How to protect your home from earthquake damage
Your emergency plan should include what the family will do in the event of an earthquake. The plan should include the location of a safe place to seek shelter in every room of the house or apartment, perhaps under a sturdy table or desk, and away from windows or tall objects that may topple over. If you are buying a house, have it evaluated by an architect or building engineer for its ability to withstand an earthquake.
Most existing houses can be reinforced to be more earthquake resistant. Hire an architect or builder to estimate the cost of implementing necessary measures to make the house more resistant to quakes. The foundation’s wooden sill plate should be anchored with bolts to the concrete foundation. Crippled walls or wood foundations should be reinforced with sheathing plywood or backing blocks.