President Barack Obama is renewing America's commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Haiti, telling visiting President Rene Preval he understands the situation there "remains dire."

The U.S. military hospital ship Comfort has completed its relief mission in Haiti and is heading home.

U.S. troops are withdrawing from the shattered capital, leaving many Haitians anxious that the most visible portion of international aid is ending even as the city is still mired in misery and vulnerable to unrest.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, and without warning. But, you don't have to be caught off guard. There are steps you can take to prepare you and your family before a quake hits.

Do you know what to do once an earthquake strikes?

Once the shaking stops, you need to know what to do to protect yourself from the damage caused by the earthquake.