In the morning of January 10, 2025, San Francisco Bay Area residents were reminded of California’s precarious geological reality. A preliminary magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck near the San Francisco Zoo, shaking the city awake. While light and weak shaking rippled across the region, no injuries or significant damage were reported. This information was reported by SFGate. However, events like these are sobering reminders that earthquakes, no matter their size, should never be underestimated.
The Illusion of Safety
It is human nature to rationalize small, manageable events like a 3.7-magnitude quake as insignificant. However, experts warn against letting such experiences foster complacency. A mild tremor today could be the precursor to a larger seismic event tomorrow. The fault systems underlying California are complex and unpredictable. Recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest that smaller quakes could “load” fault lines, increasing the likelihood of larger, more devastating events (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/foreshocks-and-aftershocks).
Preparedness is critical, not only because of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes but also due to their cascading effects. Fires ignited by ruptured gas lines, power outages, and infrastructure failures often follow significant seismic activity, compounding the challenges of disaster response. The displacement of people and strain on emergency services during any significant disaster could still have catastrophic consequences.
The Human Impact: Displacement and Recovery
California’s resilience has long been tested by natural disasters, but earthquakes stand out due to their suddenness and far-reaching impacts. Imagine tens of thousands of individuals losing their homes or apartments due to structural collapses.
Preparedness measures, including seismic retrofitting and community planning, play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property. Residents, property managers, and local governments must collaborate to ensure that communities are equipped to withstand the next big quake.
Fires and Earthquakes: A Deadly Intersection
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles underscore the lasting challenges communities face after major disasters, challenges that could be compounded by a significant earthquake. Damaged infrastructure, depleted resources, and community recovery efforts already stretched thin could be further destabilized by a seismic event. Earthquakes often trigger secondary disasters like landslides and sinkholes, which could block evacuation routes or isolate communities. In densely populated areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the risks of cascading failures grow exponentially.
Preparedness Matters—Every Day
It is tempting to believe that preparation won’t matter, that disasters are inevitable, and the odds are in our favor. But history tells a different story. The 1994 Northridge Earthquake caused over $20 billion in damage and displaced thousands. Lessons learned from that tragedy led to stricter building codes and emergency protocols, saving countless lives in subsequent events.
Every step taken today—from retrofitting buildings to creating personal emergency plans—reduces the potential impact of future disasters. Communities that prioritize preparedness recover faster and suffer fewer casualties. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families, who often bear the brunt of inadequate planning.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on recent seismic activity, it is a timely reminder to revisit emergency plans and ensure they include provisions for earthquake scenarios. Local governments play a crucial role in investing in infrastructure upgrades and fostering community outreach programs that emphasize readiness.
While natural disasters are a part of California’s reality, how we prepare for them determines their impact on our lives and communities. By embracing preparedness as a shared responsibility, we can minimize risks and recover more effectively when disasters occur. Let us act today to protect our future and foster resilience in the face of uncertainty.
If you own an older apartment building and want to protect both your investment and your tenants, consider a seismic assessment. Contact Optimum Seismic at 833-978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com for a complimentary evaluation to learn how retrofitting can make your property safer and more resilient.
