Can You Use Heavily Secured Furniture to Protect Yourself?

Utilizing Secured Furniture for Protection

When an earthquake strikes, quickly scan your immediate surroundings for heavily secured furniture, such as a large bookshelf or a heavy wooden dresser. If you find one, carefully position yourself behind it, making sure it’s centered and stable to maximize its protective capabilities. In a typical residential setting, a sturdy bookshelf can weigh up to 100-200 pounds and be around 6-8 feet tall, offering some protection from falling objects.

Securing Furniture for Maximum Effectiveness

To increase the effectiveness of heavily secured furniture as a barrier, consider the following techniques:

• Position the furniture in a manner that blocks the path of potential falling objects.
• If possible, move any lightweight or loose objects away from the secured furniture to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of an earthquake.
• Be aware of any potential hazards such as windows or glass doors that may shatter during the earthquake and cause injury.

Staying Safe Behind the Barrier

Once you’ve positioned yourself behind the secured furniture, remain calm and stay low, keeping your back against the furniture for maximum protection. Avoid standing up or moving around, as this may cause you to lose your balance or become more vulnerable to injury. If you have a helmet or other protective gear, consider wearing it while behind the barrier to increase your safety.