Occurrence- Many earthquakes tend to happen in Mexico and California. The U.S. geological survey has also named other major earthquake regions.  They include Alaska, the Pacific northwest, the inter mountain belt, Hawaii and the northeastern region. Also south Carolina and the mid-continent region. 

Characteristics- If you are ever in an earthquake you will feel the ground shake. It may role up and down or back and forth. An earthquake may make you feel like you are rocking in a boat. The vibrating may only last a few seconds or a couple of minutes. Smaller quakes called after shocks may take place several days after earthquakes. During the shaking many of buildings may shake or sway back and forth. Pictures may fall off walls and dishes may rumble or even crack. Trees may shake and roads may buckle. People have discovered that some continental  coastlines seems to fit together like separate pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This concept led to the theory of the continental drift.

Prevention- Incase of many disasters such as a flood, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, or Blizzards a warning can be given, but that is not the case of an earthquake. Right now scientists can tell us where an earthquake will strike. You can't prevent an earthquake, but you can protect yourself and your family. Do not panic. If you are in a building stay away from the windows. If you are by a door way stand there.