Earthquakes happen all over the world. Here's how to start preparing for one

Deadly earthquakes rocked southeastern Turkey and northern Syria this week, killing more than 11,000 people. The devastation has made clear just how dangerous — and unpredictable — earthquakes can be.

Unlike other natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes are nearly impossible to see coming, even for scientists. Early detection systems can only give seconds of warning.

Specific best practices for earthquake preparedness may differ somewhat based on your country and region, says Christine Goulet, director of the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center.

She says how and where buildings are constructed, the population density and the nature of the shaking itself all influence how destructive individual earthquakes can be.

Additionally, "it's important to note that some areas have," says, director for communication, education and outreach at the