Another way of looking at it - what are the chances you will die in an earthquake? Even living in southern California, they are statistically minimal. I am far more likely to perish in an auto accident that in an earthquake. For that matter, cancer, or various other life style related syndromes are more likely to claim me than a quake.

I try and live a reasonable lifestyle, keep my weight in check, and stay physically active (backpacking again!). I would improve my chances more by buying a modern, safety enhanced auto than by spending the dough on some exotic earthquake measure. If I am trim and fit that is also an asset in earthquake survival and in life in general.

Of course, I always have the option of moving to a locality where earthquakes are not likely. I am always amused at people who take a U-Haul to Kansas after a shaker. I don't think that swapping earthquakes for tornadoes is any improvement. I know people who won't live in California because of quakes. That's fine - life is a series of choices.