There is a good general perspective on preparing for natural disasters at http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/clubnewsart.html?nid=748600652&nclubid=394773857&nsupercity=839516939

The recent earthquake in China is close to what might hit LA. Of course the building codes and construction quality are very different in China as opposed to LA, but not all buildings in LA meet the current earthquake code either.

By former student