How to DIY Earthquake Prep in San Francisco

San Francisco sits atop one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. Nestled between the San Andreas and Hayward Fault lines, the city faces a high probability of a major earthquake within the next 30 years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 72% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or greater quake hitting the Bay Area before 2043. For residents, this isn’t a hypothetical risk—it’s a matter of preparedness. DIY earthquake prep isn’t just about buying a kit or taping windows. It’s a comprehensive, ongoing process that protects your life, your home, and your community. This guide walks you through every critical step to prepare your household for seismic events, from securing heavy furniture to building an emergency supply system tailored to San Francisco’s unique urban landscape. Whether you live in a Victorian in the Mission or a high-rise in the Financial District, these actionable strategies will help you survive—and recover—when the ground shakes.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assess Your Home’s Vulnerability

Before you buy supplies or secure furniture, understand what your home is made of and how it might respond in an earthquake. Older homes, particularly those built before 1980, often lack modern seismic reinforcements. Look for signs of structural weakness: cracks in the foundation, unbraced chimneys, soft-story conditions (especially in buildings with open ground floors like garages), or unreinforced masonry walls.

San Francisco has a historic building inventory that includes many wood-frame homes, brick buildings, and concrete structures. The city’s Department of Building Inspection offers a free online tool called “Home Seismic Retrofit Checklist” that helps homeowners identify common vulnerabilities. Walk through your home room by room. In the basement or crawl space, check for missing anchor bolts that connect the house frame to the foundation. In older homes, these bolts may be absent or corroded, making the structure prone to sliding off its foundation during shaking.

For apartments and condos, contact your building manager or homeowners association to ask about the building’s seismic retrofit history. Many multi-unit buildings in San Francisco have undergone retrofitting under the city’s Mandatory Soft-Story Retrofit Program, which requires buildings with five or more units and an open ground floor to be strengthened by 2025. If your building hasn’t been retrofitted, advocate for it or consider moving to a safer structure.

2. Secure Heavy Furniture and Appliances

During an earthquake, the greatest danger inside a building often comes from falling or toppling objects—not the collapse of the structure itself. The American Red Cross reports that more than half of earthquake-related injuries are caused by flying or falling debris.

Start with the heaviest items:

• Refrigerators and water heaters: Use flexible gas connectors and strap them to wall studs with metal straps. Water heaters should be secured with at least two straps—one at the top and one at the bottom—anchored to wall framing, not just drywall.
• Bookshelves, cabinets, and dressers: Anchor them to wall studs using L-brackets or earthquake straps. Avoid placing heavy items on top shelves. Use child safety latches on cabinet doors to prevent contents from spilling out.
• Televisions and computers: Mount flat-screen TVs to walls using UL-listed earthquake brackets. Keep desktop computers on low, stable surfaces and secure monitors with Velcro straps or anti-slip pads.
• Light fixtures and hanging plants: Replace rigid light fixture chains with flexible cables. Hang plants from ceiling hooks using nylon cord instead of wire.

Use a stud finder to locate wall framing before drilling. Drywall anchors won’t hold under seismic stress—only direct attachment to wood or metal studs provides reliable security. For renters, use removable mounting solutions like 3M Command Strips rated for heavy loads, but always confirm with your landlord before making any modifications.

3. Create a Personal Emergency Kit

After a major quake, emergency services may be overwhelmed. You may be without power, water, or communication for days. Your emergency kit should sustain you and your household for at least 72 hours, but ideally up to two weeks.

Include these essentials:

• Water: One gallon per person per day. Store at least 3 gallons per person for three days, and 14 gallons for two weeks. Use food-grade plastic containers or purchase commercially bottled water. Replace every six months.
• Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie items that require no cooking or refrigeration: energy bars, canned beans, peanut butter, dried fruit, crackers, and ready-to-eat meals. Include a manual can opener.
• First aid kit: Include trauma dressings, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply), tweezers, and a first aid manual. Store in a waterproof container.
• Light and communication: LED flashlights (with extra batteries), a hand-crank or solar-powered radio, and a portable power bank charged and stored with your kit. Avoid candles due to fire risk.
• Shelter and warmth: Emergency blankets, warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and a change of clothes for each person. Include a whistle to signal for help.
• Sanitation: Moist towelettes, garbage bags with ties, plastic buckets with lids, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
• Documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank information in a waterproof, portable container. Consider storing digital copies in a secure cloud account.

