How to secure furniture in the event of an earthquake: Points for safety and disaster prevention

table of contents

Introduction
1. Furniture selection and placement

3. Consideration of weight distribution

4. Example of use of cushioning material

5.Regular inspection and maintenance

summary

Introduction

Earthquakes are unpredictable disasters that occur suddenly. Shakes and vibrations caused by an earthquake can overturn or collapse furniture, which can affect people's safety. This article details effective methods and points for securing furniture in the event of an earthquake. Securing furniture can minimize damage during an earthquake and keep your family and yourself safe.

 

1. Furniture selection and placement

1-1 Choose sturdy materials

In order to choose earthquake-resistant furniture, it is important to choose furniture with sturdy materials. Wood and metal furniture are generally strong and tend to withstand earthquake shaking. On the other hand, furniture made of fragile or lightweight materials is vulnerable to earthquake vibrations and shocks, increasing the risk of tipping and collapsing.

 

1-2 Choose a design that stabilizes the center of gravity

The design of furniture also affects earthquake countermeasures. During an earthquake, it is important that the center of gravity of the furniture is stable. Furniture that is tall and wide and has a low center of gravity is more likely to have stability against earthquakes. In addition, furniture with many legs and furniture designed to adhere to the floor will also increase stability.

 

1-3 Consideration of placement and spacing of furniture

The placement and spacing of furniture is also related to safety during an earthquake. If enough space is secured between pieces of furniture, it will be less likely that pieces of furniture will interfere with each other in the event of a collapse or tipping over. It is also important to keep the proper distance between furniture and walls. By ensuring sufficient spacing, it is possible to minimize the collapse of furniture and collision with walls due to shaking and vibration.

 

1-4 Fix to the wall

By fixing furniture to the wall, you can reduce the risk of tipping or collapsing. A common method is to use anchor bolts to secure the furniture to the wall. Anchor bolts connect furniture securely by drilling holes in the wall and installing bolts. Multiple anchor bolts are recommended for heavy or tall furniture.

 

1-5 Light furniture stabilization

Lightweight furniture tends to topple over during an earthquake. In order to stabilize light furniture, it is effective to use non-slip and cushioning materials such as attaching rubber cushions to the bottom and back of the furniture. This prevents slips and falls due to vibrations during an earthquake.

 

 

2. Use of anchor bolts

2-1 Selection of appropriate anchor bolts

First, you need to choose which anchor bolts to use. Anchor bolts are important factors in terms of load-bearing capacity, seismic resistance and durability. We recommend purchasing earthquake-resistant anchor bolts at your local hardware store or specialty store. Check the product description and information on the package for information on load-bearing capacity and installation methods.

 

2-2 Selection of mounting location

Before fixing the furniture to the wall, it is necessary to choose a suitable mounting location. Decide where to attach the anchor bolts to the wall while considering the stability and balance of the furniture. The back and bottom of furniture usually have holes and mounting points for attaching anchor bolts. Select an appropriate installation location while referring to the furniture design and instruction manual.

 

2-3 Investigating the wall and drilling holes

Do a wall survey before installing anchor bolts. Check the material and structure of the wall, and determine if the position to install the anchor bolt is appropriate. If the wall is concrete or brick, anchor bolts are usually effective. If the wall is drywall (gypsum board), you will need to locate reinforcements or studs inside the wall and install anchor bolts.

 

When drilling holes, use a drill bit that matches the size of the anchor bolt and drill the holes to the proper depth and diameter. An electric drill or special drilling tool is normally used to install anchor bolts.

 

2-4 Installation of anchor bolts

After drilling the holes, install the anchor bolts accurately. Insert the bolt portion of the anchor bolt into the hole and align it properly. Then use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the anchor bolts. Make sure the anchor bolts connect the wall and furniture tightly and ensure the stability of your furniture.

 

2-5 Confirmation of fixation

After installing the anchor bolts, check that they are properly secured. Shake the furniture or give it a light push to make sure it is firmly fixed. Additional anchor bolts can be installed for additional stability if required.

 

By using anchor bolts to fix furniture to walls, you can prevent furniture from toppling or collapsing during an earthquake. Make sure your furniture is stable and earthquake-resistant through correct installation and proper selection of anchor bolts

 

 

3. Consideration of weight distribution

3-1 Position of center of gravity of furniture

The position of the center of gravity of furniture is directly related to its stability during an earthquake. The center of gravity of the furniture should be as low as possible and should be in a stable position. Furniture with a high center of gravity tends to fall over easily during an earthquake. If you have a high center of gravity, you can lower the center of gravity by placing heavier items on the bottom of the furniture or adding weight to the bottom of the furniture.

