how plate tectonic help people in earthquakes

In this essay: How does understanding Plate Tectonics help people (including average citizens, city planners, and leaders) plan for natural disasters such earthquakes ?  The essay should be 3 to 4 paragraphs long, with each paragraph averaging 4 to 5 full sentences.  I'm looking for complete, well thought out reflective essays here.  Be thorough and descriptive in your essay.  For full points, you should not simply write an opinion piece .