This manual aims to contribute towards ensuring better structural performance in the face of potentially destructive natural hazards, and thus bring safety to people in India. It is intended for house designers, field engineers, contractors, site supervisors, literate artisans, and even potential house owners. It covers not only new construction, but also the repairs and retrofitting of existing structures. It also throws light on the critical aspects that must be adhered to in new construction to ensure good performance in a likely disaster. Finally, a small chapter covers the non-engineered reinforced cement concrete construction, focusing specifically on the most critical aspects of reinforcement details which too are routinely violated, resulting in too much destruction in the event of an earthquake or cyclone.