Final answer:
Ordinary people can minimize the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes by evacuating when warned, constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, stockpiling emergency supplies, and staying informed about seismic activity to make timely decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To minimize the effects of earthquakes and volcanoes and prevent the loss of human life, ordinary people can take several steps: Evacuate immediately when warnings are issued, Build earthquake-resistant structures, Stockpile emergency supplies, and Monitor seismic activity regularly. Building earthquake-resistant structures can be pivotal in regions prone to seismic activity, as they are designed to withstand the tremors and keep inhabitants safe. Stockpiling emergency supplies ensures that individuals and families have basic necessities like food, water, and first aid in the aftermath of a disaster when assistance may not arrive immediately.
While it is true that monitoring seismic activity is primarily done by governmental and scientific organizations, individuals can also stay informed through local news and alerts. This can help them make prompt decisions regarding evacuation or taking other necessary safety measures. Lastly, evacuating promptly when warnings are issued is the most direct way to prevent loss of life during imminent threats from earthquakes and volcanoes.