California Earthquake

Earthquakes strike without warning, so the best (and only) way to protect yourself, your family and your home is to prepare ahead of time.Earthquakes most commonly occur along the Pacific Coast, and residents of California face the greatest risk. But smaller earthquakes happen elsewhere in the U.S., such as the Virginia quake last year that rippled up and down the East Coast, or the 5.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Oklahoma in October, breaking records for the state.Here are some tips on how to prepare before an earthquake hits, how to react during one, and how to pick up the pieces when the shaking stops.Your Home's Structural IntegrityWhich homes do best in earthquakes? Wood-frame houses withstand shaking better because they can flex with the movement, while brick or masonry homes are susceptible to cracking, says Jim Whittle, chief claims counsel at the American Insurance Association. To strengthen structures, homeowners can reinforce the connections -- foundation to walls and wall...

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