If a similar quake struck today, almost 40 percent of San Francisco's buildings would likely be destroyed, fires would again rage, bridges would fail, and the water supply could be completely severed, experts say.
San Francisco's 1906 Quake: What If It Struck Today?
Earthquake Preparedness:
Homeowners, renters, and businesses in earthquake territory are encouraged by governments to have an earthquake kit available with enough supplies for three days. From experience, this is considered the amount of time it takes for emergency services to reach full strength.
Such disaster supplies kits are also useful in other natural hazards. State and federal governments publish earthquake preparedness booklets.
Other things one can do are moving heavy or dangerous objects from high places to low, securing bookshelves and other furniture that could topple into the wall, replacing halogen and incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones to minimize fire risk.
Having a disaster supply kit is useful, but access is an important factor, having close access to battery powered light everywhere in the home may be of great help during emergencies.
