We've moved to the Los Angeles area from the Northeast and just went through our first earthquake. What should we do to prepare for an earthquake?

Scientists are seizing the aftermath of the 5.4-magnitude earthquake that hit Southern California on July 29 as a "teaching moment." (See map below.) They've been doing hundreds of media interviews in a bid to better prepare the public for future earthquake activity.

As we note in our earthquake coverage on our Storm & Emergency Guide seismic activity is not confined to the West Coast. Follow our advice to gird your home so it can better withstand seismic shock.

For instance, you can bracket and brace bookcases, hanging pictures, chandeliers, and appliances to studs and joists; for a ceiling fan, ensure that the electrical box it attaches to is designed to support its weight and properly secured to framing; equip gas lines with automatic shut-off valves to reduce the chance of explosion and fire; and, if allowed by local building codes, replace rigid gas and water connectors with flexible connectors that can move during a quake.

We've also provided similar commonsense and cost-effective ways to harden your home against hurricanes, tornadoes and high winds, floods, and wildfires.

Emergency-management experts stressed in "Be Prepared for Weather Emergencies" that it's essential to have a plan to safeguard your papers and properties before a natural disaster strikes and safely evacuate your family. You'll find printable instructions on these preparations in our Storm & Emergency Guide.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Read our product reports and expert advice if you need a chain saw or power generator as part of your emergency planning.

Earthquake map courtesy of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.