In November 2024, earthquake preparedness remains a critical focus for San Diego due to the region’s significant seismic risks. While the city is known for its mild climate and picturesque coastline, it sits near several major fault lines, making it vulnerable to potentially destructive earthquakes. As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and preparedness, millions of Californians, including San Diegans, participated in the Great California ShakeOut on October 17, 2024. This annual statewide event, designed to educate the public about earthquake safety, featured an exciting addition in San Diego—a 7.0 magnitude earthquake simulator, giving participants a chance to experience the intensity of a major quake firsthand.
In 2023, as part of the same ShakeOut event, the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) brought a similar simulator to Cuyamaca College, where participants could safely feel what a 7.0 earthquake would be like. On October 19, 2023, millions of Californians practiced life-saving actions like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” at 10:19 a.m. The simulator provided a vivid, safe way for participants to understand the power of such a significant quake and reinforced the need for earthquake readiness in San Diego.
Earthquake Risks in San Diego
San Diego faces considerable earthquake risks due to its proximity to both the San Andreas Fault and the Rose Canyon Fault. The San Andreas Fault, running through California, poses a significant threat to the entire state, including Southern California. Though San Diego lies farther from this fault, a major rupture would send tremors across the region, potentially causing widespread damage.
The more immediate danger for San Diego, however, comes from the Rose Canyon Fault, which runs through downtown. Experts have warned that this fault is capable of producing an earthquake as powerful as a magnitude 7.0. Should this occur, it could cause severe damage to critical infrastructure, buildings, and roads, especially in highly urbanized areas. Given the potential for such an event, it’s vital for San Diegans to understand the risks and take steps to prepare.
Adding to these risks, parts of San Diego, such as Mission Valley and areas with soft soil, are prone to liquefaction—a process where the ground loses stability and behaves like a liquid during intense shaking. This could result in the collapse of buildings and other structures, leading to even greater devastation.
The 2024 Great California ShakeOut: A Call for Preparedness
On October 17, 2024, millions across California participated in the annual Great California ShakeOut, including thousands in San Diego. At precisely 10:19 a.m., participants practiced the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, designed to protect individuals from falling debris during an earthquake. This simple action can save lives in the event of a major quake.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake simulator in San Diego was a key part of this year’s event. It allowed residents to safely experience the shaking and intensity of a large earthquake, a vivid reminder of the potential risks in the area. In 2023, a similar simulator was brought to Cuyamaca College, where first responders also provided earthquake preparedness tips. Cal OES Director Nancy Ward emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to protect oneself and loved ones, saying, “During this year’s Great ShakeOut, we encouraged every Californian to take action to keep themselves and their families safe.”
Building Resilience in San Diego
While the simulator provided a stark reminder of the risks associated with earthquakes, it also underscored the importance of being prepared. San Diego’s growing population and urban development make it even more essential to focus on earthquake resilience. Retrofitting older buildings, particularly in areas prone to liquefaction, is crucial to reduce the potential damage from a major quake.
Emergency preparedness goes beyond the ShakeOut drill. Having an emergency plan, securing heavy furniture, and understanding local risks are all vital steps San Diegans must take. For those who experienced the simulator, the powerful shaking of a simulated 7.0 earthquake highlighted just how crucial these preparations can be.
Conclusion
The 2024 Great California ShakeOut was a timely reminder of the earthquake risks that San Diego faces. The participation of millions of Californians, coupled with the 7.0 magnitude earthquake simulator, reinforced the importance of earthquake preparedness. With the Rose Canyon Fault posing a significant threat to the region, it’s vital for residents to remain vigilant, continue practicing safety measures like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families.
San Diego may not experience frequent large earthquakes, but the risks remain ever-present. By participating in drills like the ShakeOut and staying prepared, the community can enhance its resilience and be better equipped to face future seismic events.
Source: “Experience a 7.0 magnitude earthquake with a simulator in San Diego on ShakeOut Day 2023”
About Optimum Seismic, Inc.
The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering, steel fabrication and construction services for multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With more than 4,000 earthquake retrofit and renovation projects completed, Optimum Seismic’s work includes soft-story multifamily apartments, tilt-up, non-ductile concrete, steel moment frame and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To arrange a complimentary assessment of your building’s earthquake resilience, contact Optimum Seismic at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com.
