Secure Your TV in Case of Earthquake

With the recent devastation caused by an earthquake in Haiti, now might be a good time to go through your house and secure furniture and appliances that may easily topple over during a tremor (provided that you live an earthquake-prone area, that is). One obvious toppling hazard is your television set. If you have a CRT TV, you can secure it using straps or brackets. Some retailers and Websites sell straps specifically for this purpose, for under $20. They come with adhesives to attach to the TV and to the stand on which it sits. You can also buy special earthquake putty or gel to place beneath the TV. It sticks the set to the furniture below it. If you have a flat-screen TV, make sure that it is properly mounted. Most flat-screen TVs come with screws intended for securing the screen. If your TV is sitting on a stand or in a unit, make sure it is screwed down through its base into the TV stand or entertainment unit. They make safety straps for flat-screen TVs, too; they cost just a bit more than the other straps. Of course, you must make certain that the shelves or unit are bolted, fastened or braced to the wall or floor. Otherwise, it will just take your TV down with it. If your TV is wall-mounted, be sure all of the brackets and mountings are tight and that no screws are missing. It is best to mount your TV to wall studs.

Photo credit: Against the Flow