Water Heaters Tip Easily During Earthquakes

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• WATER HEATERS
  • One of most common causes of fires associated with earthquakes is rupture of gas lines when water heaters overturn.

• Water Heaters in Earthquakes
  • Water heaters are usually very tall, heavy (because they are filled with water) and narrow.
  • As shown in the figure, water heaters tip over easily in earthquakes
  • Fires can start when attached gas or electrical lines are broken.
  • Water heaters are usually set on the floor, or on a pedestal. Until recently, codes did not require water heaters to be braced.