how would you prepare yourself for a catastrophic earthquake and for survival after it?

Answer 1

Make sure the place you live is build to code to withstand such a catastrophe for starters. Make sure the ground underneath is hard soil (not sand or a sand mixture) and one story buildings typically fare better, too. Also, purchase basic emergency supplies just to keep on hand...bottled water, canned foods, flashlights, first aid kit, etc. And pray you don't ever need them!!

Answer 2

If you live in Kalifornya, move out of state. If you don't live in Kalifornya, don't move there. You can't "prepare" for an earthquake. They're too unpredictable. Just hope you don't get squashed when one happens.