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In
the Great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, thousands of
people died, and many homes were destroyed. The hazard
remains in the Bay Area, and the homes of today's
families are at risk!
Since
the Great earthquake of 1906, much has been learned about
earthquake hazards and vulnerabilities in the Bay
Area:
- We
know why earthquakes occur here
The Bay Area straddles the boundary where two of
the Earth's largest tectonic plates meet and slowly
move past one another. When boundary faults break and
the North American and Pacific Plates lurch past each
other, quakes occur.
- We
know large and damaging earthquakes are certain to
occur in the future
At least eight faults in the Bay Area are capable
of producing earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 or larger.
Such quakes can kill and injure many people and cause
substantial damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and
utilities.
- We
know how to reduce losses in future large
earthquakes
Building codes have been improved, some older
buildings strengthened, and bond measures approved to
upgrade critical facilities. Some Bay Area residents
have secured their homes to better withstand shaking,
created emergency plans and disaster supply kits, and
held home earthquake drills.
BUT
we have not done enough to be prepared for the next large
earthquake:
- Fewer
than 10% of households have disaster plans
If an earthquake occurred right now, where would
you go to be safe? If you are at work and your
children are at school when the earthquake occurs, how
will you get back together?
- Fewer
than 10% of homeowners have taken steps to retrofit
their homes
Is your home bolted to its foundation? If you live
in an older building, has it been retrofitted? Is your
water heater strapped? Could unsecured furniture or
objects fall and cause injury or damage?
- Fewer
than 50% of households have disaster supply kits
You will likely be on your own in the hours and
days following an earthquake. Are you prepared with
water, food, first aid supplies, and
medications?
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