If we’ve done a QuakeConsult in your home, you’ve seen my sample cabinet latch – the one we typically use 
when we are securing cabinets for people. I’ve found a good source for them, and wanted to pass it on to everyone. Click here: Woodworker’s Hardware
Feel free to forward this by email to three of your friends.
Be safe.
-Larry
QuakePrepare
Larry Guillot
707-965-3299
https://www.quakeprepare.com
email: larry@quakeprepare.com
Earthquake Preparedness: Don’t Be Frozen By Fear!
In a past QuakeTip, I reminded our readers that the difference between a 4.0 quakelet and a 7.0 major quake was huge. One reader chastised me for scaring her.
Believe it or not, my purpose is not to scare you, but to wake you up. It’s no secret that the SF Bay area is sound asleep when it comes to earthquake preparation. A few fairly simple steps can go a long way in protecting you, your family, and your home.
The wake-up call goes like this: have your retrofit checked, get an automatic gas shut-off valve installed, secure your heavy furniture, and assemble emergency kits for home, car, and office.
Don’t let fear or anxiety keep you frozen – just make a check list of things to do and then do them, one by one.
Feel free to forward this by email to three of your friends.
Be safe!
QuakePrepare
Larry Guillot
707-965-3299
https://www.quakeprepare.com
email: larry@quakeprepare.com
An automatic gas shut-off valve is a mechanism that can be installed on the house side of your gas meter. It is designed to cut the flow of gas to your home in the event of an earthquake. In previous quakes in California, many gas lines to appliances snapped, gas built up in the house, and the resulting fire destroyed many homes.
There are plenty of people who have decided against having one installed, thinking that, if they smell gas after a serious quake, they can just turn off the gas themselves at the main shut-off valve near their meter.
No problem: if you can guarantee somebody will be home at the time of the quake. However, if the quake hits when everyone’s at work, or on an outing, or just gone from home, you may regret not having one.
The valves are activated by serious shaking (5.2 or worse), and are easy to re-set.
We use the Little Firefighter valve, which has been an approved valve by the state for many years. As of 2021 we have installed over 4,200 valves in the San Francisco bay area.
Feel free to forward this by email to three of your friends.
Be safe!
QuakePrepare
Larry Guillot
510-292-6571
https://www.quakeprepare.com
A major earthquake will cause violent ground shaking and it may be impossible to stand up. Most injuries result from falling or flying objects, but you can also be hurt just by being thrown to the floor. At the first sign of shaking, take cover and protect yourself from falling objects.
When the shaking starts, get to the safest place with the least amount of moving around possible. Many injuries occur when people try to move about their house. This is why it’s so important to know the safest place to be in each room of the house.
After the quake, check for gas or water leaks, broken electrical wiring, or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source. Turn on your portable radio for emergency instructions and news reports.
Be prepared for aftershocks: we can count on there being some. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or mobility impaired. If you have to evacuate, leave a message for family members and others letting them know where you can be found. Don’t use your vehicle unless you have to: many roads will be impassable due to falling power lines, trees, and debris.
My in-home consultation covers the safest place to be when a big quake hits, and much, much more, Se my home page: www.quakeprepare.com
Feel free to forward this by email to three of your friends.
Be safe!
QuakePrepare
Larry Guillot
707-965-3299
https://www.quakeprepare.com
