San Francisco Emergency Kit — Personalized for Your Risks

Local Hazard History

The San Francisco Bay Area sits between two major faults. The San Andreas produced the catastrophic 1906 earthquake (roughly magnitude 7.9) and the fire that destroyed much of the city, while the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (magnitude 6.9) collapsed a freeway and part of the Bay Bridge. The USGS estimates roughly a 33% chance of a magnitude-6.7+ quake on the Hayward Fault by 2043 — its last major rupture was in 1868. Bay Area residents now also face days of hazardous wildfire smoke drifting in each fall.

When Risk Peaks

• Year-round: Earthquakes strike without warning and have no season
• October: California's Great ShakeOut drill
• Aug–Nov: Wildfire-smoke days when regional fires foul the air
• Winter: Atmospheric-river storms bring heavy rain and flooding

What to Pack for San Francisco

A major quake on the San Andreas or Hayward could damage bridges, water, and power across the region, so plan for several days to two weeks of self-sufficiency:

• Ample stored water and non-perishable food
• Sturdy shoes and gloves by every bed for broken glass
• Secure water heaters and tall furniture before a quake
• N95 respirators and a clean-air plan for wildfire-smoke days
• Enable ShakeAlert earthquake early-warning on your phone

Local Resources

• AlertSF — The city's official emergency text-alert system (text your ZIP to 888-777).
• SF72 — San Francisco's hub for what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
• USGS Earthquake Hazards — Real-time earthquake maps and ShakeAlert information.