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Earthquake preparedness measures generally fall in three categories:
  • Earthquake retrofitting and earthquake resistant designs of new buildings and other structures (bridges, roads, etc.).

  • Emergency earthquake preparedness plans for state and local governments in areas known for earthquakes.

  • Emergency preparedness plans and earthquake kit preparation by individuals and businesses.



EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDING DESIGN AND RETROFITTING

See main article: Seismic Retrofit

In the United States, buildings codes in earthquake prone states currently often have specific requirements designed to increase new building's resistance to earthquake damage. Older buildings and homes that are not up to code with regard to earthquake resistance can often be retrofitted to increase their earthquake resistance. Such retrofitting is often required for older commercial and governmental buildings under state laws. Retrofitting and earthquake resistant design are also employed elevated freeways and bridges. Current buildings code are not designed to make buildings earthquake proof in the sense of suffering zero damage. The goal of most building designs is to reduce earthquake damage to a building such that it protects the lives of occupants and thus tolerance of some limited damage is accepted considered a necessary tradeoff [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/04/15/HOGQ9I7P2T1.DTL]. Earthquake retrofitting techniques and modern building codes are designed prevent total destruction of a buildings for earthquake of no greater then 8.5 on the Richter Scale [http://www.il-st-acad-sci.org/kingdom/geo1001.html].


EMERGENCY EARTHQUAKE KITS

Homeowners, renters, and businesses in earthquake territory are generally encourage by governments to have an earthquake kit available with enough supplies for three days. From experience, this is considered the amount of time it takes for emergency help to reach full effectiveness. Such emergency kit can also be used in other situations, such as ice storms or hurricanes. State and federal governments publish earthquake preparedness booklets. {Link without Title} .

Below is list of commonly recommended items for an emergency earthquake kit:
  • Water and food to last at least three days

  • Water purification tablets/portable water filter

  • Heavy-duty gloves

  • A first-aid kit

  • A minimum of $100 in cash

  • Family photos and descriptions (to aid emergency personnel in finding missing people)

  • A flashlight and portable (or solar-powered) radio

  • Extra batteries

  • Goggles and dust mask

  • A personal commode with sanitary bags




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