Earthquake is a natural disaster that is characterized by the shaking of the ground. Experts have a way of predicting this situation, but often people are caught off guard and unprepared. Strong earthquakes that measure the intensity of 5.0 to 8.0 in the Richter scale can cause significant damage in homes and buildings. In worst cases, it could cause your home to collapse that can lead to injuries. That is why you need to know these tips to protect your home from significant damages caused by an earthquake.
Check your ceilings
Your home can be at risk of significant damage if the beams are not strong enough to support the ceiling and roof. Beams can crack, chip or rust over time; that is why it is necessary to have it checked every year. In case the beams inside your home are weak or brittle, you should consider having it repaired or replaced. It would help to seek professional advice from experts by checking out websites like bespokebeams.co.uk for more information.
Cut off hanging branches
If you have trees around your home, make sure that they would not cause any danger or accidents. Long branches should be cut off regularly to ensure that it would not lean towards electrical wires and posts that can cause electrocution or fires. If you happen to have old trees within your property, it is best to trim it to prevent them from causing additional damage.
Fix and reinforce your roof
Your roof can collapse in case a tree or post collapses towards its direction. Secure your roof and chimney by installing steel braces on the surface. Any damages such as holes, gaps or missing shingles should be repaired to prevent any significant damage in case a strong earthquake hits your area. Hire a roofing specialist to ensure that he will take charge of all the necessary repairs.
Make sure that the walls are stable
Walls can weaken over time due to erosion, flooding and weak foundation. If your home is more than ten years old, it would be best to have it checked to ensure that the walls won’t crumble in case of a strong earthquake. You can reinforce the entire home by installing wooden frames at the base of each wall. Do not forget to seal the bottom using thick steel bolts to ensure that your house would not easily collapse. Also, make sure to repair any cracks and gaps by applying additional concrete slabs on both sides of the wall.
Secure your shelves and furniture
Strong earthquakes can cause your cupboards, cabinets, refrigerators and other things to fall. The strong impact can cause the floor to crack, which can damage your water and gas lines and lead to more significant problems like flooding or fire. Prevent this from happening by installing wall fasteners and bolts to your appliances from your local hardware.
Lastly, remember to prepare in advance for a calamity by developing a contingency plan and securing additional stocks that you will find useful during emergencies.
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