How Can You Identify Safe Spots Inside Your Home for Quakes?

Identifying Safe Spots

When identifying safe spots, it’s essential to consider the structure of your home and the potential hazards within it. Look for areas that are away from windows, exterior walls, and heavy furniture. These can be under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls, such as near a door frame. A safe spot should have a wide base to prevent it from tipping over, and be near a stairway to allow for easy evacuation.

Safe Zones in Different Home Types

Different home types have unique characteristics that can affect the safety of a particular spot. For example, in a two-story house, the safest spot is often on the ground floor, away from windows and exterior walls. In a single-story home, the safest spot can be anywhere inside the house as long as it meets the criteria mentioned earlier. In a mobile home, it’s recommended to get out of the home as quickly as possible and move to an open area, away from any potential hazards.

Creating Your Own Safe Spot

If you don’t have a natural safe spot in your home, such as under a sturdy table, you can create your own. Use a mattress or blankets to create a “safe zone” in a bathtub or a corner of a room. This can provide some protection from falling debris. However, this is not a substitute for a proper safe spot, and you should always try to find a safer area if possible.