3 Steps to Seismic Safety

How likely is an earthquake?

pbrundle's picture

What can you do with a seismic forecast? Think of it as similar to watching the weather—if you know there is a 60% chance of rain today, you’ll take an umbrella with you when you go out. Seismic forecasts can be used the same way. Scientists know that about 500,000 earthquakes occur every year worldwide, about 100,000 of those will be felt, and about 100 will be strong enough to cause damage.

Earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater (M5+) are capable of causing personal injury and structural damage based on typical United States construction standards.

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