Secure the tops of all top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and file cabinets, to a wall. Be sure to anchor to the stud, and not just to the drywall. Flexible fasteners such as nylon straps allow tall objects to sway without falling over, reducing the strain on the studs. Loose shelving can also be secured by applying earthquake putty on each corner bracket.

Larger imageTall furniture should be attached to wall studs to avoid toppling in an earthquake.

Source: Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

Securing bookcases and all things tall

Tall pieces of furniture, such as bookcases, china hutches, and armoires are very likely to fall when the ground is rolling and shaking. You can prevent them from falling on someone you care about, and save their contents, by completing these simple steps:

1. Secure the furniture item to the wall stud.
• Locate the wall studs using a stud finder
• Secure each furniture piece to at least two wall studs, depending on size and weight, using:


Larger image3" lag screw shown. Wood screw - choose a screw length appropriate for the piece of furniture

Source: SPAN Disaster Services, Inc.

• Commercially available kits utilizing nylon strapping
• Also recommended as an inexpensive option (but screws can cause damage to furniture such as an antique bookcase):
• 4" L-brackets and
• 3" lag screws, available at all hardware stores

2. Place heavy and/or large items on lower shelves to prevent them from flying around the room in an earthquake.


Larger imageTVs, computers, and electronics need to be secured as well.

Source: SPAN Disaster Services, Inc.

3. The ground swells and rolls of an earthquake can cause anything resting on shelf or counter tops to fall – see TVs, computers, and electronics to learn how to secure these items. For more delicate items like china, crystal or pottery – consult our page about objects on open shelves or table tops.