Common Earthquake Hazards
and
Hazard Reduction Procedures

	Objects on high shelves (toys, paints, potted plants) that can fall or become projectiles Remove toys, paints and other objects from high open shelves.
	Fluorescent light fixtures without safety wires and unattached light covers that may drop on people beneath them Put light guards on fluorescent lights attached to the fixtures and make sure the fixtures are securely fastened to the structure above.
	Free-standing cabinets, bookcases, wall shelves and their contents that can fall on children.. Library bookshelves without anchorage/bracing or content restraint Bolt bookcases and cabinets to wall studs and provide content restraints or latches. Secure adjustable shelves to prevent them from slipping forward. Place lighter objects on top shelves and cabinets and heavier ones on the bottom (anchor all).
	Hanging plants, mobiles or pendulum light fixtures that may drop on children or swing into windows Keep hanging plants and other free swinging objects far enough away from windows that they cannot swing into them or provide restraining device (45 degree swing distance minimum).
	Glass that may shatter (windows, mirrors) Install shatter-proof glass windows or add plastic membrane to limit movement of fragments. Replace glass objects with non-breakable items, such as replacing glass on a desk with a pad.
	Pianos or other heavy objects on rollers Secure pianos so that they will not slide or roll easily.
	TV monitors that may fall from platforms; computers not fastened to work stations Place TV monitors on table or shelf. Secure monitors and computer hardware with hook and loop materials or bolt to desk/tabletop.
	Cabinets without door latches or restrained shelves. Cabinet drawers without latches Put latches on cabinets (drawers and doors) and restraints on shelving.
	Shelving without a lip or restraining wire to prevent paint or chemicals from falling Put lips or restraining wire on open shelving to prevent objects from falling.
	Objects that restrict people from moving to a safe place (books on the floor, broken glass, tables and desks in hallways, stored items) Relocate objects that may restrict movement to safety, such as desks or tables stored in hallways.
	Aquariums that are not secured to the building's structure Place aquarium on floor, if possible. Restrain tank with heavy duty angle clips bolted to the floor. If on table, restrain tank to table (as above) and bolt table to floor.
	Wall-mounted objects, such as maps, bulletin boards, clocks and chalk boards that are not securely bolted may become projectiles Bolt maps, chalkboards, and wall decorations to wall (anchor to structure, not finishes).
	Suspended ceiling tiles and runners Secure runners to structural ceiling with heavy gauge wire attached diagonally.
	Air conditioning registers without safety wires Attach register to building structure with safety wire.
	Unbraced water heaters Bolt water heater to floor or secure to wall structure.
	Ruptured gas or water lines; downed electrical lines Instruct staff in procedures for turning off gas, water and electricity. put tools in a place where they will be accessible in emergencies.