What Damage Can You Expect
From An Earthquake To Your House In San Francisco?
May this never happen to you or your home, but what can you expect when you are living in San Francisco, which is notorious for its Earthquakes and the damage they bring? One of the examples is The Loma Prieta earthquake which was a major earthquake that occurred on October 17, 1989, in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale and lasted for approximately 15 seconds. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure throughout the region, particularly in the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. So, what if it happens? What damage can you expect in the Earthquake?
What Would Happen If San Francisco Had An Earthquake?
If San Francisco were to experience a significant earthquake, it could result in widespread destruction and loss of life. The region is prone to earthquakes due to its location near major fault lines, and a severe earthquake could potentially cause damage to buildings, infrastructure, and other vital systems.
We don't want it to happen, but any Earthquake now can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. For the fact that this region is prone to Earthquakes as it is located on new major fault lines. So, the results could be potentially devastating, putting the infrastructure into chaos.
How Do Earthquakes Happen?
Earthquakes happen when two blocks of the Earth slip past one another, or you can say they cause a fault. This makes the surface slip and produces shaking, resulting in the falling of the buildings and power lines toppling.
This results in Injuries and damage to your home that can cost you money or your life. So, having a strong foundation in your home is key.
Different Types Of Seismic Waves
Seismic waves are also known as powerful energy waves that travel through the interior of Earth's crust. They are caused by different events such as Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Here are some seismic waves with their unique properties.
- P-Waves: Also known as primary waves. These waves can travel through all three matters i.e. Liquid, Solid, and Gas. P-Waves are the fastest among the waves and they travel inside the Earth’s core.
- S – Waves: Also known as shear or secondary waves are notorious for moving the material perpendicular to their direction. They are usually slower than P-waves and they are only able to travel through solid materials such as rocks and others. They also create side-to-side movement.
- Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and are caused by the interaction between P-waves and S-waves. Although slower than P-waves and S-waves, surface waves produce the most intense shaking and can cause significant damage during an earthquake. There are two types of surface waves: Love waves, which create a side-to-side motion and move only along the surface of the Earth, and Rayleigh waves, which produce a rolling motion similar to ocean waves and can cause the ground to ripple like water.
It's essential to understand the behavior of these seismic waves to predict and prepare for natural disasters like earthquakes.
What Makes Earthquakes So Dangerous?
Ground Vibrations are the most dangerous thing about an Earthquake that makes your home slips off the foundation. The release of immense energy during an earthquake can cause different damages to lives, homes, and other livelihoods. These are ground raptures, tsunamis, damage to infrastructure, and much more. All of this makes it a big threat to humankind, especially to the people living around San Francisco, living nearby the fault lines.
What Can You Do For Safety During An Earthquake?
In order to stay safe from any future hazards, you need to do seismic retrofit also known as earthquake resistant system. This includes connecting your home with the foundation through bolts and bracing by digging down the foundation. This prevents the sliding off of your home when any of these disasters happens.
However, for your life, you need to take some safety measures such as,
1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop down to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there's no furniture or wall nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms.
2. Stay away from windows: Windows can shatter during an earthquake, so it's best to stay away from them.
3. Stay indoors: If you're indoors, stay there until the shaking stops. Don't try to leave the building during the earthquake.
4. If you're outside, stay away from buildings, power lines, and trees: Move away from buildings, power lines, and trees that could fall and injure you.
5. If you're driving, pull over and stay in the car: Avoid stopping near trees, buildings, or power lines.
6. Be prepared for aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur after an earthquake, so be prepared for them and take the same safety measures.
7. Check for injuries and damage: Once the shaking stops, check for injuries and damage. If there's damage, stay away from the affected area.
8. Listen to local authorities: Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders.
Remember, earthquake safety measures can vary depending on the severity of the earthquake and the location, so it's important to be aware of the specific safety measures recommended for your area.
The Bottom Line:
In summary, earthquakes are dangerous natural disasters that can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and lives. Understanding the behavior of seismic waves and taking necessary safety measures can help minimize the risks of injury and damage. Seismic retrofitting and following guidelines from local authorities can also help ensure the safety of individuals and communities in earthquake-prone areas. Also, if you want to be prepared &stay safe, you need the right contractors that will help you seismically retrofit your house according to the building codes of San Francisco.
