Earthquake Commission IQ

Before

Pictures and Mirrors

Anything hanging on a conventional picture hook or nail is likely to come off in even a moderate earthquake. Securing these is one of the easiest things you can do. The glass on pictures and mirrors can shatter, creating a hazard.

View a how-to video

Close Hooks

Push hooks closed after hanging pictures or mirrors. Single-nail conventional picture hooks are fine for light pictures as long as the nail has been hammered into something solid like a wall stud. Anything a little heavier will need a two- or three-nail picture hook, and very heavy pictures or mirrors may need something even stronger. Also, don't forget to use strong cord, not light string.

Once you have nailed the hook into place, hang the picture and then pull it out so you can get your hand behind it and push the hook closed. Alternative: If hook is hard to close, then filler material squeezed into the gap may work.

Alternative: You may be able to get special closed picture hooks from art stores or overseas suppliers.

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