Due to recent earthquake activity in our area, we thought it might be a good idea to review some safety tips and products that can help in both earthquakes and every day child safety. We carry a lot of great products by QuakeHold, a pioneer in the field of earthquake safety fasteners. These products are a great way to prevent injuries when installed properly.

It is estimated that about 40 young children everyday are taken to hospital emergency rooms with injuries suffered when a heavy piece of furniture falls on them. In most of these cases, the child was climbing on the furniture, causing the furniture to fall forward. Although televisions are the most common item associated with tip-over injuries, all unsecured furniture can be dangerous. All large furniture that is top-heavy or unstable should be secured to a wall stud using brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps. Although televisions are the most common item associated with tip-over injuries, all unsecured furniture can be dangerous. Items such as microwaves, fish tanks, bookcases, heavy furniture and appliances can topple off their stands and fall onto children.

Children will pull out drawers to use as ladders or climb the front of taller furniture. Both of these actions can shift the center of gravity of the furniture/object, making it much easier for the item to topple. Having heavy items at the top doesn't help the situation either. It is imperative that steps be taken to identify any furniture that is a tipping hazard and secure them properly. If you are unsure, have a qualified safety consultant inspect your home and suggest options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use a stand specifically designed for your TV or applicance as recommended by the manufacturer.  Be sure that both the stand and appliance are properly secured to the wall.
• Keep heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers.
• Tie up loose cords to prevent your child from  pulling on an electrical cord, or tripping on one and pulling the appliance off a stand.
• Don't keep remote controls,  toys or other items that attract children on top of furniture, as your child might be enticed to reach or climb for these items.
• Install latches on all cupboards and drawers so that nothing can fall on or slide open onto a child during a quake.
• Cribs and beds should be positioned  away from windows.
• It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case you need to put out small fires after earthquakes.

Its not just children that can cause the furniture to fall; as we have seen recently, earthquakes can cause some major shifting of furniture. When an earthquake strikes, the main cause of injury or death is unsecured heavy objects toppling over. Therefore, being prepared is your best defense against earthquakes. Earthquake preparedness means securing furniture and breakables, assembling survival kits, and having an emergency plan. The same steps used to secure furniture in a child proofing scenario apply directly towards earthquake safety.

Be sure to use the correct product for the job. Not all straps and fasteners will work on all furniture. You need to be able to securely attach the product to both the furniture and a stud in the wall for the product to be effective. Not all products can handle the weight of heavier furniture. Some of the TV straps are designed for certain TV types only. A qualified installer can tell you which products will work best in different situations.

It doesn't take much time, effort or money to properly secure your furniture to avoid serious injury. It does take you doing something about it. Don't waste anymore time and take the necessary steps to secure your home today.