Use seismic retrofitting
Any wine cellar in a home that is not properly secured to the foundation is at risk. Homes built prior to 1970 should be evaluated by a structural engineer or licensed contractor to be sure it meets modern seismic design standards.
Secure your wine racks
Bolt the wine racks to the wall and install at a slight upward angle.
Store the bottles horizontally and use specifically designed earthquake pins or chains to secure the bottle necks to the racks.
For new cellars, consider purchasing earthquake resistant racks that have already been designed to tilt towards the wall at a 6.5º degree angle.
Reuters - Albert Gea
Minimize storage height
Keep the storage height as low as possible to reduce the chance of breakage.
Large heavy cases should be stored on the lower level racks.
Install a backup generator
To preserve the condition of your wine, a climate-controlled environment is critical.
In the event of a prolonged power outage, a permanent backup generator will ensure that a stable environment is maintained.
A permanent backup generator will also provide power to other critical systems such as central station alarms and sump pumps.
Maintain an up-to-date inventor
In the event of a loss, a detailed inventory and documentation (e.g. appraisals and invoices) will help expedite the claims process.
Store backup copies of all documentation in a secure off-site location.