Emily's house lies on the San Andreas Fault, and she wants to protect herself against earthquakes. What is one step she can take? A. Educate herself on ground deformation that occurs before earthquakes. B. Check her building's foundation to ensure it is resistant to shaking caused by moving tectonic plates. C. Buy a device that can predict earthquakes before they occur. D. Be prepared to evacuate if steam or ash cloud eruptions are visible.

The best step Emily can take to protect herself against earthquakes is: **B. Check her building's foundation to ensure it is resistant to shaking caused by moving tectonic plates.** **Explanation:** Ensuring that her home is structurally sound and capable of withstanding seismic activity is crucial for safety during an earthquake. This may involve retrofitting her house with features such as reinforced walls, secure mounts for heavy furniture, and flexible connections that absorb shaking. Taking these measures can significantly reduce the risk of structural damage and enhance the safety of the occupants. **Why the other options are less suitable:** - **A. Educate herself on ground deformation that occurs before earthquakes:** While understanding earthquake signs can be helpful, reliable prediction of earthquakes based on ground deformation is not currently possible. - **C. Buy a device that can predict earthquakes before they occur:** There are no commercially available devices that can accurately predict earthquakes in advance. - **D. Be prepared to evacuate if steam or ash cloud eruptions are visible:** This option is more relevant to volcanic eruptions, not typical earthquakes. **Additional Recommendations:** - **Create an Emergency Plan:** Have a clear plan with your family on what to do during and after an earthquake. - **Prepare an Emergency Kit:** Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries. - **Secure Heavy Furniture:** Anchor bookshelves, cabinets, and other heavy items to the walls to prevent tipping. Taking proactive measures to strengthen her home and prepare for emergencies will significantly enhance Emily's safety in the event of an earthquake.