California Earthquake Risks: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco

Earthquake Risk FAQs

We've gathered some frequently asked questions about earthquake risk to help you understand how an earthquake could affect you. Learn more about your local risk and how to prepare for earthquakes.

Q. What is the risk of a California earthquake?

A. According to the third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3) report, in the next 30 years (beginning in 2014), there is a:

More than 99% chance that one or more M6.7 or greater earthquakes will strike somewhere in California
75% chance one or more M7.0 or greater earthquakes will strike Southern California
76% chance one or more M7.0 or greater earthquakes will strike Northern California

Check to see earthquake risk near you and take steps to get prepared!

Q. Is my home at risk from an earthquake?

A. There are thousands of known faults in California, and scientists continue to discover new ones. Since earthquakes can happen anywhere in California, damage to your home and personal property is always possible. Check to see earthquake risk near you and take steps to get prepared!

Q. What fault is California on?

A. The state of California isn’t on any one particular fault, but rather, on thousands of known faults that crisscross the state. Scientists continue to discover new faults all the time. Check to see earthquake risk near you and take steps to get prepared!

Q. Do I still need earthquake insurance if my home isn’t on or near an earthquake fault?

A. Most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault and earthquakes can strike anywhere, at any time—even on previously unknown faults. Even if your home is miles away from a fault or the epicenter of an earthquake, you could still experience damage from an earthquake. Check to see earthquake risk near you and take steps to get prepared!

Q. What could the Big One earthquake look like in California?

A. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Big One is a hypothetical southern California 7.8M earthquake modeled to cause 1800 deaths and cause $213 billion in economic losses.

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Recent California Earthquake Activity

M 2.5

21km SW of Whitehawk, CA