How to justify earthquakes are better than tornadoes

Tornadoes occur more frequently than do earthquakes, at least those that cause physical harm to people. Tornadoes are also more unpredictable than earthquakes are. For example, throughout the Midwest each Spring, a number of severe thunderstorms are certain to occur any of which could spawn a tornado or tornadoes. Where and when one might strike is not known.
Generally speaking, we expect the majority of earthquakes to be very localized. Most will occur either along the San Andreas fault zone or the Hayward fault zone in California. For years building codes have been strengthen in these areas so that structures could better withstand the force of an earthquake. We don't expect the same damage or loss of life as the 1906 SF quake or the 1971 San Fernando quake.

Having experienced a number of earthquakes and tornadoes, I would say I felt more helpless during a tornado than I did during any of the dozen or so earthquakes I felt.

Deadliest tornado in recorded history: 1,300 dead
Deadliest earthquake in modern history: 242,000 dead
EF5 tornado that hit Joplin, MO in 2011: $2B in damage
9.0 earthquake in Japan in 2011: $34B in property damage, $200B in total economic loss

So unless you're in favor of death and destruction, you're going to have a hard time.

Okay,
Deadliest tornado in the US: 695 dead
Deadliest earthquake in the US: 3,000+ dead