I want to rspond to JPickett's suggestion - "Move to non-earthquake country?"

There are only two states that have not recorded any earthquake activity -Wisconsin and Iowa. Even Minnesota has recorded two earthquakes - one was the result of crustal rebound as a result of the melting of the Pleistocene ice sheet. Of course, the likelihood a a severe quake is much greater is some localities, like California and Alaska. The New Madrid quake of 1812 was about as severe as any in our history, but very few people and structures were present to be affected.

I would highly recommend CERT training. Even the basic course will render lay responders more effective, and I believe you can take training as far as your community desires.