The Next Big Earthquake Estimated to Displace Up to 400,000 Californians
We know the “Big One” is coming for California.
While it’s important to take all of the necessary steps to protect your loved ones and your home from earthquake damage, sometimes even the most prepared residents will face losses.
In fact, it’s estimated that 250,000 – 400,000 people could be displaced from their homes or apartment buildings if a massive earthquake erupted along one of California’s active faults.
In San Francisco, seismologists predict 400,000 people could lose their homes if a 7 magnitude earthquake or higher erupted on the Hayward fault line. The active fault runs through major bay cities like Berkeley, Oakland and Fremont.
While in Southern California, some 250,000 people could be left homeless if a massive earthquake occurred on the San Andreas fault.
Though many people will seek refuge from friends, families and shelters, residents in the Bay Area may have to completely evacuate their comminutes due to damage from all of the buildings that have not been retrofitted up to code.
And if you’re thinking about fleeing California all together after a major earthquake, you may want to think again. Down power lines and damaged highways will make travel extremely difficult, leaving many residents with limited options.
Luckily, seismologists predict areas like Orange, San Diego and Ventura will still be habitable after a 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas fault.
While some earthquake damage can’t be avoided, experts are urging Californians to take all of the necessary steps to protect themselves and their homes in the event of a major temblor, because that’s the best place to seek shelter after a major disaster.
Home and building owners can prevent extensive earthquake damage by retrofitting older houses and apartments that are at a higher risk of collapse during an earthquake.
In addition to having your property retrofitted and brought up to current building and safety codes, you’ll want to store enough food, water, medicine and other supplies to last each person and animal in your home for at least three days.
Now more than ever it’s important to be proactive about earthquake preparation and safety.
Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors and foundation repair. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair and earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.
