PubTalk 9/2008 — Ready for the Next Big Bay Area Earthquake?

The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake was not the Bay Area's "Big One" but a repeat of the destructive 1868 Hayward earthquake may qualify!

by Tom Brocher, USGS Seismologist

• The next large Hayward Fault earthquake will effect the entire San Francisco Bay Area - Are You Prepared?
• The Hayward Fault is the most urbanized active fault in the Bay Area. The fault crosses multiple freeways, major water pipelines, and BART runs parallel to and crosses the fault.
• A large earthquake on the Hayward Fault could impact more than 5 million people with $1.5 trillion in property damage.
• October 21st marks the 140th anniversary of the last large earthquake on the Hayward Fault. Are we due for a repeat?