On Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m., millions of Californians will practice the Great California ShakeOut, the state’s annual earthquake drill. While the drill focuses on “drop, cover, and hold on” for the first minute of shaking, the real safety work begins before that minute: securing the objects that tend to fall or fly during a quake.

Why Falling Objects Matter

Experts agree that injuries from falling or flying objects far outnumber those caused by collapsing structures. The June 5, 2026, magnitude 5.6 quake in Mendocino County illustrated this point. At Redwood Valley Market, televisions toppled and debris littered the floor. A gift shop in Ukiah saw wine bottles shatter, and a liquor store in Willits had a large humidor topple. Residents reported furniture and personal items being hurled across rooms, underscoring the need for proactive preparation.

What Typically Falls and How to Secure It

Closet World, a Southern California home‑storage company, consulted the Earthquake Country Alliance and federal safety data to create a room‑by‑room checklist. Below are the most common hazards and low‑cost steps to mitigate them.

• Living rooms and home offices: Tall bookcases and shelving units should be anchored to wall studs using brackets or straps. Move heavy books to lower shelves.
• Bedrooms: Anything stored above the bed—nightstands, picture frames, ceiling fans—should be fastened or relocated to lower surfaces.
• Closets: The top shelf often holds boxes, shoes, or seasonal items. Store these on lower shelves or secure them with non‑permanent adhesive strips.
• Kitchens and dining rooms: Cabinets and china racks can become deadly projectiles. Use museum‑type fasteners for dishes and keep heavy pots on the lower rack.
• Garages: Shelving units and water heaters should be bolted to the floor. Store tools and equipment on the ground level.
• Hallways and entryways: Keep pathways clear of loose rugs and decorative items that could trip occupants during an evacuation.

Step‑by‑Step Implementation

The alliance recommends starting with the free actions—moving heavy items to lower shelves and pulling furniture away from beds. Then, each weekend, secure one additional item using inexpensive anchors or straps. Renters can accomplish most of the free steps without drilling into walls and should seek landlord permission before installing permanent anchors.

Practice the Drill Properly

When the minute of shaking begins, the safest action is to drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on. Tina Curry, chief deputy director of operations for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, emphasized that this simple response is the most effective way to protect oneself.

ShakeOut organizers also warn against two common instincts: running outside, where broken glass and building debris can cause injury, and standing in a doorway, which offers no advantage in modern homes.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

California remains one of the nation’s most seismically active regions. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that nearly 75 % of the United States could experience damaging shaking, with the highest risk in California and Alaska. Within the next 30 years, the USGS projects a 60 % chance of a magnitude 6.7 or larger quake in the Los Angeles area and a 72 % chance in the San Francisco Bay Area.

While scientists cannot predict the exact timing of an earthquake, they can help households reduce risk by securing what sits on their shelves. As seismologist Elizabeth Cochran explained, knowing local ground conditions and geological structures is essential, but personal preparedness makes the difference when shaking occurs.

Take Action Today

Begin the checklist this week: identify the tallest bookcase in your living room, move the heaviest items to the floor, and secure the unit with a wall anchor. Continue room by room, involving family members to teach children the importance of preparedness. By the time the ShakeOut arrives on Oct. 15, your home will be better equipped to protect the people and pets you love.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.