Fact or Fiction?

Home Safety“Nonstructural” Hazards

Tall and Skinny objects fall over while Short and Stubby

objects slide?

Like a multi-drawer file cabinet

FACT!

Tall skinny objects fall over while short and stubby objects slide. If something is more than twice as tall as it is widen, it is very likely to fall over.

To prevent toppling over the object needs to be attached to the wall. Can you name some items?

Masonry chimneys fall ocer in violent shaking unless they are

braced?

Brick or stone

FICTION!

No one has yet designed a bracing system for masonry chimneys that can prevent a collapse in an earthquake.

Museums in Earthquake Countyr have been leaders in developing ways to keep valuable pieces of

sculpture from falling?

Such as vases

FACT!

Museums have to develop very creative methods for protecting priceless pieces of history and other artifacts.

What are some ways you can think of to protect priceless items?

Tables and desks will not slide during an earthquake?

Will your desk move?

FICTION!

Tables and desks will slide during an earthquake.

During an earthquake the proper steps are to “Drop, Cover and HOLD” onto the table or desk you are underneath.

Some things are simply too heavy to move

What would happen?

FICTION!

NOTHING is too heavy to move during an earthquake.

Even objects as heavy as homes, automobiles and office buildings can become mobile during an earthquake.

A bookcase on the 3rd floor of a building is no more likely to fall over than one on the 1st floor?

Why or why not?

FICTION!

A bookshelf on the 3rd floor is at a significantly greater risk of toppling over than one on the 1st floor.

The shaking on the 3rd floor is amplified by the shaking of both the 1st and 2nd floors.

A typical house contains dangerous chemicals that could

be hazardous if spilled in an earthquake?

What types would be dangerous?

FACT!

All chemicals in your home should be stored in a latched cabinet and as close to the floor as possible.

5% of injuries in earthquakes are caused by objects falling on you?

If not, how much?

FICTION!

The actual percentage is far larger at approximately 10% for minor injuries requiring hospitalization

The percentage due to nonstructural objects (t.v, pictures, lights) was 55.2%