During a disaster ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards – bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits, heavy objects that could fall and cause injury, or reactive chemicals, such as bleach & ammonia, stored together under a kitchen sink.

• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
• Move beds away from windows.
• Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
• Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
• Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
• Keep ABC type fire extinguishers and know how and when to use them.
• Strap down your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line.
• Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals securely and separate from each other.
• Secure pictures, wall hangings and heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
• Know how and when to switch off your utilities.