Keeping dishes and furniture in place during an earthquake
Quick answer
Earthquake latches keep cabinet doors shut during shaking, straps keep tall furniture from tipping, and closed hooks keep frames on the wall. In plaster walls, fasten into framing for anything heavy.
San Gabriel sits in an active earthquake region. Damage inside the house often comes from falling items: dishes spilling out of cabinets, bookcases tipping, mirrors crashing.
Cabinet latches
Earthquake latches mount inside cabinet doors and catch automatically when the door closes. You press to release them.
Furniture straps
Tall furniture should be strapped into wall studs.
Wall hangings
Use closed hooks or security hangers for frames and mirrors.
Shelves
Museum gel or putty keeps small objects in place. Lips on open shelves help.
Water heaters
Water heaters should be strapped per local code; this is a plumbing item to check during any water heater work.
Where to start in each room
Kitchen: latches on upper cabinets with glassware and dishes, especially the ones near the stove and over counters.
Living room: tall bookcases and display cabinets, the TV, and heavy frames over sofas.
Bedrooms: dressers and bookcases, mirrors and art over beds.
Garage: shelving with heavy items on top, and anything stored on overhead racks.
How straps and brackets differ
Fabric or steel straps let furniture move a little but keep it from tipping. L-brackets hold it rigid. Straps are easier on furniture with thin back panels, which can tear out under a rigid bracket. Either way, the wall end must go into a stud.
Thick plaster walls
Many older San Gabriel homes have thick plaster on lath, and some walls are plaster on masonry. Locating framing behind plaster takes patience: we use a stud finder made for dense walls, find lath nails with a magnet, and confirm with a small test hole hidden behind the furniture. On masonry walls, we use anchors rated for the load.
A quick home earthquake kit
While you are securing the house, check that you have water, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and sturdy shoes by each bed. Know where your gas and water shutoffs are and how to turn them off.
Why latches matter
During an earthquake, cabinet doors fly open and dishes, glasses and jars fall out. Broken glass on a kitchen floor is a common injury after earthquakes. San Gabriel sits near several active faults, so securing cabinets is a simple, effective step.
Older kitchens with original cabinets often have friction or magnetic catches that do not hold during shaking.
Types of earthquake latches
- Hook latches: a simple hook and eye inside the door
- Spring-loaded latches: hidden inside the cabinet, they catch automatically when the door closes and release with a push
- Child safety latches: many also work for earthquakes
- Magnetic locks: hidden latches opened with a magnetic key
- Push latches: release with a push and hold closed
Hidden latches keep the look of older cabinets.
Installing latches
Our steps:
- Choose a latch suited to the door type
- Mark positions on the door and frame
- Drill pilot holes
- Mount the latch and catch
- Test opening and closing
Inset cabinet doors may need different hardware than overlay doors.
Open shelves
Open shelves need lips or rails along the front to keep items on them. Museum putty and gel hold decorative items. Heavy items belong on lower shelves.
Glass cabinets
Glass-front cabinets and china hutches need latches and anchoring. Anchor freestanding hutches to wall studs. See sagging cabinet doors in older kitchens.
Other areas
Bathroom medicine cabinets, garage cabinets and bookcases benefit from latches. Anchor tall furniture to studs.
Water heaters
California requires water heaters to be strapped with two straps. Check yours.
Emergency supplies
Keep a flashlight, shoes and supplies near beds. Know how to shut off gas and water. See move-in checklist for older San Gabriel homes.
Lighting and supplies
Store a flashlight in a kitchen drawer near the door. After an earthquake, power may be out, and glass may be on the floor. Wear shoes before walking through the kitchen.
Pantries
Pantry shelves with jars and bottles benefit from rails or bins. Glass bottles of oil and vinegar break easily. Store them low.
Refrigerators
Appliance straps secure refrigerators to the wall, keeping them from moving and damaging water lines.
Test latches
After installation, test each latch to make sure it holds and releases easily. Childproof latches should be easy for adults.
Hutches and display cabinets
Display cabinets with glass doors need latches and anchoring. Place heavy and valuable items low. Use museum putty or wax under small items.
Gas shutoff
Know where your gas meter is and how to shut it off. A wrench stored at the meter helps. Only shut off gas if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Once shut off, the gas company must turn it back on.
Practice
Practice drop, cover and hold on. The Great California ShakeOut in October is a good reminder.
Renters
Most latches use small screws. Ask your landlord, and patch holes when you move out.
Bookcases and closets
Bookcases with glass doors need both latches and wall anchoring. Closet shelves holding heavy boxes should keep heavy items low. Hanging items like mirrors on closet doors should be on secure hooks. In children's rooms, latches on dresser drawers prevent climbing and spills.
What our visit involves
We install latches, straps and secure hangers through the house. See mounting, hanging and assembly.
After a day of earthquake prep on the west side of town, Newport Seafood is our usual stop.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505