California Emergency Preparedness

California's Unique Disaster Landscape

California is the most disaster-prone state in the nation. Its geography—spanning from coastal zones to alpine peaks, desert valleys to dense forests—creates exposure to nearly every type of natural disaster. In any given year, California may experience:

• Earthquakes: 10,000+ annually (most unfelt), with major damaging quakes averaging every few years
• Wildfires: Over 7,000 fires burning 200,000+ acres in an average year
• Drought: Chronic water stress affecting agriculture and municipalities
• Extreme Heat: Inland valleys regularly exceed 110°F
• Flooding: Atmospheric rivers can drop months of rain in days
• Mudslides: Post-fire burn scars become debris flow hazards
• Tsunamis: Entire coast at risk from local and distant sources

This guide addresses California's specific disaster risks and preparedness strategies for residents throughout the state.

Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes are California's most ubiquitous risk. Unlike other disasters, they strike without warning and can damage the infrastructure—water, gas, electricity, roads—that post-disaster recovery depends on.

The "Big One" Reality

The USGS estimates there's a 60% chance of a magnitude 6.7+ earthquake hitting the Bay Area in the next 30 years, and similar odds for Southern California. A major earthquake on the San Andreas Fault could:

• Disrupt water service for days to weeks
• Damage freeways and bridges
• Cause widespread gas leaks and fires
• Overwhelm emergency services
• Create food and supply shortages

Essential Earthquake Prep

Secure Your Home

• Water heater: Strap to wall studs with approved earthquake straps
• Tall furniture: Secure bookcases, armoires, and dressers to walls
• Heavy items: Store heavy objects on lower shelves
• Hanging items: Use earthquake putty under vases, secure picture frames
• Kitchen cabinets: Install latches to prevent contents from falling

Know Drop-Cover-Hold On

When shaking starts:

1. DROP to hands and knees
2. COVER under sturdy desk or table, protecting head and neck
3. HOLD ON until shaking stops

Common myths: Don't stand in doorways (no safer than elsewhere). Don't run outside (falling debris is dangerous). Don't drive during shaking.

California-Specific Supplies

• 2 weeks of water: 14 gallons per person minimum (water infrastructure may be damaged)
• Gas shut-off wrench: Keep near meter, know how to use it
• Sturdy shoes by bed: For walking through broken glass
• Flashlight by bed: Power will likely be out
• Cash: ATMs and credit cards won't work without power
• Full tank of gas: Keep vehicle at least half full at all times

Wildfire Preparedness

California's fire season now extends nearly year-round in some areas. Climate change, drought, and development in the wildland-urban interface have made wildfires more frequent, larger, and more destructive.

Know Your Fire Risk

Cal Fire maintains fire hazard severity zone maps. Check your area's designation:

• Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ): Strictest building codes, highest risk
• High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Significant risk, defensible space required
• Moderate Zone: Some risk, especially during red flag conditions

Create Defensible Space

California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in fire-prone areas:

Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structure)

• Remove all dead plants and debris
• Trim tree branches 10 feet from chimney
• Remove branches within 10 feet of ground
• Create 5-foot clearance around propane tanks
• Use fire-resistant plants

Zone 2 (30-100 feet from structure)

• Reduce brush density
• Create spacing between trees (10 feet between crowns)
• Remove ladder fuels (plants that allow fire to climb to trees)
• Keep grass under 4 inches

Evacuation Readiness

The most important wildfire survival strategy is leaving early. Don't wait for mandatory evacuation—leave during warnings.

Go-Bag Essentials

• Important documents (or copies): ID, insurance, deeds, passports
• Medications (2-week supply)
• Phone chargers and backup battery
• Cash
• Change of clothes
• Pet supplies and carriers
• N95 masks for smoke
• Laptop/hard drive with important files

Before Leaving

• Close all windows and doors (leave unlocked for firefighters)
• Remove flammable curtains from windows
• Turn off gas at meter
• Leave interior and exterior lights on
• Move patio furniture away from house
• Leave gate unlocked for emergency access

Smoke and Air Quality

California's fire season brings widespread smoke even to areas far from active fires:

• Check AirNow.gov for current air quality
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Use HEPA air purifiers indoors
• Wear N95 masks outdoors in poor air quality
• Limit outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 100
• Create a "clean air room" with extra filtration

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

California utilities now proactively shut off power during high fire-risk conditions. These PSPS events can last 24-48+ hours and affect millions of residents.

