Earthquakes

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

San Francisco's history and geography make earthquakes a significant risk for our city. Follow the directions below to prepare and stay safe.

Before an earthquake

Make an emergency plan and consider that cell service will likely be unavailable.
Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
Make your home safe by identifying furniture, TVs, and other heavy items that may fall, and securing them to walls. Consider installing latches on cabinets to prevent glass from falling out and breaking.
Know the location of your gas main and how to shut it off. Contact PG&E for assistance if you are unsure at 1-800-743-5000. Renters can contact their landlord to learn the location of their building’s gas shutoff. Keep a wrench next to the shutoff valve.
Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Visit earthquakecountry.org for more tips and resources.

If you are inside, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
If no sturdy furniture is available, protect your head and neck with your arms and take cover in an interior corner.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall on you, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during shaking.

If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay inside the vehicle. If possible, avoid stopping under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

Aftershocks are likely and can be powerful enough to cause additional damage. Be ready to drop, cover, and hold again. Staying calm and thinking before acting will help you make safe choices for yourself and those around you.

Check for damage, and for anyone who is injured. Be alert as damage to a building may lead to leaking gas and water lines or downed power lines.
Turn off your gas main if you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, see a broken gas line, or suspect a leak.
If your building is visibly unsafe—showing signs of major structural damage, collapse risk, or gas leaks—evacuate carefully to a nearby open space, bringing your Go Bag. Never re-enter a damaged building.

If you leave home, leave a sign telling friends and family your new location. Meet up at your established meeting spot.

Remain alert for official updates and emergency instructions. Tune in to local radio stations (KCBS 740 AM / 106.9 FM, KQED 88.5 FM, KALW 91.7 FM) for real-time information.
Be prepared for aftershocks, which can cause additional damage, and stay aware of tsunami risks if you're in a coastal area.

In a major emergency, the City and County of San Francisco will share official updates and resources at sf.gov/ReadySF.

Check out the Earthquake Safety Guide and share it with your friends and family!

Sign up for AlertSF to receive important updates before, during and after emergencies. Text your ZIP Code to 888-777 or sign up at AlertSF.org.

Brought to you by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM manages San Francisco's everyday and not-so-everyday emergencies.

For more information and updates, follow the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management on Instagram, X, Nextdoor, Facebook and BlueSky