As far as I know, the USGS hazard map shows areas with the greatest risk - not no risk. Almost anywhere can have an earthquake and has at some point. Even places that do not seem prone to shaking. Pretty much every place in the West is risky and the older masonry buildings are of concern because they are the most likely to collapse. But, I agree that building with good bricks makes a lot more sense for other reasons. Temp regulation being just one. Wooden structures with plaster walls are also better but harder to build. We don't make things like we used to. Everything has to be fast and cheap. Too bad.
Many Americans live in seismically active areas. Masonry is a poor choice for structures given earthquake risks.
As far as I know, the USGS hazard map shows areas with the greatest risk - not no risk. Almost anywhere can have an earthquake and has at some point. Even places that do not seem prone to shaking. Pretty much every place in the West is risky and the older masonry buildings are of concern because they are the most likely to collapse. But, I agree that building with good bricks makes a lot more sense for other reasons. Temp regulation being just one. Wooden structures with plaster walls are also better but harder to build. We don't make things like we used to. Everything has to be fast and cheap. Too bad.