bridges, shattering glass, fires, or tsunamis (tidal waves).Earthquakes can be very costly to both human life and material things. Cities located along major faults have begun enforcing stricter building codes to help ensure less structural damage when an earthquake occurs. Structural reinforcements of skyscrapers and other buildings assist in preventing widespread monetary loss and loss of life. For those living in areas of major earthquake activity, knowing what to expect and how to react is also crucial in lessening the devastation of a high magnitude earthquake.It is safe to say that at this point earthquakes cannot be predicted. Only through probability can estimation of an earthquake occur, and that is not guaranteed. The best protection against total destruction is preparation by both the individual and the society in which he lives. In my opinion, though earthquakes themselves cannot be prevented and moving away from high-risk areas is usually not an option for most, widespread damage can be prevented through advancements in building and structural design and preparation for the worst-case scenario in the event that a quake does occur....
