While inspecting your house, imagine everything that could happen in each room in case of a violent earthquake. As you go, check these elements..

• Teach to all your family members (if they are old enough) how to turn off water and electricity.
• Clearly label the "on" and "off" states of the water, electricity and gas. If you are using natural gas in your home, and if it’s the case, attach the appropriate key necessary to turn off the gas on or near the pipe.
• Repair loose roof shingles.
• Tie the water heater and other heavy appliances (stove, washer, dryer) to a pole, especially appliances that could break a gas or water pipe when falling over.
• Fix firmly heavy furnitures and shelves to prevent them from falling over. Avoid placing heavy items on upper shelves.
• Safely fix mirrors, boards and other objects hung up on the walls, to prevent them from falling.
• Move away from chimneys and windows any beds and chairs. Do not hang up frames or other heavy objects above the beds. Closing the curtains and blinds will prevent broken glass from landing on the beds.
• Insert anti-skid carpets under the televisions, computers and little household appliances, or fix them with velcro or other similar products.
• Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to prevent contents from falling out.
• Keep all flammable items and all chemical products away from all heat source and at a location where they are less likely to spill out.
• Ask a professional to inform you about other ways of protecting your home, like fixing it firmly to its foundations and other techniques to improve its structure.
• If you live in an apartment building or multi-storey building, consult the manager of your building or the condominium board to decide of the best way to make your unit "quake-safe". Ask professionals for advice (engineers, civil protection authorities) if you don’t know exactly what to do.
• If you live if a mobile home, you can leave the mobile home wheels in place or install an anchor system that will keep the house on its support and reduce the risks of it falling over. Check if the awnings are installed firmly. To obtain more information on the best way to brace your house, communicate with a mobile home dealer or mobile home owner’s association.

Safety tips :

• Do not turn off gas unless there is a leak or fire, since once it’s turned off, only a qualified worker can turn it on again.
• Ask your broker concerning earthquake insurance. Carefully check your coverage : it could have an impact of your financial capacity to recover from losses after an earthquake.