Avoid basement storage Also avoid storing archival items in areas adjacent to, or under, kitchens, restrooms, large air conditioning units, or any facility with pipes or hazardous materials. Shelves should be at least four inches off the floor and twelve inches away from exterior walls. F. Immediate Response Do not enter the building until it has been declared safe. Do not work in wet areas until power has been disconnected. The precise time, location, and magnitude cannot be accurately predicted by seismologists.
Aftershocks can also be damaging.
C. Preparatory Actions Brief emergency instructions should be posted in clearly visible locations, with two evacuation routes. All parts of a building should be attached to each other, with the entire building unit bolted to a firmly situated foundation. E. Non-Structural Considerations Decorative masonry moldings and facades, as well as chimneys, should be secured with masonry ties. Glass can be coated with a protective film to prevent shattering. Hanging pictures and exhibit items should be securely anchored to a stable surface.