In hindsight, it is remarkably fortuitous that a tsunami was recorded from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Even though the magnitude of the 1906 earthquake was large (M 7.8), it generated a tsunami wave only approximately 10 cm in height.

Being prepared can reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of an earthquake and where to seek shelter during a fire.

Fault Lines along a non-faulted rocky area. The San Andreas Fault is one of the most well-known faults in the San Francisco area. It is a strike slip fault. This is also the fault that is believed to have caused both the 1906 Earthquake & Fire and the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.

What should I NOT do during an earthquake?

• DO NOT turn on the gas again if you turned it off; let the gas company do it.
• DO NOT use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks.
• DO NOT use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency.

The earthquake and fire that devastated San Francisco on April 18, 1906 was one of the most significant natural disasters in the United States, as well as in the history of insurance. It produced insured losses of $235 million at the time, equivalent to $6.3 billion in 2018 dollars.

Though the quake lasted less than a minute, its immediate impact was disastrous. The earthquake also ignited several fires around the city that burned for three days and destroyed nearly 500 city blocks. Despite a quick response from San Francisco’s large military population, the city was devastated.

In geology, aseismic creep or fault creep is measurable surface displacement along a fault in the absence of notable earthquakes. An aseismic creep exists along the Calaveras fault in Hollister, California.

The greatest damage of the 1906 earthquake occurred when many of San Francisco’s water and gas mains were ruptured. Leaking gas was the catalyst for fires that quickly spread throughout the city and the lack of water made fire fighting a challenge.

San Francisco earthquake of 1906, major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 that occurred on April 18, 1906, at 5:12 am off the northern California coast.

498 deaths

San Francisco earthquake of 1989, also called Loma Prieta earthquake, major earthquake that struck the San Francisco Bay Area, California, U.S., on October 17, 1989, and caused 63 deaths, nearly 3,800 injuries, and an estimated $6 billion in property damage.

The 7.1-magnitude temblor on July 6 was the most powerful earthquake in nearly 20 years in the Golden State. There has never been a 8.0 earthquake in California; the strongest on record is a 7.9 near Fort Tejon in 1857, according to the state’s Department of Conservation.

Central Valley South The San Andreas fault system is the major geologic boundary between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates and passes through much of the state. It will create the biggest earthquakes—as big as magnitude 8—that will disrupt the whole region.

Fortunately, most of us live in wood-frame houses. In contrast, a brittle structure is unable to deform during an earthquake without collapsing. In an earthquake, your wood-frame house might survive, but your chimney, made of brick not reinforced with rebar, might collapse.

To withstand collapse, buildings need to redistribute the forces that travel through them during a seismic event. Shear walls, cross braces, diaphragms, and moment-resisting frames are central to reinforcing a building. Shear walls are a useful building technology that helps to transfer earthquake forces.

about 10 to 30 seconds

Whether you’re taking a shower or standing at the sink, the bathroom isn’t a bad place to be in an earthquake! If you feel things shaking, it’s best to stay put and practice your Drop, Cover, and Hold On – in fact, you’ll probably want to stay in the shower stall or tub if you’re mid-lather to avoid falling objects.