To ensure proper preparations for an earthquake there are certain measures one can take prior, during, and after the earthquake had occurred that can make a difference in the outcome:

Prior to the event:

• It is important to know your risks. The chances of an earthquake occurring is different from place to place depending on the location and proximity to active fault lines and plates. Areas such as the "Pacific Rim" are prone to earthquake activity so different precautions must be taken in these high risk areas. However places that may be located other than on the Pacific Rim may be at risk as well.

• Different locations will experience various amounts of damages as a result of and earthquake. The soil underlying an area plays an important role in how well buildings will withstand the intensity of an earthquake.

• The type of buildings materials and methods used also need to be taken into consideration as to what damage can happen to these buildings after and earthquake hit

Home Preparation

• Make sure your house has a bolted foundation. Often during earthquakes houses may be knocked off their foundation.

• Brace your water heater in order to prevent potential fires. Ones water heater may also serve as an emergency water supply.

• Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity if necessary.

• Have enough emergency supplies available. Make sure that this supplies in located in a place which can be reached quickly after and earthquakes hits.

• Similar to a fire escape plan, have an emergency earthquake plan. Discuss with others weather it be with family or neighbors on an area to take shelter if needed.

During the Event:

• As in many hazardous situations try to remain calm.

• when take shelter, use objects like a sturdy table or find an area where you maybe out of the way of potential falling objects and glass breaking

• Do not run out of building. It is often more dangerous to be outside next to a building where you  may be in the way of falling class or a collapsing structure.

• When or if you ware outside during an earthquake, keep away from falling power lines and drives who may loose control.

• For those driving pull over if it a safe time to do so. Keep an eye out for falling objects such as collapsing bridges and overpasses.

After the Event:

• Beware of other damages that may occur such as: landslides, Tsunamis, and fires.

• After an earthquake check for fires.

• Help the injured as in any hazardous situation.

• Stay clear of downed power lines and  other materials that could post a hazard.

• Turn off gas in house incase of a leak.

• Beware of Aftershocks because they are very common and at some times can produce the most damage after the initial quake.

• Check for building damage and other hazards.

(The Earthquake Museum)

Organizations such as the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program provides an approach to addressing earthquakes risks. The program works in hand with FEMA to and the four agencies of NEHRP:

·        improve our understanding,

·        improve model building codes,

·        improve design and construction techniques,

·        assessment of hazards

·        reduce risks through post-earthquake investigations and education programs

·        improve the capacity of the government and private levels to ensure the reduction and management of earthquake risks

(FEMA).