Good point - worrying about death by EQ is somewhat like being concerned about attacks by wild animals, etc. - not statistically probable.

On the other hand, something like 48 people died in one collapsed apartment building in Northridge. Good construction makes all the difference - earth and unreinforced masonry bad- decent frame good.

The local hospital is erecting a major addition. They have been several months on nothing but the foundation, building (digging, actually) to keep it from succumbing to liquifaction. Now that the frame is going up, I am impressed with the massive beams and extensive bracing. Remind me of that the next time I pay for their services....