How safe is your home in an earthquake?
This project was built using data from DataSF.
Legend:
Soft story
Liquefaction areas
Tsunami zone
A soft story building is a structure built before 1978 that contains an open-floor level, such as a garage or retail space, below one or more living spaces.
According to DataSF, there are 4,943 soft story buildings in SF. But not all are at risk!
Some have been retrofitted to reinforce their lower levels and are generally considered earthquake-safe.
Our data doesn't currently include permit history, so some buildings flagged as at risk may have already been upgraded.
Soft story datasetLiquefaction is a condition where soil turns into a liquid-like state under pressure.
Buildings in liquefaction zones are at risk of sinking, tilting, or collapsing in a major earthquake.
This risk can be lowered with seismic upgrades such as foundation reinforcement or drainage systems.
Liquefaction datasetBuildings in tsunami zones could experience flooding from waves generated by a large earthquake.
Typically, buildings located inland from the coast are less at risk in the event of a tsunami.
Building an emergency kit and planning an evacuation route can help coastal residents be prepared for a tsunami.
Tsunami datasetHow to be
earthquake-ready
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or property manager, these resources can help you make confident, informed decisions around earthquake safety.
Know the lingo
You’ve seen words like “soft story” and “retrofit” floating around, but what do they actually mean?
- A soft story building is a structure that contains an open-floor (or “soft”) level, such as a garage or retail space, below one or more living spaces.
- Earthquake retrofitting is the process of strengthening a building to make it safer in an earthquake, such as adding structural reinforcements or upgrading the foundation to better withstand shaking.
- San Francisco’s Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance, enacted in 2013, requires all multi-unit soft story buildings built before 1978 to be retrofitted in order to minimize the risk of earthquake damage. Soft-story homes with 1 to 4 units are still vulnerable to earthquake damage, even though the ordinance does not legally require them to be retrofitted.
Plan ahead
These quick and easy steps will help you stay safe during future earthquakes.
- Learn how to protect yourself in an earthquake.
- Prep your emergency kit with first aid supplies, batteries, and other essentials.
- Download the MyShake app to get early warnings when an earthquake is detected.
Find retrofitting services (if applicable)
If you own a building in need of retrofitting, the following resources can help you get started.
- Learn more about what’s involved in a seismic retrofit.
- Find a licensed contractor who can perform the right updates to your home.
- Check your eligibility for an Earthquake Brace and Bolt grant or Earthquake Soft-Story retrofit grant.
Know your renters’ rights
If you’re a renter in a non-compliant building, liquefaction area, or tsunami zone, you may want to look into these additional resources.
- Search for renters earthquake insurance to cover your personal belongings.
- Learn about your right to report unsafe living conditions.
