Debbie, knowing more about earthquakes will help. If its under a 6.0 it will shake and rattle a bit, or it might do a slow roll, but no particular damage unless you keep breakables too close to the edge of a shelf. Over 6.0 you need to stand in a doorway - do NOT go outside - and ride it out. If it gets up to 8.0 don't worry about a thing. If you don't die in the quake itself the tidal wave will wipe you out within about 20 miles of the coast. So every time you pay close attention to the news, get the numbers so you get to know how a 3.4 feels, compared to a 5.0, etc. Eventually you'll be a native and just sleep through it.
