Classes as normal

From Tuesday (Monday was a public holiday), we have had classes as usual. Some members couldn't come because of gasoline shortages, taking care of family, etc, but it is nice to see familiar faces and talk.

The classroom has changed a little - MORE disaster prevention than before. This time I learned that even small things can make a big mess if they fly around.

When I moved to this office I secured the large bookshelf with a bracket on the top, rubber wedges at the bottom on the front, and L-brackets on the back. It didn't move, even in this powerful quake :) But just to be sure, I added new L-brackets on the bottom on the front. I have heard many stories of shelves, cabinets, cupboards and even refrigerators "walking" out from the wall with each shake. Scary!!!

One big problem is that because of the long earthquake and many powerful aftershocks very quickly after that, most of the books fell out of the bookshelf :(  This happened at most people's houses. So on the first Monday, I bought screw-in hooks and net at Yamashin Home Center and totally covered the bookshelves. I don't want to clean up ever again!

Another problem was that all my plastic files slid out onto the floor. The solution for this is easy - I wrapped a strap with a clip around the whole bookshelf to hold them in. It's really easy to open so no trouble.



And I bought 7 construction work helmets ...... if you don't have these, bicycle or motorbike helmets are good, too.


And I put another strap around the water cooler to attach it to the pillar, plus made legs with L-brackets and really strong double sided tape. This cooler is rented so I hope the company won't be angry when they see it :)

For the fax machine, printer, etc, I used gel sheets that are specifically for electrical items to prevent them moving in an earthquake. The package said the highest level quakes are okay - I think that must be true because now I cannot pick up my fax; it is stuck to the desk and will not move. Then I added wide cello-tape for extra protection.


Please take some time to look around your house and see what you can do to stop things from falling or flying out from inside cupboards and shelves. I've heard many horrible stories about kitchen cupboards where all the crockery and glassware pushed open the swinging doors and fell out and broke. Broken china and glass is really dangerous, especially for pets.

A few months ago we were talking about New Year resolutions. Well, I've resolved to reduce the amount of things I have. Anything that I don't need for my daily life shouldn't be in my house or classroom. I love my Kindle (electronic book) even more than before!