Appendix G: Pre-Emergency Home Safety

These tasks should be completed before an emergency — during routine periods. They are not wartime-active checks.

	ITEM	CHECK
🏠	Bookcases & Shelves	☐ SECURED TO WALLS WITH L-BRACKETS OR STRAPS · ☐ HEAVY OBJECTS STORED LOW Not above head height
🏠	Appliances	☐ WHEELED APPLIANCES — WHEELS LOCKED · ☐ HEAVY APPLIANCES — STABLE AND SECURED
⚡	Gas Shutoff ⚠️	☐ LOCATION KNOWN By all household members · ☐ ALL MEMBERS KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF · ☐ OPERATION TESTED Turn clockwise 90° to close
⚡	Electricity Shutoff ⚠️	☐ LOCATION KNOWN Main breaker box · ☐ ALL MEMBERS KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF
🧯	Fire Extinguisher	☐ ACCESSIBLE AND NOT EXPIRED · ☐ ALL MEMBERS KNOW HOW TO USE
🧯	Smoke Detector	☐ INSTALLED — ONE PER FLOOR MINIMUM · ☐ TESTED AND WORKING Test monthly · ☐ BATTERIES REPLACED ANNUALLY
💧	Water Heater	☐ STRAPPED TO WALL To prevent toppling
🏠	Windows	☐ NO GLASS OBJECTS ON WINDOWSILLS Can shatter into projectiles · ☐ BLINDS / SHUTTERS — FUNCTIONAL

Tip

Schedule a home safety walk-through every 6 months, or immediately after moving. These items take 1–2 hours to set up but dramatically reduce injury risk during shaking from nearby impacts.