FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2023
Contact: Kristin Hogan | 415-518-2834 | dempress@sfgov.org
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
1906 Earthquake Anniversary Commemoration and Community Preparedness Events April 18th -22nd
San Francisco Department of Emergency Management to conduct week-long earthquake commemoration and emergency preparedness activities with the community.
Background: As part the 117th anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake and fire on April 18th, the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) will commemorate this significant earthquake with emergency preparedness activities throughout the week, beginning with the earthquake anniversary ceremony Tuesday, April 18th at precisely the same time the earthquake struck at 5:12 a.m. at the historic Lotta’s Fountain in downtown San Francisco. Earthquake preparedness events will continue Thursday and Friday, April 20th and 21st, with workshops focused on best practices for distribution of emergency supplies to the public as well as improving an equitable and community-driven emergency response. The week’s events will culminate on Saturday, April 22nd with the Get Ready, Stay Ready community preparedness fair at the San Francisco Main Library and Fulton Plaza. This earthquake anniversary is an opportunity to educate the public on earthquake preparedness and media partners are encouraged to help share this vital information. Week’s events details are as follows:
What: The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire anniversary commemoration at Lotta’s Fountain, which is where many San Franciscans gathered 117 years ago for support after the devastating earthquake. After the commemoration ceremony at Lotta’s Fountain, a procession (estimated to begin at 5:50 a.m.) will be made to the famous golden fire hydrant on the corner of 20th and Church streets for the annual re-painting ceremony. The celebrated fire hydrant is said to have been the sole water source used by thousands of volunteers responsible for saving the south side of the Mission District during the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake.
When: Tuesday, April 18th at 4:45 a.m. (ceremony to begin at 5:12 a.m.)
Where: Lotta’s Fountain at the intersection of Market Street, where Geary and Kearny Streets connect; and the Golden Hydrant at the corner of 20th and Church Streets
Details: Media partners should plan to arrive by 4:45 a.m. One-on-one stand-up interviews with City officials will be available
What: Commodity Point of Distribution Workshop. The workshop will test the revised process for operating a point of distribution location where members of the public can go to receive supplies after a disaster when there is limited access through traditional supply chains.
When: Thursday, April 20th, after 12:00 p.m.
Details: PLEASE NOTE: This event is closed to the media and public; however, one-on-one interviews with DEM leadership following the workshop are welcome and encouraged
What: Community Support Plan Workshop. The workshop will focus on advancing strategies to ensure more equitable and community-driven emergency response while reviewing and informing an upcoming revision of the Community Support Plan. Participants include community-serving organizations and other agencies from a variety of sectors.
When: Friday, April 21st after 12:00 p.m.
Details: PLEASE NOTE: This event is closed to the media and public; however, one-on-one interviews with DEM leadership following the workshop are welcome and encouraged
What: Get Ready, Stay Ready Community Preparedness Fair. People from across the Bay Area are invited to come to the San Francisco Main Public Library and Fulton Plaza for an afternoon of fun, community, and preparedness. Hosted by DEM, this FREE event will feature an earthquake simulator, preparedness giveaways, free lunch for the first 350 resource fair participants, hands-on readiness training, and workshops on how to prepare your home and loved ones for a disaster. Learn more at www.sf72.org/prepfair.
When: Saturday, April 22nd 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: San Francisco Public Library at 100 Larkin Street and directly outside at Fulton Plaza.
Details: Media may arrive at 10:30 a.m. to set up (before the event begins at 11:00 a.m.).
Visuals:
- An earthquake simulator provided by the California Office of Emergency Services
- A display of first responder apparatus featuring San Francisco and Oakland Fire Departments and other public safety vehicles
- A series of preparedness workshops about strategies to prepare for and recover from disasters (inside the Main Library in the Koret Auditorium)
- More than 20 emergency preparedness and public safety organizations offering tailored emergency preparedness education and resources
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About DEM: The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM) leads the City in planning, preparedness, communication, response, and recovery for daily emergencies, large scale citywide events, and major disasters. DEM is the vital link in emergency communication between the public and first responders and provides critical coordination and leadership to City departments, stakeholders, residents, and visitors. To learn more about DEM visit www.sf.gov/dem. To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies visit www.sf72.org.
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