Store your kit in an easily accessible location—preferably near an exit or in a hallway—not in the garage or basement where it could be damaged or blocked by debris. Rotate supplies every six months to ensure freshness and functionality.

4. Develop a Family Communication Plan

When the ground stops shaking, your first instinct may be to call loved ones. But cell networks often fail during disasters. Establish a communication plan in advance.

Designate:

• An out-of-town contact: Choose someone outside the Bay Area as a central point of contact. All family members should text or call them to report safety. Text messages often go through when voice calls don’t.
• Meeting spots: Pick two locations: one right outside your home (e.g., the front yard) and another outside your neighborhood (e.g., a park or library). This accounts for blocked roads or unsafe conditions near your house.
• Special needs: Plan for children, elderly relatives, pets, or those with medical conditions. Know where their medications are stored and how to administer them without electricity. Include pet food, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records in your kit.

Practice your plan quarterly. Conduct a 10-minute drill where everyone simulates evacuating, meeting at the designated spot, and contacting the out-of-town person. Children should know their full names, addresses, and how to call 911—even if they can’t reach a live operator, automated systems can still log their location.

5. Learn How to Shut Off Utilities

After an earthquake, gas leaks and electrical shorts are leading causes of fires. Knowing how to shut off your utilities can prevent catastrophic secondary damage.

Gas: Locate your gas meter, usually outside near the front of your home. You’ll need a wrench (keep it taped to the meter or stored nearby). Turn the valve a quarter-turn so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. Only shut off the gas if you smell gas, hear hissing, or see damaged lines. Do not turn it back on yourself—call the gas company for reconnection.

Electricity: Find your main electrical panel, typically in the garage, basement, or utility room. Flip the main breaker to the “off” position. Avoid touching the panel if it’s wet or if you see sparks.

Water: Locate your main water shutoff valve, often near the water heater or where the line enters your home. Turn it clockwise until tight. Shutting off water prevents flooding from broken pipes but may leave you without running water for cleaning or flushing toilets. Consider storing water for sanitation separately.

Practice turning off each utility once every six months. Post clear instructions near each shutoff point with diagrams or photos.

6. Prepare for Post-Earthquake Mobility

San Francisco’s steep hills, narrow streets, and frequent aftershocks can make travel difficult. Roads may be blocked by debris, fallen power lines, or collapsed overpasses. Prepare for the possibility that you’ll need to walk to safety or supplies.

Keep a pair of sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a backpack under your bed or near your exit. Include:

• Portable phone charger
• Map of your neighborhood (printed, not digital)
• Local emergency contacts written on paper
• Small flashlight
• Reusable water bottle

Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home. Use the city’s “San Francisco Earthquake Evacuation Map” to find designated assembly zones and safe corridors away from cliffs, bridges, and older buildings. Know the location of the nearest fire station, hospital, and community emergency center.

7. Reinforce Your Building’s Foundation (If Possible)

For homeowners, foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing are among the most effective seismic retrofits. A cripple wall is the short wooden wall between the foundation and the first floor in homes with crawl spaces. If unbraced, it can collapse during shaking, causing the entire house to shift.

Foundation bolting involves installing steel bolts to anchor the wooden sill plate to the concrete foundation. Cripple wall bracing adds plywood sheathing to strengthen the walls. These retrofits can cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on home size and complexity.

San Francisco offers financial assistance through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Program, which provides up to $3,000 in grants for qualifying homeowners. The program is administered by the California Earthquake Authority and requires a pre-retrofit inspection. Apply at ebbprogram.org. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, the investment pays off: homes with retrofits are less likely to be condemned and often have lower insurance premiums.

Best Practices

1. Build a Culture of Preparedness, Not Panic

Earthquake prep isn’t a one-time project. It’s a lifestyle. Avoid the trap of buying a kit and forgetting about it. Make preparedness a routine part of your life. Set calendar reminders every six months to check your supplies, update your contact list, and practice drills. Talk to your children about earthquakes in age-appropriate ways. Teach them to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—the internationally recognized safety technique.

Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on until shaking stops. If no shelter is nearby, crouch near an interior wall away from windows. Never run outside during shaking—falling debris is the leading cause of injury.

2. Don’t Rely on Apps Alone

While apps like MyShake and ShakeAlert provide early warnings, they are not foolproof. They rely on cell signals and battery life. Always have a backup plan. Keep printed copies of emergency numbers, maps, and instructions. Store them in your kit and on your phone’s offline notes app.

