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Since this is a fairly long piece, here are the “fact,” “fiction,” and similar headings, in case anyone wants a quick look at what’s in the entire piece:

FACT: Earthquakes are sudden rolling or shaking events caused by movement under the Earth’s surface.

FICTION: “Mega Quakes” can really happen.

FICTION: Earthquakes only occur on the West Coast in the United States.

FICTION: The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was the deadliest ever.

PARTIALLY FACT: California has the most earthquakes in the United States.

FACT: Earthquakes can occur near the surface or deep below the surface.

FICTION: The ground can open up during an earthquake.

FICTION: California will eventually fall into the ocean.

FICTION: An earthquake on the San Andreas fault can cause a large tsunami.

PARTIALLY FACT: An “Aftershock” can be greater than the initial earthquake.

NOT LIKELY: Two major earthquakes occurred on the same day, so they must be related.

PARTIALLY FACT: People can cause earthquakes.

FICTION: People can stop earthquakes.

FICTION: Nuclear explosions can start or stop earthquakes.

FICTION: You can prevent large earthquakes by making lots of small ones, or by “lubricating” the fault with water.

FICTION: We can predict earthquakes.

FICTION: Animals can predict earthquakes.

MAYBE: Some people can sense that an earthquake is about to happen.

FICTION: It’s been raining a lot, or very hot—it must be earthquake weather!

NOT LIKELY: The Golden Gate Bridge, Seattle Space Needle and other buildings will all eventually fall during an earthquake.

FACT: Earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings and their contents do.

FICTION: During an earthquake you should head for the doorway.

FICTION: Everyone will panic during the Big One.

FICTION: You can’t plan ahead for an earthquake.

FACT: The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting research to better forecast the effects of potentially damaging earthquakes throughout the United States and mitigate their effects.

>>FICTION: During an earthquake you should head for the doorway.<<

That one can NOT be repeated too often. A doorway just means you will get slapped by a door. You need to be under something very strong in case the ceiling or drywall comes down on you.

>>FICTION: You can’t plan ahead for an earthquake.<<

You can sort of — locate safe places that you can get to quickly: assume the ceiling and walls will pull away and drop. ALSO, keep 1 week (minimum) of water and MRE-type food were you can get to it. It took 3 days to get water and power back after Northridge. I used a camping stove to cook and a friend brought me beer (lol).