They sound horrible but as long as you are not in a building, near a coastline or large body of water, or near something that could fall, there isn't near as much danger. Japan fatalities were mostly from the tsunami and collapsing buildings.
Here is a video from the 2004 Sumatra Quake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPj41JySMLk. Notice the speakers that are not tied down fall quickly. Be sure to tie things down or package them extremely well.
People sat on curbs in front of their houses or other places, some were even walking in the road. These were probably aftershocks but the Japan quake showed where the majority of the fatalities were.
Areas on or near faults will experience worse quakes so, if you are near one, you should factor that into any plans you are making.