3. Prepare for Cascading Disruptions

San Francisco’s infrastructure is vulnerable. A major quake could disrupt water, electricity, internet, and public transit for weeks. Plan for:

• Water purification: Keep water purification tablets or a portable filter like a LifeStraw.
• Alternative cooking: Use a camping stove with fuel canisters stored safely outdoors.
• Alternative lighting: Solar-powered lanterns or rechargeable LED bulbs.
• Transportation: Keep a bicycle with a helmet and repair kit in your home. Bikes can navigate blocked roads when cars cannot.

4. Know Your Community Resources

San Francisco has a robust network of neighborhood emergency response teams (NERT). These volunteer groups are trained in basic search and rescue, first aid, and fire suppression. Join your local NERT chapter—it’s free and requires only 20 hours of training. You’ll gain skills that help your block recover faster and build stronger social ties.

Visit sf.gov/nert to find your district’s contact information. Attend a monthly meeting. Even if you can’t commit to volunteering, knowing who your neighbors are and where emergency supplies are stored locally can save lives.

5. Review and Update Insurance

Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage. You need a separate policy through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or a private insurer. Review your coverage annually. Ensure it includes:

• Structural damage
• Personal property replacement
• Loss of use (temporary housing)
• Utility line repair

Consider a higher deductible to lower premiums, but make sure you can afford it. Document your belongings with photos and a video inventory. Store this digitally and in a safe physical copy. This speeds up claims processing after a disaster.

6. Prepare for Pets and Service Animals

Don’t forget your animals. Include:

• Three-day supply of food and water
• Leash, carrier, or crate
• Medications and medical records
• Sturdy collar with ID tag
• Familiar blanket or toy for comfort

Many shelters do not accept pets. Identify pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities in advance. Keep a list of local veterinarians who offer emergency services.

Tools and Resources

Essential Tools for DIY Earthquake Prep

• Stud finder: For securely anchoring furniture and shelves.
• Heavy-duty earthquake straps: Rated for 100+ pounds; available at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes.
• Flexible gas connectors: Required for water heaters and stoves; replace rigid lines immediately.
• Wrench for gas shutoff: Keep it taped to the meter or in a labeled box near the utility panel.
• LED flashlights and headlamps: Choose models with hand-crank or solar charging.
• Water purification tablets or filter: LifeStraw, Katadyn, or Aquatabs.
• Printed maps: San Francisco Emergency Evacuation Map, neighborhood street maps.
• Fire extinguisher: ABC-rated, mounted near the kitchen and garage.
• Work gloves and safety goggles: For post-quake cleanup and debris removal.

Free Online Resources

• San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM): sf.gov/emergency — Offers downloadable checklists, evacuation maps, and preparedness webinars.
• California Earthquake Authority (CEA): earthquakeauthority.com — Information on insurance, retrofitting grants, and safety tips.
• USGS ShakeMap: earthquake.usgs.gov — Real-time earthquake impact maps and historical data.
• MyShake App: Available on iOS and Android. Provides early warnings seconds before shaking begins.
• Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB): ebbprogram.org — Apply for up to $3,000 in retrofit grants.
• Ready.gov Earthquake Guide: ready.gov/earthquakes — Federal guidelines with printable checklists.

Local Workshops and Training

San Francisco offers free monthly workshops on earthquake safety:

• NERT Training: Held at neighborhood fire stations. Register through SFDEM.
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR: Offered quarterly at community centers. Certification is valid for two years.
• Building Retrofit Seminars: Hosted by the city’s Office of Resilience and the Building Department. Learn how to navigate permits and funding.

Check the SFDEM calendar at sf.gov/emergency/calendar for upcoming events. Many are bilingual and include translation services.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Marina District

During the 1989 Loma Prieta quake, the Marina District suffered catastrophic damage due to its built-on-fill foundation. The soft, unstable soil liquefied under shaking, causing buildings to tilt and collapse. Many homes were not anchored to their foundations. Fire broke out when gas lines ruptured, and water mains failed, leaving firefighters unable to extinguish the flames.

