In fairness, Doug, we ARE in the midst of an “earthquake swarm.” 6 of the largest 13 earthquakes of the past century happened in the last 10 years.
The last earthquake swarm (1950-1965) generate 5 of the 13 largest earthquakes.
By contrast, none of the 25 largest earthquakes of the past century occurred between 1965 and 2005.
Matched against the Holocene’s seismicity overall, I’d expect it to average out, despite a peak or valley here or there.
Though what to do outside improved building codes?
If it weren’t for tectonics we wouldn’t be here to discuss anything at all.