Once a year, an earthquake simulator goes on a week-long tour in California to help thousands of Americans be prepared for earthquakes as the truck-like machine replicates the effects of a magnitude seven earthquake. "It was much stronger than I thought it would be," says Randy Baxter, a professor from California State University, Fullerton. "You'd think you could walk across the room or find a doorway or a safe place, but at that level you'd be thrown all over the place." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES