Over 100 people checked into the hospital from a 6.0 earthquake that hit the Napa, California area. The quake left Napa with power outages for nearly 15,000 and an estimated $1 billion in damages.

Many awoke at 3:30 am on Sunday, Aug. 24 to the sounds of their pictures, dressers and televisions crashing to the ground by the most severe earthquake to hit the region in the last 25 years. Not only was there structural damage, but several homes were lost in fires resulting from the quake. Devastatingly, downtown Napa sustained major damage to many of its historical buildings, including the library and courthouse.

Aftershocks were expected to continue for several weeks, making it difficult to evaluate and repair the buildings that sustained damage—resulting in an even greater public safety hazard. Several parts of local highways and interstates were closed off due to cracks and buckling in the pavement.

While there were some serious injuries inflicted, only one person remains in serious condition, and there are no reported deaths.

People from California are no stranger to the danger of earthquakes, seeing that between 1974 and 2003 there were 4,895 earthquakes, meaning residents experienced on average over 160 earthquakes a year. Needless to say, earthquake safety is taught from a young age.

Assumedly, it was this knowledge of earthquake safety that saved countless people from serious injuries. Most of those who were inside sought safety under desks and tables near interior walls, while those who found themselves outside at the time of the quake moved away from buildings, trees and other hazardous objects. Those who were in their cars avoided bridges and overpasses as well.

Regardless of the frequency of earthquakes in the area, only about six percent of homeowners in Napa have earthquake insurance, most people opting out of the option because they see it as being too expensive.

Although the Napa region produces 50 million cases of wine every year, with each barrel of wine holding 25 cases of wine, many of the vineyards have put their grape harvesting on hold in order to better evaluate the damage. While no wineries reported extensive damage to their often ancient collections, but some barrels were destroyed. Even just three destroyed barrels in a wine cellar can result in over $100,000 in damages.

While Napa recovers from its state of emergency, many wonder how soon earthquakes of this magnitude, or larger, will hit the region again.