THE truth is, a home or other building that is not properly built is likely to suffer damage in the event of an earthquake.

However, for a properly constructed building, there are rules one can follow to ensure that the contents of that building do not put persons in danger of serious injury of death during an earthquake.

Is is important to look at each room in your home with “earthquake eyes”. This involves sitting in each room while asking yourself the question “If a major quake hit right now, what would injure me?”.

Such an exercise should result in decisions similar to the following:

* equip medicine cabinets, kitchen cupboards, etc with child-proof latches. They will keep contents of cabinets from flying during an earthquake;

* store heavy objects and hazardous materials in floor-level cabinets. Do not place heavy objects on high shelves in bookcases or closets;

* secure tall furniture to walls using bolts;

* secure hanging picture frames and paintings to wall using security hangers or anti-theft hangers;

* place TV sets on low, sturdy wide stands;

* move beds out from under windows. Do not hang heavy mirrors or pictures over beds;

* secure water heaters with straps, screws and bolts to prevent them from toppling over; and

* do not place heavy pottery jars, etc on high shelves. Secure with straps if possible.