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Your comprehensive, actionable guide to navigating emergencies in San Francisco.
This guide uses AI-researched data and is being verified by our team. Routes and locations should be confirmed before use in an emergency.
San Francisco's peninsula geography limits evacuation to three directions: east via the Bay Bridge (I-80), south via US-101 or I-280, and north via the Golden Gate Bridge. All routes cross bridges or chokepoints that may be compromised during a major earthquake.
The Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are seismically retrofitted but may restrict traffic post-quake. BART transbay tunnel and ferry services provide alternative eastbound evacuation. Always have a foot route planned as backup.
Communication: Text messages first (lower bandwidth than calls). Designate out-of-state contact. Register with Red Cross Safe & Well. Cell towers may be down - plan for no-phone scenarios.
Meeting Points: Primary: Golden Gate Park Polo Fields (open, safe ground). Secondary: Fort Mason Center. Out-of-area: relative's home in East Bay or Peninsula.
Roles: Person A: grab go-bags and documents. Person B: children and pets. Person C: shut off gas (wrench on meter), check neighbors, drive or lead on foot.
Use this guide as a base for your personalized strategy.