Protect Your Property: Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors
What You Can Do
Earthquake protection can involve a variety of changes to your house and
property -- changes that can vary in complexity and cost. You may be able to
make some types of changes yourself. But complicated or large-scale changes and
those that affect the structure of your house or its electrical wiring and
plumbing should be carried out only by a professional contractor licensed to
work in your state, county, or city. One example of earthquake protection is
installing latches on cabinet doors and drawers so that they will remain closed
during an earthquake. This is something that many homeowners can probably do on
their own.
Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors
During an earthquake, drawers and cabinet doors can open and the stored
materials can spill out and damage floors and floor coverings. Objects that
fall from overhead cabinets can injure you or members of your family.
One way to prevent the accidental opening of drawers and cabinet doors is to
install latches such as barrel bolts, safety hasps, and child-proof locks. Most
hardware and home supply stores stock a variety of latches. The figure shows
two types child-proof locks, one for drawers and one for cabinet doors. Most
types of permanent latches can be installed easily and will not interfere with
opening and closing of drawers and doors. The slide lock shown at right can be
used on cabinets that do not need to be opened frequently; it is easily
installed and removed.
Tips
Keep these points in mind when you install latches on drawers and cabinet
doors:
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When possible, do not store heavy, breakable, or dangerous items (such as
insecticides, solvents, and bleach) in overhead cabinets.
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Do not rely on magnetic or pinch-grip catches to hold cabinet doors closed,
especially on overhead cabinets and any cabinets that contain heavy, breakable,
or dangerous items.
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Install latches according to the manufacturer's directions. For example, use
all of the hardware provided with the latch and do not substitute undersized
screws or bolts for those provided.
Estimated Cost
The cost of adding latches will depend on the type you decide to buy and the
number of drawers and cabinet doors you want to secure. Most latches will cost
between $2 and $5. So, for example, If you do the work yourself, the cost of
adding latches to all the cabinets and drawers in a medium-sized kitchen could
range from about $60 to about $100. If you hire a contractor or handyman to
install latches, you will have to pay for time as well as materials.
Other Sources of Information
Seismic Retrofit Training for Building Contractors and Building Inspectors:
Participant Handbook, FEMA, 1995
Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage: A Practical Guide,
FEMA-74, 1994
Protecting Your Home and Business from Nonstructural Earthquake Damage, FEMA,
1994