Earthquake Preparedness and Impact Assessment

San Francisco faces significant earthquake risks due to its location on multiple faults. Historical earthquakes in 1906 and 1989 caused massive destruction, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and building standards. Despite advancements, many buildings, especially soft story structures, remain vulnerable. Financial preparedness is lacking, with low earthquake insurance coverage, posing a risk of catastrophic economic impact. Efforts to retrofit buildings and improve safety continue, but challenges remain in ensuring the city's readiness for future seismic events.

What is the probability of a magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurring in the Bay Area within the next 30 years?

• 60%

• 50%

• 70%

• 80%

Which earthquake led to the realization that steel building welds could break?

• 1906 San Francisco earthquake

• 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

• 1994 Northridge earthquake

• 2010 Chile earthquake

What was a significant lesson learned from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake?

• Avoiding construction on landfill

• Building flexible skyscrapers

• Need to protect water and gas lines

• Importance of retrofitting soft story buildings

Which iconic building in San Francisco was built using flawed construction techniques?

• Coit Tower

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Transamerica Pyramid

• Salesforce Tower

What is a 'soft story' building?

• A building constructed on landfill

• A building with multiple levels of apartments over a parking garage

• A building with steel welds

• A building with flexible foundations

What was made mandatory in San Francisco in 2014 to address earthquake risks?

• Building only flexible skyscrapers

• Construction of new water supply systems

• Retrofitting of soft story structures

• Earthquake insurance for all residents

What was a major issue in the Marina District after the Loma Prieta earthquake?

• Liquefaction of soil

• Collapse of skyscrapers

• Massive fire due to lack of water

• Breaking of steel welds

What is the median price of a home in San Francisco?

• $1.6 million

• $1.2 million

• $1.4 million

• $1.8 million

What percentage of Californians have earthquake insurance?

• 40%

• 30%

• 20%

• 10%

What is the estimated damage cost of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the San Andreas fault?

• $200 billion

• $100 billion

• $300 billion

• $400 billion