Reduction: Reduce the impacts of earthquakes

• If you have a tall chimney made from brick or concrete masonry, consider removing or replacing it. Chimneys built before the 1970s that extend above the roofline are at greater risk of collapse.
• Hot water cylinders should be secured to wall framing with seismic restraints. If the water heater tips over, the gas line can break, causing a fire hazard, and the water line can rupture. Consider having a certifying plumber and gasfitter install flexible fittings for gas and water pipes.
• If your whare/home has a header tank, make sure it is well secured. If the tank is no longer in use, remove it.
• Consider replacing heavy roofing materials, such as clay or slate tiles, with lighter weight options. Ensure any heavy tiles are properly secured to roof framing beneath.
• Make sure your whare/home is securely anchored to its foundations and that adequate bracing is in place. If you are not sure, contact a professional engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner. Buildings that are securely attached to their foundations and correctly braced are less likely to be severely damaged during earthquakes, and less likely to become uninhabitable.
• Consider having your whare/home evaluated by a Chartered Professional Engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner. This is particularly important if there are signs of structural defects, such as cracks in foundations or chimneys.

• Use brackets or specific seismic restraints to securely fix bookcases, cabinets, and other tall furniture and appliances to wall framing.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sleep or sit. Use appropriately sized hooks and push them closed to prevent the string or wire jumping out during shaking.
• Install strong latches on cabinet doors. The contents of cabinets can shift during the shaking of an earthquake. Latches will prevent cabinets from opening and spilling their contents.
• Place heavy objects on shelves near the floor. Secure large ornamental items that might fall and break.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed, latched metal cabinets.

Keep your pets safe too: think about where they sleep or hide, or where crates, cages or tanks are kept. Ensure they are as safe as possible by securing objects that might fall on them, or hazardous substances that might harm them.

Have insurance and review your level of cover regularly.

• Find out how to reduce the impact of earthquakes in your whare/home: www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared

Make sure you have private contents insurance and review your level of cover regularly.

Tenants can ask to make changes to the rental property and landlords must not decline if the change is minor. This includes earthquake-proofing steps such as securing tall and heavy furniture and hot water cylinders.

You should apply in writing to your landlord or property manager about any earthquake-proofing steps you’d like to take in your rental. They may not be aware of the risk posed by certain household features and fixing them will reduce the chance of damage to the property and injury to you.

Secure valuables with Blu-Tack, museum wax and non-slip mats.

Know what factors make some properties more at risk of damage and discuss any major concerns with your landlord or property manager.

• Find out how to make your rental home safer: www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/tenants