WG99's conclusions from their 2-year effort are to appear in USGS Circular 1189, "Earthquake Probabilities in the San Francisco Bay Region: 2000 to 2030." Their finding that a major temblor is more likely than not emphasizes the ongoing need for the Bay region to prepare for earthquakes.
Large earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region can produce sudden and tremendous loss of life and property, threatening the social and economic fabric of this region. Although quakes cannot be prevented, the damage they do can be greatly reduced through prudent planning and preparedness. Much preparation has already been done, but because a large quake is likely and could happen at any moment, further preparations should not be delayed. WG99's results will help business, government, and the public make informed decisions as they continue their preparations.
The work of USGS and other scientists in evaluating earthquake probabilities for the San Francisco Bay region is an ongoing part of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program's efforts. These efforts help to safeguard lives and property from the earthquakes that will inevitably strike in northern California and elsewhere in the United States.