The document provides 7 tips for protecting collectibles and valuables during an earthquake: 1) Check that wall-mounted artwork is securely hung to prevent damage if it falls. 2) Secure items on shelves with museum wax to prevent shifting and toppling. 3) Keep important photographs and documents together in an easy to grab container for quick removal in an emergency. 4) Store valuables away from water pipes to prevent damage from plumbing issues caused by quakes.

1. Collectible Protection
In Case Of An Earthquake
By Eleanor Nelson, Guest Blogger
From the Editor: This preservation enthusiast from England, with ties
in California, has asked to reach out to you and share 7 important tips
for protecting cherished family possessions in case of a natural
disaster. And there are some quick, fun videos links for you. This
information is just as applicable for someone in Hurricane Country or
who lives in areas of severe winter storms. If you know someone who
lives in that type of climate or country, do them a favor and pass this
great article along to them.
There is no "earthquake season," as there are seasons for wildfires,
tornadoes or blizzards. In California, we know the ground may start
shaking under our feet at any time, so it pays to be prepared all the
time.
That is why, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, we at the FACL will be
participating in The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, along with over
17 million people worldwide (12.9 million in America alone). Wherever
they are, whatever they are doing, everyone will "drop, cover and
hold on" for 60 seconds, as if a real earthquake were occurring.
Events like this are a useful reminder that while disasters are not
preventable, much of the damage to our personal property is
definitely preventable. With that in mind, here are 7 tips on ways to

2. increase the chances that your collectibles, family history valuables
and keepsakes will come through an earthquake unharmed.
• Check the strength of the hanging hooks and wires on wall-
mounted artwork. They should be well-anchored and over-
sized. “Over-engineer” the hanging materials. Paintings can rip
all too easily if they fall onto something; even the corners of
furniture can cause serious damage.
• Secure items on shelves or in cabinets with Museum Wax,
available at http://tipsforfineartcollectors.org/museum-wax-
package/. (watch the short video!) Even a quake of relatively
low magnitude will shift and topple standing objects.
• Keep your most important photographs together, in albums or
containers that will allow for swift, easy removal in an
emergency. Its called a “grab n’ go’ box.” Overwhelmed with so
lots of stuff in boxes?! Here’s a quick video on how to get
through it quickly… and in a fun way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5RdOUkLv4 (leave a
comment and THUMBS UP?)
• Store items of significance away from water pipes and water
heaters. Damage to your home's plumbing system could turn
an earthquake into a flood! Water not only causes serious
immediate damage, it also leads to mold, resulting in further
destruction. FEMA says all it takes in 2” of water to do massive
damage.
• Make copies of important documents, and take photographs of your
precious possessions. Keep these in a safe location, offsite--
preferably in a different state entirely! You will need these
photos (and values) if you want to make an insurance claim.
Questions about appraisals and claims, go
to www.faclappraisals.com and call Richard Holgate,

3. International Society of Appraisers 805 895 5121 for a free
chat.
• It is possible you will need supplemental earthquake insurance.
Check that the contents of your house are covered by your
homeowner’s policy. The policy should cover heirlooms under
“Contents” and not require a further Fine Arts rider.
• Finally, buy a copy of ‘How to Save Your Stuff From A Disaster’
at www.saveyourstuff.com.
Great suggestions, Eleanor. You can “take those tips to the bank.” If
you have art conservation/restoration questions call Scott Haskins at
805 564 3438.
Follow us on Facebook at Scott M. Haskins and at Save Your Stuff
Keywords: collectibles, family history, fine art insurance, art appraisal,
art conservation, Museum Wax, ShakeOut, keepsakes, drop cover
and hold, Scott Haskins, Eleanor Nelson