In the News: Newspaper

Los Angeles Times, Monday, December 14, 1998
"Making Connections" by Kateri Alexander

     Statewide California schools and hospitals are learning the ABCs of healthy earthquake preparedness, thanks to Michael Essrig of Safe-T-Proof in Westlake Village.

     Essrig and his company do seismic fastening--something that can save a life and a business. His client list reads like a Who's Who. It includes not only celebrities such as Los Angeles Mayor Riordon but businesses like Boeing, Johnson and Johnson, Fox Studio and the VA Hospital.

     Essrig has been awarded many contracts with Ventura County for the Oak Park School District, and County Special Education and Head Start program centers.

     "It's important for schools to fasten all computers, file cabinets, bookcases, televisions and lab equipment," said Essrig . "We also retrofit t-bar ceilings, put safety film on windows and can provide schools with Kid's Kits that include water, food, tissues, ponchos and other emergency items."

     "Companies and hospitals benefit not only from the safety aspect but from a business standpoint," Essrig said. In November 1993, Prudential in Woodland Hills decided to have Safe-T-Proof "mitigate" one section of its offices. Just two months later on January 17, the day of the big Northridge quake, the investment paid off. That section was the only one that held. Essrig said that when a business isn't prepared, the downtime is costly.

     "When a hospital isn't prepared, it takes a whole community when it goes down. Computers go flying along with lab equipment and test results," he said.

     He also notes that communication and medical procedures can all be affected along with the safety of patients and hospital personnel. Essrig's company provides not only fastening but solar/hand-crank radios, walkie-talkies and other necessary supplies.

     "The trend now is to think ahead," said Essrig, who consults with FEMA and OES.

     To prove the point, Essrig has created a mobile earthquake simulator, Quake Cottage. It can shake up an 8.0 quake demonstrating the safety of the fasteners. It's hard to be in denial about the results when you can see it all happening.

     Over one thousand schools, businesses and homes are ready to roll through the efforts of Essrig's company. One can only wonder why the rest of us would rather worry.

     Call 1-800-377-8888 for more information.