During earthquakes, buildings often remain standing—but people are injured by what falls inside them. In many disaster responses, I saw victims hurt by tipping furniture, flying objects, and broken glass rather than structural collapse. As a former firefighter, I will explain how securing furniture is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries during earthquakes.
- ■① Why Unsecured Furniture Is a Major Threat
- ■② Identify Furniture That Must Be Secured
- ■③ Anchor Furniture Properly to Walls
- ■④ Prevent Cabinet and Drawer Spills
- ■⑤ Arrange Rooms With Safety in Mind
- ■⑥ Pay Special Attention to Bedrooms
- ■⑦ Protect Children and Elderly Family Members
- ■⑧ Review and Maintain Safety Measures Regularly
- ■まとめ｜Furniture Safety Is Life Safety
■① Why Unsecured Furniture Is a Major Threat
Common indoor hazards include:
- Tall shelves and cabinets tipping over
- Televisions and appliances falling
- Objects thrown from open cabinets
- Heavy items falling from high places
These hazards strike without warning during strong shaking.
■② Identify Furniture That Must Be Secured
Focus first on high-risk items:
- Bookshelves and wardrobes
- Storage cabinets and filing units
- Refrigerators and washing machines
- Large televisions and monitors
If it is tall, heavy, or unstable, it must be secured.
■③ Anchor Furniture Properly to Walls
Effective anchoring prevents tipping:
- Use metal brackets or straps
- Secure to wall studs, not drywall alone
- Anchor the top of furniture, not just the base
- Check anchors regularly for looseness
Proper anchoring keeps furniture upright during violent shaking.
■④ Prevent Cabinet and Drawer Spills
Flying objects cause many cuts and injuries:
- Install latches on cabinets and drawers
- Store heavy items on lower shelves
- Keep breakables away from head level
Closed cabinets prevent objects from becoming projectiles.
■⑤ Arrange Rooms With Safety in Mind
Furniture placement matters:
- Keep beds away from shelves and windows
- Avoid placing heavy objects above sofas or desks
- Maintain clear paths for evacuation
Room layout can reduce injury even if items fall.
■⑥ Pay Special Attention to Bedrooms
Nighttime earthquakes are especially dangerous:
- Secure furniture near beds
- Remove hanging objects above sleeping areas
- Keep a flashlight and shoes nearby
Most serious nighttime injuries occur while people are half asleep.
■⑦ Protect Children and Elderly Family Members
Vulnerable people need extra protection:
- Secure furniture in children’s rooms
- Lower storage height for daily items
- Avoid sharp-edged furniture near beds and walkways
Preparation protects those who cannot react quickly.
■⑧ Review and Maintain Safety Measures Regularly
Earthquake safety is not one-time work:
- Recheck anchors every year
- Adjust after moving furniture
- Reassess after renovations or relocation
Maintenance keeps preparation effective.
■まとめ｜Furniture Safety Is Life Safety
Securing furniture is simple, affordable, and extremely effective. It directly prevents the most common earthquake injuries inside homes.
結論：
As a former firefighter who has seen real earthquake injury scenes, I can say clearly: securing furniture saves lives. People are not crushed by buildings—they are injured by what falls inside them. Fixing furniture today prevents tragedy tomorrow.
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