Look into earthquake insurance if you are in a particularly precarious zone; understand, however, that recent legislation has somewhat slashed the benefits in many states.

2torial #0558: Learn2 Prepare for an Earthquake (Continued) Collect emergency supplies Emergency kits are one of those items that nobody pays much attention to until there's an emergency. If you want to avoid the unruly mob down at the local supermarket (which might not want to open after an earthquake), put one together now. Make sure that everyone knows where the kit is located. Put it in an easily accessible area (the garage is good), rather than buried in a bedroom closet. Also, consider preparing a smaller version to store in your car trunk. Your kit should contain as many of the following as possible: A battery-operated radio and flashlight, with spare batteries.   Candles and matches   A fire extinguisher   One gallon of bottled water, per person per day, for 5 days. Store in air-tight containers, away from gasoline or other petroleum products. Change every six months (when you change the clocks for daylight savings. Keep some disinfectant with it (e.g., iodine tablets--read manufacturer's instructions) in case the water becomes unsanitary.   Non-perishable food that does not need cooking or additional water.   A multiple tool knife with can opener.   Extra blankets and heavy clothing, including rubber-soled shoes and workgloves.   A first aid kit, with essential prescription medications and sunscreen added to it.   Pipe and crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water mains.   A shovel and toilet paper-- Sewer lines may have been disrupted during the earthquake. Avoid flushing the toilet and risking futher contamination of the groundwater.   Money: $30-$100 in cash, depending on the size of household. Step 3