Keeping tall furniture and TVs in place when the ground shakes
Quick answer
Strap tall bookcases, dressers and cabinets to wall studs, secure TVs with a wall mount or tip strap, use museum putty for small items, and hang mirrors and art with closed hooks. In plaster walls, anchor into the framing, not just the plaster.
Every Alhambra house has been through its share of earthquakes, and most of the injuries and damage in a moderate quake come from things falling, not buildings collapsing. Tall furniture, TVs and heavy frames are the biggest risks, especially in kids' rooms.
What to secure first
- Tall bookcases and display cabinets
- Dressers, especially in children's rooms
- Flat-screen TVs on stands
- Heavy mirrors and framed art, particularly over beds and sofas
- Shelving in garages with heavy items on top
How anchoring works
Furniture straps or L-brackets connect the top back of a piece of furniture to a wall stud. When the floor moves, the piece stays upright instead of tipping. Straps allow a little movement, which is fine; brackets hold it rigid.
Plaster walls need care
Plaster is hard and brittle. Drilling straight in with a hammer drill can crack it or blow out a chunk on the back side. We use sharp masonry bits, start slowly and tape the spot.
TVs
A TV on a stand can tip forward easily. Either mount it on the wall into studs, or attach anti-tip straps from the back of the TV to the wall or to the stand. See TV mounting.
Mirrors, art and small items
Swap open picture hooks for closed hooks or security hangers so frames cannot bounce off. Museum putty or gel holds vases and collectibles on shelves. Latches on kitchen cabinets keep dishes inside.
Why it matters here
Alhambra sits in an active earthquake region, with faults nearby, including the Raymond fault running through the area. Tall furniture like bookcases, dressers, china cabinets, armoires and TVs can tip during shaking. Most earthquake injuries come from falling objects, not building collapse. Anchoring furniture is one of the most effective small things you can do.
Finding studs in plaster
Stud finders often struggle with plaster and lath. A strong magnet finds the nails holding the lath to the studs. Studs in older homes may be spaced irregularly, and some walls have solid wood blocking. Drill a small test hole in a spot that will be hidden behind the furniture.
Anchoring hardware
- Nylon straps: attach to the furniture and wall, allowing some movement
- Steel brackets: L-brackets that hold furniture tight to the wall
- Cable kits: braided steel cables with brackets
- TV straps: secure flat-screen TVs to the stand or wall
Use screws into studs. If no stud is available, use anchors rated for the load in plaster, such as toggle bolts.
Our steps:
- Locate studs or solid backing
- Attach hardware to the top back of furniture
- Fasten wall brackets into studs
- Connect and snug straps or brackets
- Test by pulling gently
Built-ins and china cabinets
Freestanding china cabinets and hutches are tall and heavy, often full of glass. Anchor them, and add latches to doors so they do not swing open. Museum putty holds collectibles on shelves.
Shelves and pictures
Heavy pictures and mirrors should hang on closed hooks or with security hangers. Avoid hanging heavy items over beds and couches. See hanging mirrors and art on plaster walls.
Water heaters
California requires water heaters to be strapped with two straps, at the top and bottom thirds of the tank. Check that yours is strapped securely.
Kitchen cabinets
Earthquake latches keep cabinets closed. Child safety latches work too. Heavy items belong on low shelves.
Emergency supplies
Keep water, food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and medications ready. Know how to shut off gas, water and power. A wrench near the gas meter helps.
Renters
Renters can anchor furniture too. Most hardware leaves small holes that are easy to patch. Ask your landlord, and many will agree since it protects the property.
See painting touch-ups on old plaster and trim for patching later.
Children's rooms
Anchor every dresser, bookcase and TV in children's rooms. Children climb drawers like stairs. Store heavy items low.
Appliances
Refrigerators can move and tip. Appliance straps attach to the wall behind them. Strap gas appliances so their gas lines do not break.
Practice
Practice drop, cover and hold on with your family. Know safe spots in each room, away from windows and tall furniture. The Great California ShakeOut each October is a good reminder to check anchors and supplies.
Checking old anchors
Straps and brackets installed years ago can loosen, especially if furniture has been moved. Check each one once a year. Plastic straps can crack in sun; replace brittle ones.
If furniture has been moved to another wall, install new anchors at the new location rather than leaving it unsecured.
Put a flashlight and sturdy shoes under each bed. After a quake, broken glass on the floor is common.
What our visit involves
We go room by room with you, prioritize the tallest and heaviest pieces and anything near a bed, then strap or bracket each piece into framing and secure mirrors and art. If you also have flat-pack furniture to build, we can assemble and anchor it in the same visit.
See furniture assembly and shelf and picture hanging.
After strapping furniture in a few houses near Main Street, we usually grab dim sum at Lunasia.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505