As a public service, DemocracyAction is providing information about Bay Area earthquakes and earthquake preparedness, to help residents survive living in this beautiful but shaky place.

Strong earthquakes are expected more frequently in the future than in the last century, which had only two major ones: Loma Prieta in 1989 and the Great Quake of 1906. The 1906 quake relieved stress and created an unusually quiet period, when Bay Area population boomed. Loma Prieta was not The Big One: 1906 was 30 times stronger, and its epicenter was closer to San Francisco.

San Francisco Bay Region earthquake probability: 63% probability for one or more magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquakes from 2007 - 2036.

Hurricane Katrina showed the devastation a natural disaster can bring, as well as the cost of being unprepared. If New Orleans residents had emergency supplies, including water, at home to bring with them to the Superdome, outcomes would have been better.

The experts encourage all Bay Area residents to set aside food, water and other supplies for five days - more is better - when normal services aren't available. The more individuals who are prepared, the easier it will be for everyone when disaster strikes.

Here are some information resources to help us understand the threat and to protect our homes and families:

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Available in html and pdf formats, and for free in hard copy, this USGS/Red Cross booklet explains Bay Area earthquake faults, current risk forecasts, and how to prepare. It includes links to other information, including interactive maps that can show the shaking hazard in your neighborhood. The forecast on page 7 was updated by a report released April 14, 2008 (see above).

San Francisco Fire Department Home/Work/Car emergency kit list and Family Disaster Plan: Includes web address and phone number for the Neighborhood Emergency Response Training program.

San Francisco Public Utilites Commission Emergency Water & Sanitation brochure: Includes a list and map of 67 San Francisco fire hydrants designated to supply emergency drinking water.

San Francisco at Risk: This paper published by San Francisco Planning + Urban Research (SPUR) describes the risk to S.F.'s housing. Criticism of the Department of Building Inpection, which has re-started the CAPSS Program, is out of date.

The Red Cross Bay Area has short (20 min.) online training and more. The Red Cross Shop sells ready-made disaster kits, first aid kits and more.