Today, homes in the Marina that underwent retrofitting—bolting, bracing, and foundation upgrades—survived the 2017 North Bay fires and minor quakes with minimal damage. Residents who kept emergency kits and practiced drills reported fewer injuries and faster recovery times. One family in the district credits their survival to a simple action: securing their water heater with straps. When the ground shook, the heater stayed upright, preventing a gas leak and fire.

Case Study 2: A Mission District Apartment Building’s Community Response

In 2021, a 4.7-magnitude quake rattled the Mission District. Though no buildings collapsed, power went out, and water pressure dropped. One apartment complex had implemented a community preparedness plan: residents had formed a WhatsApp group, stocked shared emergency supplies in the lobby, and assigned roles for checking on elderly neighbors.

When the quake hit, residents immediately texted “SAFE” in the group. Volunteers distributed bottled water and battery-powered fans. A retired nurse checked on a resident with diabetes. Within 12 hours, power was restored, and the building was fully operational. The landlord later installed seismic gas shutoff valves on all units at no cost to tenants, thanks to the community’s advocacy.

Case Study 3: A Student’s DIY Kit in a Dorm Room

A UC Berkeley student living in a San Francisco dorm created a compact emergency kit using a small rolling suitcase. It included:

• Three days of snacks and water
• Portable phone charger
• Emergency blanket
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Copy of her insurance card and medical info
• Mini first aid kit

When a minor quake struck during finals week, she was able to evacuate quickly, meet her roommate at the designated campus assembly point, and access her supplies without panic. Her preparation reduced stress and allowed her to focus on her exams afterward.

FAQs

How often should I check my earthquake kit?

Check your kit every six months. Replace expired food and water, test batteries, and update contact information. Rotate medications and check for signs of pest damage or moisture in containers.

Can I rely on my phone’s emergency alert system?

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are sent by the government during major events, but they are not guaranteed. Cell towers can be overloaded or damaged. Always have a battery-powered radio and printed instructions as backup.

What if I can’t afford a retrofit?

San Francisco’s EBB Program offers up to $3,000 in grants for qualifying homeowners. Even if you don’t qualify, start with low-cost fixes: secure water heaters, anchor bookshelves, and install flexible gas lines. These cost under $200 and provide significant safety gains.

Should I keep my car fueled at all times?

Yes. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Gas stations may be without power or closed after a quake. A full tank also helps you evacuate quickly if roads are blocked.

Do I need earthquake insurance if I rent?

Yes. Renters insurance covers your belongings but not structural damage. Earthquake insurance for renters is affordable—often under $100 per year—and covers replacement of furniture, electronics, and clothing damaged by shaking.

What should I do if I’m in a high-rise during an earthquake?

Stay inside. Do not use elevators. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table. Move away from windows. After shaking stops, evacuate using the stairs. High-rises are engineered to sway, but unsecured objects and broken glass pose the greatest danger.

How do I help my elderly neighbor prepare?

Offer to help them secure furniture, create a medical emergency list, and store supplies. Help them register for the city’s Special Needs Registry if they have mobility or medical concerns. Visit them monthly to check on their kit and offer companionship.

Is it safe to use a generator after an earthquake?

Only use generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death after disasters. Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or near vents.

What’s the difference between a “major” and “moderate” earthquake in San Francisco?

A moderate quake (5.0–6.0) may cause broken windows, fallen objects, and minor structural cracks. A major quake (6.7+) can collapse buildings, rupture gas lines, and trigger landslides. Prepare for the worst-case scenario—even if you live in a newer building, the city’s infrastructure may fail.

Can I store water in my bathtub?

Only as a last resort. Bathtubs are not food-grade and can harbor bacteria. If you must, clean the tub thoroughly with bleach, then fill it with water and treat it with purification tablets. Use it only for sanitation, not drinking.

Conclusion

Preparing for an earthquake in San Francisco isn’t about fear—it’s about responsibility. It’s about knowing that when the ground shakes, you won’t be helpless. You’ll have secured your home, stocked your supplies, practiced your plan, and connected with your community. The tools are simple. The steps are clear. The cost of inaction, however, is measured in lives lost, homes destroyed, and years of recovery.

DIY earthquake prep is not a luxury. It’s a necessity in one of the most geologically active urban centers in the world. You don’t need to be an engineer or a firefighter to make a difference. Start today. Secure one piece of furniture. Check your water supply. Call a neighbor. Join a NERT meeting. These small actions compound into resilience.

When the next big one comes—and it will—your preparation will be your greatest asset. The city will recover. But recovery begins with you.