Earthquake Preparedness: Securing Glass Cabinet Decorations

Earthquakes are particularly rough on breakable surfaces like glass. Decorations placed in glass cabinets must secured if they are to survive even a mdoerate earthquake. For that reason, it is important to take precautionary steps to protect these items. 

Step 1: Secure the Cabinet 

Make sure that all cabinets are securely bolted to both walls and the floor using anchors that attach to studs. This will keep a freestanding cabinet from falling over or a mounted cabinet from becoming unhinged. 

Step 2: Secure Cabinet Doors 

Cabinet doors need to be secured so that items within the cabinet do not fall out. There are multiple latches to do this that are low in cost. 

The most popular are push latches that fasten to the inside of the cabinet door or child-proof latches that allow a small opening in the cabinet for unlatching. Both latches automatically secure when the cabinet is shut and they are hidden by the cabinet door. 

Step 3: Add Cabinet Molding 

The cabinet shelf can also be armed with a molding to create a barrier that will prevent items from falling. 

The molding can be fitted on the inside of the cabinet so the door will still shut. For an open cabinet, it can also be placed on the edge of the shelf. Based upon individual preferences, it can be as simple or ornate as desired. 

Step 4: Secure Decorations 

Even if decorations do not fall out of cabinets they still have the ability to fall and break against each other. As a result, it is important to secure decorations within the cabinet. 

It is possible to glue the items to the cabinet floor with earthquake putty, gel or museum wax. These substances are transparent and do not cause damage to the cabinet floor or the item being glued. They have a lifetime of about 10 years. However, items can still be removed by simply twisting. 

Rubber mats can also be used to secure items. The mat keeps items stationary so that they won’t slide in the cabinet. The mat does not have to be replaced and is a good choice if the cabinet floor is blocked from view. 

Industrial Velcro is another option. One piece is attached to the cabinet floor while the other is attached to the decoration. Like the rubber mat, the Velcro does not have to be replaced after a certain period of time.

Step 5: Safeguard Glass 

It is also important to cover glass cabinet doors with shatter resistant film. The film will not keep a glass door from breaking but it will keep it from shattering. This will keep glass from breaking into the cabinet or onto surrounding floors. 

Another choice is to replace glass doors with safety glass. Safety glass is made to withstand shattering if it breaks. Either choice will keep valuables within the cabinet from being damaged.