We talk about real estate every day, location, value, architecture. But in San Francisco, there’s something more fundamental: what happens when the ground shakes?
This isn’t to alarm you. It’s to prepare you. Because the best thing you can do for your home and your family is be ready before anything happens.
As we approach the 120th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, it’s the right time to revisit what every San Franciscan should know.
5:12 AM, April 18, 1906
The city was asleep. Then the ground shook.
A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck along the San Andreas Fault. The shaking lasted up to 60 seconds. Gas lines ruptured, fires broke out, and with water mains destroyed, firefighters were nearly powerless to stop them.
The fires burned for three days.
25,000+ buildings destroyed
250,000+ people displaced (Total population at the time was around 410,000)
3,000+ lives lost It’s said 90% of the destruction came from the fires, not the quake itself.
120 years later, the fault is still here. And the question isn’t if a big earthquake will happen again but rather when.
A Simple Framework to Be Ready
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has outlined a clear, practical 5-step preparedness framework. We’ve summarized it here, but you can find the full guide here.
1. Download the MyShake App
This is something that would’ve sounded like science fiction in 1906, you can actually get alerted before the shaking starts.
MyShake, developed by UC Berkeley, sends alerts for earthquakes magnitude 4.5+ using the USGS ShakeAlert system.
I’ve actually experienced this firsthand during a recent 5.9 earthquake. The alert came through just seconds before the shaking, enough time to move and brace. It made a real difference.
2. Have a Plan
Know where you’ll go, who you’ll contact, and how you’ll reconnect. Choose an out-of-area contact and identify safe spots in your home.
After the 1906 earthquake, many people gathered at Lotta’s Fountain to find loved ones. It became a symbol of resilience and a reminder that having a plan matters.
3. Prepare Supplies
Have at least 72 hours of essentials: water, food, flashlights, first aid, medications, important documents, and cash.
4. Know What to Do During a Quake
Drop, cover, and hold on. Protect your head and neck. Stay away from windows and anything that could fall.
5. Assess and Act After
Check for injuries and hazards. Document damage for insurance. Avoid re-entering unsafe buildings and follow official guidance.
What This Means for Your Property
See full liquefaction map here.
Know Your Ground
San Francisco is built on both bedrock and landfill.
● Bedrock: generally more stable
● Landfill: higher risk of liquefaction
Soft-Story Buildings
Many older buildings with ground-floor parking or retail were required to undergo seismic retrofits. Know your building’s status. If you own one of these properties you’ll especially want to understand your obligations.
Earthquake Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover earthquakes. Coverage usually requires a separate policy. You’ll want to check with your insurer.
Document Your Home Now
Before anything happens, create a photo/video record of your home and store important documents securely and offsite or on the cloud.
Strengthen Your Home
Consult with a seismic expert. There are many vendors who can help you retro-fit your home and prepare it for an earthquake. In some cases, the cost might not be as expensive as you’d think. An example of an inexpensive upgrade would be to bolt your home to its foundation.
We’re not earthquake experts, just people who care deeply about this city and everyone who calls it home.
The best time to prepare is before you need to.
And if you’re unsure about your home, whether it’s on bedrock, been retrofitted, or how earthquake risk impacts value, we’re always happy to help. Just reach out!
