One of the most important things for all of us to remember is that when the next big one comes, there will be NO water, NO movement of food and difficultly in traveling.
In April 1991, there was a really big one in Limon (7.7) and it did serious damage to the entire country. Downtown Limon basically collapsed. The pista Limon including nearly all of the bridges were destroyed. Goods could not be transported to the central plateau. People in San Jose region were really having a tough time getting essentials. The already flimsy water lines were shredded.
The purpose of this is to suggest that we all prepare by setting aside water, food, candles and fuel for at least two weeks. The
choppers-and-squirters (fire fighters) from Los Angeles have a really good guide book on-line.
http://www.cityofla.org/lafd/eqbook.pdf