Final answer:
Securing heavy furniture to walls is a step ordinary people can take to minimize the effects of earthquakes. Other measures include participating in earthquake drills, proper building design, and avoiding construction near fault lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
To minimize the effects of earthquakes, ordinary people can take the following step: Securing heavy furniture to walls. This action can prevent furniture from toppling over during an earthquake, reducing the risk of injury and damage. Other preventive measures include participating in earthquake drills, avoiding construction on or near fault lines, and ensuring buildings are designed to withstand seismic activity. It's important for individuals and governments to work together to predict potential earthquake zones and discourage living in high-risk areas. For larger structures like gymnasiums and churches, special attention to design can prevent roof collapse due to their large surface areas resonating with the earthquake's frequency.