SCEC and our partners empower people to reduce their earthquake risk by learning about earthquakes, practicing safety drills, and engaging their communities with science-based preparedness planning.
California, as the state with the nation’s highest earthquake risk, requires proactive preparedness. SCEC addresses this challenge head-on by deciphering earthquake science. Beyond mapping earthquake hazards and empowering communities through diverse educational resources and regular drills, SCEC bridges the gap between infrequent tremors and preparedness with more realistic earthquake simulations. Through collaboration and cutting-edge research, the Center helps to build a more resilient future for all Californians.Â
Knowledge of your local earthquake risk empowers communities to prepare. Funded by NEHRP agencies, the State of California, and CEA, SCEC investigates earthquake phenomena and maps the likelihood of tremors and their associated hazards in California.
FAQs About Earthquakes
Earthquake Probabilities
Active Faults in California
Geohazards Near You
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but early warning can save lives. Earthquake early warning (EEW) systems give seconds of precious notice, while earthquake notifications keep you informed after tremors so you can continue to improve safety.
EEW Overview
Early Warning Alerts
Earthquake Notifications
CA Fault Associations
With funding from Cal OES and FEMA, SCEC leads the Earthquake Country Alliance, a public-private-grassroots partnership which hosts activities and disseminates resources regionally and by sector to improve earthquake mitigation and preparedness in California and beyond.
Public-Private-Grassroots
Preparedness Fairs & Events
CERT Training
Multi-Language Resources
Millions of people worldwide participate in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills coordinated by SCEC with funding from FEMA and USGS. SCEC also supports tsunami preparedness activities via TsunamiZone.org with support from NOAA and Cal OES.
7 Steps to Earthquake Safety
3rd Thursday Every October
Discussion-based Exercises
ECA provides materials and support for earthquake mitigation, awareness, and education projects. Eligible applicants include schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
After an earthquake is when to prepare for future earthquakes. SCEC coordinates with the USGS, CGS, and other relevant agencies to monitor aftershocks, map surface ruptures, create earthquake forecasts and simulations for communicating hazard information.
Did You Feel It?
Prompt Assessments
Earthquake Investigations
Information Clearinghouse
Infrequent large earthquakes hinder preparedness. Simulations bridge this gap, crafting realistic future ground shaking scenarios to guide mitigation and shape resilient design. SCEC collaborates with experts to integrate simulations into preparedness planning.
ShakeOut Scenario
HayWired Scenario
Seismic Hazard Maps
Building Standards
Major Funding From
ABOUT SCEC
HEADQUARTERS AT
Statewide California Earthquake Center
University of Southern California
3651 Trousdale Parkway #169
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0742
