Fastening apparatus

A fastening system for securing a water heater to a supporting structure, the fastening system comprising:

• an elongated, bendable strap;
• a bracket mountable to the supporting structure having a first member and a second member, each having first and second ends, wherein the first ends are movable between an open position such that the first ends are spaced apart to form an opening to receive the elongated, bendable strap and a clamping position such that the first ends are closer to each other to clamp the elongated, bendable strap therebetween, one of said first and second members having a strap aperture to permit the elongated, bendable strap to bend through the strap aperture of the one member when the elongated, bendable strap is received in the opening between the first ends of the first and second members;
• and
• a fastener engagable with the bracket to hold the first and second members in the clamping position.

A method of securing a water heater to a supporting structure comprising:

• providing an elongated, bendable strap having a primary end and a secondary end and a bracket having a first member and a second member, each having first and second ends, wherein the first ends are moveable between an open position such that the first ends are spaced apart to form an opening to receive the elongated, bendable strap and a clamping position such that the first ends are closer to each other to clamp the elongated bendable strap therebetween, one of said first and second members, having a strap aperture;
• threading the primary end of the strap into the opening and through the strap aperture when the bracket is in the open position;
• moving the bracket to the clamping position;
• fastening the bracket to the supporting structure;
• winding the strap around the water heater;
• and
• fastening the secondary end of the strap to the supporting structure.

A disaster safety assembly comprising:

• a water heater;
• a supporting structure;
• a first strap having a first end portion and a second end portion;
• a second strap having a first end portion and a second end portion;
• a first fastener securing the first end of the first strap to the supporting structure;
• a second fastener securing the first end of the second strap to the supporting structure;
• a pair of tension buckles including a first tension buckle and a second tension buckle, wherein the first tension buckle defines an aperture through which the second end of the first strap is inserted from a side opposite the water heater towards the water heater and folded back to rest between the water heater and the first buckle, wherein the second tension buckle is suitable for receiving the second end of the second strap, and wherein the first tension buckle defines a tab within the aperture that engages with the second end of the first strap when the first strap is inserted;
• and
• a third fastener connecting the pair of tension buckles together.