Furniture such as bookcases, China hutches, and dressers are top-heavy and can fall over during earthquakes causing damage and injuries, and possibly blocking exits. Flexible fasteners allow furniture to sway slightly without falling over.

• Nylon strap kits available in stores or online screw to the wall at one end and have adhesive pads that stick to the furniture with either Velcro or buckle fasteners.
• These must be screwed into wall studs; identify where these are with a stud finder.
• Screw nylon straps to wall studs near each side of the furniture through a pre-punched hole in the strap. These can be hidden behind the furniture.
• If taller than 6 feet, secure straps to the sides, at 2/3 the height.
• Attach the adhesive end of the strap to the furniture, following the kit’s instructions.

Click here to download a printable version of these instructions.