How to secure furniture and heavy items for earthquakes: a room-by-room guide
Most earthquake injuries come from falling objects, not collapsing buildings. How to strap bookcases, wardrobes, TVs, water heaters and mirrors to the wall, what hardware to use and what to move away from the bed.
In short
- In earthquakes, most injuries come from falling furniture, flying objects and broken glass, not from building collapse.
- Strap any furniture taller than it is wide to the wall: wardrobes, bookcases, cabinets, tall fridges.
- TVs, water heaters, mirrors and heavy pictures need solid fixings. Nothing heavy above the bed.
- A few brackets, straps and the right anchors cost little and can be fitted in an afternoon.
Images of collapsed buildings are what stick after an earthquake. But in most earthquakes, the majority of injuries come from furniture tipping over, objects falling off shelves or broken glass. Almost all of these injuries can be prevented with a few hours of work and a modest budget.
What to do during the shaking is in our earthquake guide, and how to tell whether your building is safe in is my building earthquake-safe.
The basic rule
Strap to the wall any furniture taller than it is wide, and anything that could fall on a person. Start with bedrooms: you spend a third of your time there and react slowest.
Bedroom
- Nothing heavy above the bed: heavy pictures, shelves, mirrors, big light fixtures.
- Wardrobe strapped or bracketed to the wall at the top.
- Bed away from windows and tall furniture, if possible.
- By the bed: a flashlight, shoes (for broken glass) and your glasses.
Living room
- Bookcases and display cabinets anchored to the wall. Heavy items on low shelves.
- TV on a wall mount or strapped to its stand.
- Pictures and mirrors on closed hooks or wire, not a single nail.
- Vases and decor fixed with museum putty.
- Heavy light fixtures checked: the ceiling fixing must be solid.
Kitchen
- Wall cabinets firmly fixed; safety latches on doors.
- Heavy pots and glassware on low shelves.
- Tall fridge strapped to the wall.
- Gas stove with a flexible connector, checked by a professional.
Bathroom, utility and hall
- Water heater strapped to the wall with two straps, top and bottom third. A falling heater can break water or gas lines.
- Mirror securely fixed.
- Clear hallway: no furniture that could block the exit if it falls.
Balcony, garage and basement
- Pots on sills and railings moved or tied: they can fall to the street.
- Shelving anchored, heavy jars low, with a lip to stop items sliding off.
- Chemicals closed and stored low.
What you need
- Anti-tip straps or brackets
- Anchors and screws suited to your wall: concrete, brick, drywall
- Door and drawer latches
- Museum putty for small items
- A drill and a level
Mind the wall: in concrete and solid brick, standard anchors hold well. In hollow brick and drywall you need special anchors or to fix into studs. If unsure, ask at the hardware store or call a handyman.
After fitting
Push the furniture hard at the top. If it wobbles, the fixing isn’t enough. Then run a drill: call “Earthquake!” and everyone goes to the safe spot in the room they’re in. It’s one of the steps in the 52-week preparedness plan.
Recommended equipment
What to look for when buying. Links go to partner shops; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Details.
Furniture anti-tip kit
Straps or brackets that tie furniture to the wall.
- Metal or heavy-duty straps
- Anchors suited to your wall type
- At least two fixing points per item
Cabinet and drawer safety latches
Stop doors and drawers flying open in an earthquake.
- No-drill or small-screw install
- Easy for adults to open
Museum putty / earthquake gel
For vases, decor and small electronics.
- Leaves no marks
- Reusable
Frequently asked questions
How do I anchor furniture to drywall?
Drywall alone won't hold a moving cabinet. Find the studs behind it (with a stud finder or by knocking) and fix into them. Otherwise use heavy-duty drywall anchors and several fixing points.
I rent. Can I drill into walls?
Ask your landlord. Most accept a few holes for safety, especially if you explain why; in some places, such as parts of California, earthquake strapping of water heaters is required. Hole-free options exist for small items (museum putty, non-slip pads), but for tall furniture wall anchoring is the only safe solution.
Do I need to secure low furniture too?
Low dressers and tables don't tip easily, but drawers can fly open and items on top can fall. Fit drawer latches and keep heavy items on lower shelves.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.