By MATT MAURY

It's been a year since the last big earthquake in the Puget Sound region and everyone has resumed their daily routines. Many of us, though, have set aside those resolutions we made on the day of the earthquake to make plans for the next one.

A few simple preparations can save some unexpected hardships that may needlessly cost time, money and grief. The first project should be to take a few minutes to walk around the home to identify possible threats to the property if a disaster should strike. Is the hot-water tank strapped to the wall? Is there a dead or dying tree that might fall on the house? Is the house bolted to the foundation? Does the water run away from the house during heavy rains? Is the mortar still firm in chimneys and brickwork? Are electric heaters properly hooked up and anchored? Are bookcases bolted to the wall? Look for anything that could go wrong and add it to the list. The next step is to take action on those items that pose significant threats of damage to the home. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," states an old adage.

A second, equally important, project is to gather the information about the utility connections for the house. Every resident of a home should know the locations of the gas, water and electricity shut-offs and how to operate them. They should practice turning off the utilities and know exactly where the tools are kept that might be required for the gas and water valves.

In the event of an earthquake, especially, it is critical to know how to shut off the natural gas, as there might be a ruptured pipe allowing gas to escape into the home. Automatic shut-off valves are available that can be installed by a professional. The shaking of the earth triggers a quick closure of the gas line at the meter. Another important aspect of planning is to know the value of the property and have it fully insured. A recent insurance industry survey found that 85 percent of the homes affected by disasters in the past few years have been under-insured. Most insurance agents have replacement cost guides to help set values.

Another aspect of setting values is the inclusion of improvements that have been made. Often homeowners forget to increase the replacement value on their homeowner's policy after remodeling takes place. A final project should be to set up a personal plan to put life back on track after any disaster hits. This would include food, water and clothing preparations, as well as designating an out-of-state contact for a family and friends communication point. If phone service is disrupted, it may be nearly impossible to make in-bound calls to Puget Sound phones.

Earthquakes are not what anyone wishes. But living over a fault line certainly has local residents anticipating another one. A small amount of planning can minimize personal disruption and property loss.