Scientists and policymakers continue efforts to study and prepare for earthquakes

PDF versionPDF version

October 17, 2014

This October marks the 25th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake, which struck the San Francisco Bay Area on October 17, 1989. Since then, scientists and policymakers have worked to better understand seismic hazards and implement strategies to reduce vulnerability. These strategies include updating hazard maps to reflect variations in ground shaking and revising building codes, as well as engaging the public through activities like the Great California ShakeOut and making earthquake information available in real time through an effort called ShakeAlert.

On October 16, more than 10 million Californians participated in the Great California ShakeOut, an annual exercise in earthquake preparedness. Approximately 25 million people worldwide participate each year. The ShakeOut is an opportunity for people to learn and practice what actions they will take before, during, and after a large earthquake.

Another effort currently under development is ShakeAlert, an earthquake early warning system that would provide seconds to minutes of warning before a quake. This added warning would allow trains to stop, power plants to shut down, and people to move to a safer location, saving lives and money. The system designers estimate the cost of a fully operational system in California to be $80 million over five years.

Sources: Emergency Management, The Great California ShakeOut, ShakeAlert, U.S. Geological Survey

Updated 11/4/2014