Living in earthquake prone areas is a fact of life for many people. The hazards associated with earthquakes can sometimes be greatly reduced through some simple common-sense safety applications, and through the use of proper construction materials and techniques.

Safety in residential buildings can be dependent on a number of factors including construction material used, the height of the building, and the age of the building. Individuals can reduce hazards in their personal residences by taking precautions like anchoring heavy, movable objects like cabinets, bookshelves, and TVs. Water heaters should also be braced so that they cannot be torn loose from their supports. Residents should have a wrench handy and know how to turn off the gas to their home. Wood-framed houses should be bolted to a concrete foundation.

Larger structures are more earthquake resistant if they have a frame of structural steel, and if they are constructed with reinforced concrete. Even the shape of large buildings can sometimes be a factor in their resiliency to earthquakes. Pyramid shaped structures, for example, have greater stability in earthquakes.

Very tall structures can make use of an innovative device known as a tuned mass damper to control vibrations. A tuned mass damper is a large mass often made of concrete or steel that vibrates in a fashion to oppose other vibrations in a building, thus enhancing stability.