Household emergency planning guides

An older California home's earthquake retrofit priorities depend on foundation, framing, open garage, hillside, chimney and previous work—not age alone. Collect permits and construction facts, then ask a qualified engineer or retrofit contractor which vulnerabilities require evaluation. Do not infer a standard bolt or brace package fits every house; confirm permits, grants and insurance terms separately.

For a one-closet apartment kit, keep the first flashlight and portable bag easy to reach, place heavy sealed water on an appropriate stable lower surface, and label food, batteries and contact updates. Avoid blocking building exits, sprinkler controls, electrical panels or accessible routes. Plan quantities using household needs before allocating shelf space.

For a rental, start with a reachable flashlight or headlamp in sleeping areas and portable, low-glare light for the safe exit path. Verify batteries, charging and any permitted removable mounting. Avoid candles, blocked exits, damaged extension cords or DIY electrical changes. Test normal movement rather than waiting for a blackout.

Tall bookcases, dressers and storage racks can tip during an earthquake and block exits. Move heavy breakable items lower, keep tall furniture away from beds and travel routes where feasible, and secure appropriate items to structural framing with correctly rated model-specific hardware. Drywall alone is not a reliable anchoring substrate; ask for qualified help when wall construction or lease rules are uncertain.

Preventing avoidable household water damage starts with accessible checks: look and listen for drips, running toilets, damp hoses, appliance connections and recurring wet spots; compare water-bill trends and know who controls the main shutoff. Report hidden or active leaks to the owner or qualified plumber. Never enter wet electrical areas, force shared valves or assume a leak sensor can stop every leak.