What would happen if the san andreas fault were to break in an earthquake?

Question

im scared i might die if it breaks tonight in an earthquake/7.0

Answer 1

OK  

First of all we are or anyone living in or near the San Andreas Fault can feel quite comfortable and blessed.

This planet that belongs to each of us has suffered many quakes for a few simple years.

If you have knowledge of how to turn off the gas in your home or the home of your neighbor, you are elite.

It is a simple life process. You Know. BE SAFE

Answer 2

It won't "break".  That's just a point where 2 plates are rubbing together........this is pretty cool, you can zoom in right on top of it and drag the map around with the cursor:

http://geology.com/san-andreas-fault/

Answer 3

The San Andreas Fault is already broken -- that's what it is.  It is the break between two tectonic plates.  Earthquakes are basically the movement along these broken lines.

Because the plates don't glide smoothly past one another, they snag and stick and then jerk along.  This is the earthquake.  The bigger the "jerk" the bigger the earthquake.  A fault that has constant smooth motion along it is much less likely to generate a major earthquake.

If you live in Southern California, the movement along the San Andreas Fault is a fact of life.  You are more likely to win the lottery than you are to be injured in a major earthquake, however.

People in So. Cal. have the risk of earthquakes, people along the southeastern US coast lines have the risk of hurricanes, people in the central U.S. have a high risk of tornadoes, people in the mountains have the risk of forest fires and avalanches.  

In other words, there is a risk involved in living.  You are much more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than you are to be in any of the things I mentioned.

Understand your life, make peace with yourself and God and understand that each day is a gift and a blessing.

Answer 4

then live in a tent outdoors all your life.

Answer 5

Hi. I guess you live in California. So do I.

The USGeological Survey says: "Many people think that all injuries in earthquakes are caused by collapsing buildings. Actually, most injuries in quakes are from objects that break or fall on people. For example, in the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake, 55% of quake-related injuries were caused by falling objects, such as televisions, pictures and mirrors, and heavy light fixtures."

  So, what do you and your family need to consider so that you can get a good night's sleep? First, move heavy furniture, such as bookcases, away from beds, couches, and other places where you sleep or sit.  Also make sure heavy furniture won't fall across doorways. Attach heavy pictures to the wall better, and don't have heavy objects on high shelves.You don't want TVs, lamps, or books to hit you on the head. Its a good idea to keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes next to your bed in case you need to go outdoors in the dark.

But lets suppose there is an earthquake where you live. At this url, there is a whole list of things to do to get better prepared. :

http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/15/#steps

It includes a link to a checklist to help people determine whether or not their house is pretty safe.

It also includes a description of how to practice: "drop, cover, and hold on". "If you are indoors, when you feel strong earthquake shaking, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly until the shaking stops.If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. If you are in bed, Hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are."

Answer 6

omigod i clicked the link bonnie posted...do those ppl know they bought a house right on the san andreas fault?!?!