 

3-2 Even distribution of weight

It is also important for furniture to distribute the weight evenly. If the weight is too lean to one side, it will apply an unbalanced force during an earthquake, increasing the risk of tipping or collapsing. It is important to arrange heavy items and loads so that they are evenly distributed over different parts of the furniture. Particular attention should be paid to the even distribution of weight, especially for large pieces of furniture and shelving.

 

3-3 Fixing and connecting furniture

Weight distribution considerations include securely connecting furniture to other furniture and walls. By connecting pieces of furniture together, you can distribute the weight and increase stability. You can also reduce the risk of furniture tipping or collapsing by using anchor bolts to fix furniture to the wall.

 

3-4 Use of multiple lightweight furniture

Using multiple lighter pieces of furniture rather than one heavy piece is another way to distribute weight. You can distribute the weight by placing the lighter pieces of furniture evenly. In addition, lightweight furniture tends to respond flexibly to vibrations during earthquakes, and has the effect of increasing stability.

 

 

4. Example of use of cushioning material

4-1 rubber pad

Rubber pads are placed on the bottom of furniture and under the legs to provide anti-slip and cushioning effects. Even if the furniture shakes during an earthquake, the properties of the rubber will firmly fix it to the floor and prevent it from slipping. It also absorbs vibrations and shocks caused by earthquakes and has the effect of increasing the stability of furniture.

 

4-2 felt pad

Felt pads are attached to the bottom of furniture to reduce friction with the floor. Even if the furniture shakes during an earthquake, the slippery surface of the felt prevents the furniture from moving or sliding. Felt also has the effect of absorbing shocks and helps protect furniture.

 

4-3 Cushioning pad

Cushioning pads are special materials designed to absorb shocks and protect furniture during earthquakes. They are generally made from flexible, durable materials and can be attached to the bottom or sides of furniture. In the event of an earthquake or other impact, cushioning pads help disperse the impact and help minimize damage or breakage to your furniture.

 

4-4 Foam cushioning material

Foam buffers are widely used for earthquake countermeasures and furniture protection. Made of highly cushioned material, it effectively absorbs vibrations and shocks during an earthquake. Foam cushioning can be used to protect furniture as a whole by stuffing it inside or in gaps, or wrapping vulnerable parts of furniture.

 

The selection and placement of cushioning materials should be carefully based on the type and shape of the furniture and the magnitude of the anticipated force of the earthquake. By attaching cushioning materials to the bottom and sides of furniture, you can minimize the impact of an earthquake and improve the durability and stability of your furniture.

 

 

5.Regular inspection and maintenance

5-1 Periodic visual inspection

Regularly visually inspect the furniture for any abnormalities or damage. Look closely at furniture surfaces, connections and fixtures for signs of cracks, scratches, looseness or corrosion. Also, check for deterioration or damage to anchor bolts and cushioning materials.

 

5-2 Inspection of fixing points of furniture

If the furniture is fixed to the wall, regularly check the fixing points. Check the tightness of anchor bolts and screws to make sure they are not loose. If necessary, retighten loose screws and retighten anchor bolts.

 

5-3 Parts replacement

Furniture has consumables and moving parts. Identify worn or deteriorated parts during regular inspections and replace as necessary. For example, if anchor bolts or cushioning materials have deteriorated, replace them with new ones. We also adjust or replace furniture drawers and door hinges as needed.

 

5-4 Implementation of maintenance

Some furniture may require regular maintenance. For wood furniture, use an appropriate wood cleaner or protectant to clean, protect and polish the wood. For metal furniture, clean and paint regularly to prevent rust. Special care and instructions regarding the handling and storage of furniture are also carried out according to the manufacturer and product instructions.

 

5-5 Cooperation of experts

If you are unsure about the inspection and maintenance of your furniture, it is recommended that you consult with an expert or furniture manufacturer. They know proper inspection and maintenance methods and will suggest any necessary repairs or reinforcements.

Regular inspection and maintenance can ensure the safety and durability of your furniture. Inspection and maintenance of furniture is an important activity related not only to earthquake countermeasures but also to daily safety and comfort.

 

 

summary

Securing furniture during an earthquake is an important measure to minimize damage caused by an earthquake. You can keep your family and yourself safe by choosing and arranging furniture, using anchor bolts, considering weight distribution, using cushioning materials, and performing regular inspections and maintenance. Incorporate earthquake countermeasures as part of your daily life and prepare for disasters.