator wheels Identify where and how to turn off natural gas Strap down TV’s and other electronics Strap bookshelves and tall furniture to the wall Install earthquake latches on cupboards Consider purchasing earthquake insurance For more earthquake emergency preparedness tips visit mil.wa.gov/earthquake