The San Franciscan government, it’s residents, and it’s seismic experts are always searching for ways to mitigate earthquake damage, increase preparedness, educate the city’s populace, and save lives. One of the most useful tools devised in recent years is what is known as “San Francisco Earthquake Risk Maps”. Carefully created by seismologists and geologists, these maps are designed to give the public, property owners, and emergency personnel another tool in earthquake preparedness.
Different Maps For Different Hazards
There are several types of San Francisco Earthquake Risk Maps. The varieties showcase all the different types of risks and damage that Bay Area earthquakes bring with them. One of the most prevalent and popular maps is the type that illustrates areas where structures sit atop soft deposits and where liquification and landslides are likely to occur. These areas are of vital importance in the battle against tremors because buildings on such soil are especially vulnerable during shaking.
Another map shows the likelihood of damage to things like pipelines, roads, and underground networks. Another still, illustrates comparisons between older maps and new ones which features highlighted boundaries which helps property owners and developers plan and retrofit accordingly.
Utilizing Earthquake Risk Maps
Utilization of earthquake risk maps is imperative, especially for those living and working in the city of San Francisco. Being that San Francisco is a part of “The Ring Of Fire” and sits very near where the North American and Pacific plates meet, collide, subduct, and rub against one another makes these types of maps invaluable. Using them when you’re building or retrofitting a building will help both property owners and contractors make the best choices possible. Moreover these maps will help avoid property damage, total loss, and even save lives when used to great effect.
Where To Find Earthquake Risk Maps
San Francisco Earthquake Risk Maps are easy to find. In fact the internet and mobile technology have made them easier than ever to pull up, read, and use for planning. In fact, the San Francisco government has multiple maps available through its official website. Even the mighty Google has joined the game and listed maps of seismic hazard zones. A simple search for “San Francisco Earthquake Risk Maps” will yield a multitude of results and an image search will provide users with more maps than they’ll likely ever need. Of course many libraries in the Bay Area also make such maps available those these aren’t always contain the most current data.