Ever worry about LA Earthquake risk? (Los Angeles, San Francisco: houses, neighborhoods, purchase)

[hedgefundpirate]

do any of you ever think about the possibility that Los Angeles will be leveled by a big earthquake.Is Southern Cali more at risk than San Francisco? I wonder if its only a matter of time before Los Angeles is flattened by a quake because of the many fault lines.Would like to hear your thoughts on earthquake risk and how you deal with it.

[Chelito23]

Well, what sounds like a simple question is really complex. L.A. is so sprawling, it depends how you define L.A. In general, would the entire LA Basin from the coast to the IE be leveled? Not likely.

The worst case scenario for LA, and the most people simultaneously, would be a quake on the southern segment of the San Andreas fault. This would produce strong shaking over all of the area, shaking which would be powerful enough to damage infrastructure and buildings not up to code, in addition to liquafication. Fortunately, these large quakes occur on the order of once every 300 years. Unfortunately, the southern portion of this fault is overdue for a large quake.

What is much more common are quakes on local, shorter faults, which are destructive in certain valleys, communites and neighborhoods. Think Northridge, Whittier, Landers etc. These quakes were powerful and damaging, but they were somewhat localized. Most quakes in Southern California are of this nature, spotty and spread about. The threat is very real none the less.

Is LA more at a risk than SF? I would say the odds are equal, both regions are overdue for strong shaking. People's memories tend to be short, and over the last few years, SoCal has made more headlines for quakes....so people might be predisposed to saying LA is more at risk.

In general, most of California is at a high to moderate risk. The areas with the highest probabilities for strong shaking in one's lifetime are the Imperial Valley, Coachella Valley, the Inland Empire, San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, Central CA along the San Andreas Fault zone to the Bay Area and north along the coast.

Other areas are at risk, but not as extreme. Honestly, many people are not aware of the risks and dangers, since felt earthquakes are somewhat infrequent, and damaging quakes are much less common.

I hope this helps.

[junkman18]

Originally Posted by hedgefundpirate

do any of you ever think about the possibility that Los Angeles will be leveled by a big earthquake.Is Southern Cali more at risk than San Francisco? I wonder if its only a matter of time before Los Angeles is flattened by a quake because of the many fault lines.Would like to hear your thoughts on earthquake risk and how you deal with it.

Someday it will be here, I'ts only a matter of time.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by hedgefundpirate

do any of you ever think about the possibility that Los Angeles will be leveled by a big earthquake.Is Southern Cali more at risk than San Francisco? I wonder if its only a matter of time before Los Angeles is flattened by a quake because of the many fault lines.Would like to hear your thoughts on earthquake risk and how you deal with it.

I don't understand your question? Are you a scientist of some kind, otherwise, I believe most people know if they move here that this is earthquake country but chose to move here anyway regardless of the risks and have a general knowledge on how to be safe and supplies to have on hand, otherwise, there is no other way to "deal with it", is there?

[Dennis P]

Just realize that the very real possibility of having a large earthquake can come at any time---it's all part of choosing to live in Earthquake Country. The best thing to do is ALWAYS be prepared! Living day to day dreading if today will be THE day is a waste of energy and counterproductive.

[Paula Lynn]

I think we're due for a good shaker soon. It's been over 10 years since the Northridge earthquake. Like Dennispat said, be prepared, because we have no warnings. Stock up on some water, canned goods, candles, matches, beer and cat food, and you'll be just fine!!!!

[SandyCo]

The risk of earthquakes is always on my mind. That's one reason (of many!) I'm hoping to move out of California in the next two or three years. I know it's a silly thing to worry about, but that's me.

[cynwldkat]

I don't know of anyone who LIKES earthquakes!!!

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

I'm saving up my money to purchase many many houses/apts after LA get leveled!

[Need_affordable_home]

Originally Posted by newportbeachsmostwanted

I'm saving up my money to purchase many many houses/apts after LA get leveled!

I hope you enjoy fixing them all up

I worry much more about hurricanes in FL than earthquakes in CA. Big quakes as one guy said happen once every 300 years on average. Medium quakes like once every 50 years and small quakes once every few years. Anyone living in CA ever feel one and describe it?