An earthquake evacuation plan is a collection of measures implemented at the individual, organizational, and societal levels to mitigate the effects of an earthquake. Earthquake evacuation plans can include everything from securing heavy objects, making structural modifications, and stockpiling supplies to getting insurance, an emergency kit, and evacuation plans. Building codes in earthquake-prone areas may include specific requirements designed to increase the earthquake resistance of new buildings. Generally, the older buildings and homes that are not up to code can be modified to make them more resistant. Elevated freeways and bridges also use modification and earthquake-resistant design. Building codes are not intended to make buildings earthquake-proof because they will sustain no damage.
