How does a tourist in San Francisco prepare for an earthquake?

Ahead of time, there's not much that you can do. It's similar to a disaster like the World Trade Center. You can't predict when it will happen or what you are doing when it happens. You don't know whether your current location is "safe" or what you can do to better prepare since you don't know where the epicenter of the earthquake is or how strong the earthquake will be.

The chances of there being an earthquake large enough to disturb your trip are pretty low. It has to be a pretty large earthquake to cause damage enough to disrupt things.

But what you can do is this:

When you get to your hotel, know where the emergency exits are. I suggest counting the number of doorways between your room and the emergency exits so you can find the right door in the dark if needed. A flashlight would be nice (but of course it won't help if it's not near you when the earthquake hits).

Your picture seems to indicate that you are a man, so this might be less important for you - but for women it helps to be wearing sensible shoes (you may be walking quite a bit). Have your shoes right next to the bed so you can get them on quickly if you have to evacuate. Keep your cell phone charged - in the immediate aftermath the cell lines are often "free" for longer distance calls, which is what you'd want anyway to call/text your family.

If an earthquake hits, take cover. If outside, get away from buildings (more for falling glass than for falling buildings) and power lines. If inside, go to a well reinforced area - in homes bathrooms are suggested because they are smaller and have a bunch of walls around them (increasing the chances for that part of the building to not collapse). Doorways are also suggested. In a large venue like the Exploratorium dive under a table. If you are in bed, I recommend rolling onto the floor right next to the bed.

If it's a major earthquake, once it's over assess the situation. Can you smell gas? Then go somewhere else. If it seems clear that the city is a mess, secure food and water for several days, make sure you have clothing for the cool nights.

Overall I'd tell you that you don't have much to worry about. I've lived in the earthquake zone (California, Washington State and Japan) for most of my life, have gone through quite a few earthquakes and only once felt that the earthquake was big enough to warrant diving under a desk for protection - and there was very little damage in my area once it was all over.

There are some things that you can do to be prepared no matter where you are at.

Weather in June can change from a sunny 80's into foggy 40's within a few minutes. Dress in layers. Take a light jacket even when it doesn't look like you will need it. This is good to do anytime in the city and could prove very handy if you get stranded.

Water and food are always good to have on hand. Pack a bottle of water and some energy bars in your day pack or briefcase. These are good to have on hand during a conference and can double as a one day survival kit for an earthquake.

Most important of all is to bring a clear head. Do not panic. Think about what you are doing.

Do Not try to stand in a doorway that has a door. If you try to compete for the same space as the swinging door you will get hurt. <grin>

Most newer hotels since 1990 are seismically upgraded in construction. so a lot has to do with where you will stay. The probability that an earthquake will hit in the three weeks you visit is low I would imagine; but good for you for thinking of it and being prepared. The other answerers wrote about knowing exit stairs location, etc. What concerns me more regarding your visit is that you know where not to go . Certain districts are unsafe and crossing the street as a pedestrian can be dangerous. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are pretty much tourist traps . Since you are academic you will be more interested in the Academy of Science in GG Park, Museums such as The Palace of the Legion of Honor etc and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. A ferry to Marin would be also educational since Angel Island was once an internment camp. However, I digress. In 1989 only landlines worked so that means you will have your hotel landline phone which, though expensive, will mean you can contact others in N O. That plus keeping some extra water available for your family will help soothe your anxiety. I do not think you paranoid at all but rather wise in preparing because often what we prepare for does not happen; but rather the unexpected does. I hope your stay is uneventful and enjoyable.

- If you are inside, get under a table or stand in between a doorway. Stay away from the windows (as they might break).

- If you are on the road, pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and turn on the radio.

- Do not call emergency services unless there are injuries, fires, or visible damage to surrounding structures. They receive thousands of calls in the aftermath of a major earthquake and need to keep the lines open.

That is, in theory, what you should do. Most earthquakes are over in a matter of seconds though. If you are like the rest of us, you won't have time to do anything other than stumble around and look a little dazed. There are hundreds of earthquakes in California everyday. But most of them go unnoticed. Serious tremors are extremely rare. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Many Californians don't bother with obsessing over an event that happens (maybe) once or twice in a lifetime.

As for the friendliness factor, I think most of the folks here are pretty laid back. There are exceptions of course. Nearly 8 million people live in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area. They come from every conceivable background. Millions of tourists visit California every year without incident though. So it is rather unfair to stereotype all of us based on the inappropriate, boorish behavior of one person.

Edit: It is not your fault someone chose to provoke you. I just wanted to reiterate that we do appreciate visitors. I have travelled extensively in the South (especially Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida). I always have a wonderful time there. And I hope you will, likewise, have positive experiences with our city.

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I was in hurricane Beulah in Houston in 1968 or so, and I was in the Loma Prieta earthquake in downtown San Francisco on the ninth floor. I'd rather be in the earthquake than the hurricane, given a choice. We just live with the fact that it can happen - in fact, I've been in a great many little shakers that don't mean much. It's like, "God grant me the ability to change what I can.....", etc. The other posts are good advice on what to do and think. Otherwise, don't worry too much about it. I've lived here thirty years and the Loma Prieta was the only earthquake of importance in SF proper. And if it should happen again on the very time you are here, think of that as like winning the lottery, I guess. At least we won't be on the underside of a sunken cruise ship - an act of negligence. Nature does as nature wants.

If I asked you how to prepare for a hurricane while visiting Morgan City in February, how would you advise me? Plywood on all the windows and nail the shutters might be your reply? So, you are coming to San Francisco in June..not to worry.

You ARE paranoid. Plus, you're a teacher and you are asking Yahoo Answers for help? Yahoo Answers and Wikipedia don't count as actual sources, why don't you look it up you lazy bastard?