Earthquakes strike suddenly, and without warning.
Doing a little advance planning can help reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life. First, fasten freestanding shelves securely to walls so they won't suddenly topple over. Large or heavy objects will stand a better chance of surviving intact if placed on lower shelves. Also store flammable products on the bottom shelves of cabinets with latches. Right now, before the next earthquake, repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections and secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.