What are three precautions a community (located in a region with the potential for and history of strong earthquakes) can take to reduce the loss of life and property damage of earthquakes

1. The building agency in the community should ensure all buildings in the area complies with the local building codes (which should be always updated), identify points of weaknesses in existing buildings and also make sure buildings undergoing construction should be designed with earthquake-resistant materials.

2. The community should endeavor to secure all heavy furniture such as book shelves, wardrobes; other heavy appliances like gas cookers, water heaters, standing A/Cs; including small peripheries such as mirrors, plates, cutleries  and even a ceiling fan are all properly secured at all times.

3. Road bridges. Care should be taken when designing a road brigde in the community. All forms of suspension, cable bridges should not be constructed as the supports tend to snap during an earthquake. All road bridges should be reinforced and observed for induced damage over time.