PSPS Preparation

• Sign up for alerts: Register with your utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) for notifications
• Charge devices: Phones, laptops, power banks—before shutoff
• Ice and coolers: For perishable food
• Medical equipment: Battery backup for CPAP, oxygen concentrators
• Cash: Credit card systems won't work
• Fuel: Fill vehicle before shutoff (gas pumps need electricity)
• Know resource centers: Utilities open community centers with power and charging

Tsunami Preparedness

California's entire 840-mile coastline faces tsunami risk. Tsunamis can come from:

• Distant sources: Alaska, Japan, Chile—hours of warning time
• Local sources: Offshore faults—minutes of warning or less

Natural Warning Signs

If near the coast and you experience:

• Strong earthquake lasting 20+ seconds
• Ocean rapidly receding from shore
• Loud roaring sound from ocean

Don't wait for official warning—move to high ground immediately.

Tsunami Zones

• Know if you live, work, or travel in tsunami inundation zones
• Identify evacuation routes to high ground or inland
• Know assembly points above the inundation zone
• Northern California coast has highest local tsunami risk

Drought and Water Conservation

California experiences chronic drought conditions. Even in "normal" years, water supply is limited.

Emergency Water Storage

• Store 2 weeks of water per person (14+ gallons)
• Include water for pets
• Have water purification capability (filter, purification tablets)
• Know alternative water sources (pools, water heaters)

Conservation During Drought

• Follow mandatory water restrictions
• Install low-flow fixtures
• Replace lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping
• Fix leaks promptly
• Capture greywater for landscaping (where permitted)

Flooding and Mudslides

California's Mediterranean climate—dry summers, wet winters—creates unique flood risks. Atmospheric rivers can drop months of rain in days.

Atmospheric River Preparation

• Clear gutters and drains before storm season
• Know your flood zone (FEMA flood maps)
• Have sandbags or water barriers ready
• Park vehicles away from flood-prone areas
• Prepare to shelter or evacuate based on forecasts

Post-Fire Debris Flow Risk

Burn scars from wildfires become extremely dangerous during rain. Debris flows can occur with as little as 0.5 inches of rain in burned areas.

• Evacuate during debris flow warnings if you live near recent burn scars
• Don't attempt to cross flowing mud or debris
• Risk remains elevated for 2-5 years after fire

Regional Considerations

San Francisco Bay Area

• Primary risks: Earthquakes (Hayward, San Andreas faults), wildfires, sea level rise
• Special considerations: BART/transit disruption after quakes, liquefaction in filled areas, steep hills for evacuation

Los Angeles Metro

• Primary risks: Earthquakes, wildfires, Santa Ana wind events, extreme heat
• Special considerations: Traffic makes evacuation challenging, air quality issues, urban heat island effect

San Diego

• Primary risks: Wildfires, earthquakes, Santa Ana winds
• Special considerations: Fire-prone backcountry, limited evacuation routes in canyons

Central Valley

• Primary risks: Extreme heat, flooding, drought
• Special considerations: Heat emergencies, agricultural water competition, air quality from fires

Sierra Nevada

• Primary risks: Wildfires, winter storms, earthquakes
• Special considerations: Limited road access, extended isolation potential, PSPS events

California Emergency Resources

Alert Systems

• Cal OES MyHazards: Interactive map of hazards at your address
• Wireless Emergency Alerts: Automatically received on cell phones
• Local AlertCalifornia systems: Sign up through your county
• Watch Duty app: Real-time wildfire tracking

Key Agencies

• Cal Fire: Wildfire information and fire prevention
• Cal OES: California Office of Emergency Services
• California Geological Survey: Earthquake and landslide information
• National Weather Service: Weather warnings and forecasts