California
You've felt the ground move. You've watched the hills burn on the evening news and checked how close the fire was to your neighborhood. You've scrolled past the flood warnings. Most Californians have. Preparation is the part that's still waiting.
Your risk profile
Most people know to drop, cover, and hold on. Few have practiced doing it in the dark with kids in the next room. That rehearsal is the difference between knowing and doing.
Most people assume they'll have time to pack when the evacuation order hits. The Camp Fire moved at 80 football fields per minute. A pre-packed bag and a planned route change that equation entirely.
You think flooding means rivers overflowing. In California, post-fire debris flows move at 35 mph and hit without traditional flood warnings.
Heat doesn't look like a disaster, which is why it's underestimated. It affects more Californians annually than earthquakes, wildfires, and floods combined. Simple steps — hydration, shade, checking on neighbors — make the difference.
Residents of Paradise, California had roughly 15 minutes to evacuate when the Camp Fire hit in November 2018. Those who had thought through their exit route made it out. 85 people did not. The fire destroyed 18,804 structures and became the deadliest wildfire in California history. The difference was preparation, not luck.
Source: Cal Fire
A 2024 survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found that a majority of residents consider a major earthquake likely in the next decade. Fewer than four in ten have an actual household plan for what to do when one hits. That gap is closeable. Most people just haven't started.
Monthly risk calendar
| Hazard | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | ||||||||||||
| Wildfire | ||||||||||||
| Flood | ||||||||||||
| Extreme Heat |
Action items for this season
- Wildfire (Jun): Clear defensible space around your home. Remove dead vegetation within 30 feet of structures.
- Extreme Heat (Jun): Identify your nearest cooling center. Locate it before you need it, not during a heat wave.
What natural disasters is California most at risk for?
Earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and extreme heat are the four dominant threats. Your specific risk depends on your location within the state.
California sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire with more than 15,000 known faults. The USGS records over 10,000 earthquakes in the state each year, though most are too small to feel. Wildfire risk has expanded dramatically. Cal Fire reports that 5 of the 10 most destructive wildfires in state history occurred after 2017. Winter atmospheric rivers bring severe flooding, especially in areas recently burned by wildfire. Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and duration, with inland valleys and urban heat islands most affected.
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Who do I call in an emergency in California?
Call 911 for immediate life-threatening situations. For non-emergency disaster information, contact Cal OES at (916) 845-8510 or dial 211 for local resources.
Your first call in any life-threatening situation is always 911. For disaster updates and non-emergency coordination, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) operates a 24/7 warning center. Dial 211 from any phone to connect with local community resources including shelter locations, food assistance, and disaster recovery programs. For utility emergencies like gas leaks or downed power lines, contact your utility provider directly. PG&E's emergency line is 1-800-743-5000. Southern California Edison's is 1-800-611-1911.
How does California compare to the national average?
California faces more concurrent natural hazard threats than almost any other state, with significantly higher earthquake, wildfire, and drought risk than national baselines.
FEMA's National Risk Index ranks California counties among the highest in the nation for multi-hazard risk. The state accounts for a majority of U.S. earthquake risk exposure. California experienced 7 of the 10 most destructive wildfires by structures destroyed in U.S. history. The state's 2020 wildfire season burned over 4.2 million acres, more than double the previous record. Flood risk is compounding as climate patterns intensify atmospheric river events. Yet per capita spending on mitigation remains lower than many states with fewer hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index
What should you do first to prepare in California?
Secure your water supply. After a major earthquake, municipal water systems fail. You need one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days, but a week is more realistic.
Start with water because it's the first thing that fails and the hardest to replace. After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, water mains broke across the San Fernando Valley and service was disrupted for days. Next, secure heavy furniture and water heaters to wall studs. These are what injure people in earthquakes, not collapsing buildings. Then build a paper file with insurance policies, IDs, and medical records. Digital backups fail when the power is out and your phone is dead. Finally, walk your evacuation routes. Driving them is not enough. Traffic was gridlocked during the 2018 Paradise evacuation.
Will the Big One actually happen?
Yes. The USGS gives a 72% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake striking the San Francisco Bay Area before 2044. Southern California faces similar odds on the San Andreas Fault.
The USGS Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3) calculates that California has a 99.7% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake somewhere in the state within the next 30 years. The San Andreas Fault, which runs nearly the entire length of the state, has not produced a major southern rupture since 1857. Strain continues to accumulate. The ShakeOut scenario models a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the southern San Andreas with an estimated $200 billion in damage. The geology is certain. What you do before it happens is the variable you control.
Source: USGS UCERF3
What changes if you're moving to California?
Your insurance needs change immediately. Standard policies do not cover earthquake or flood damage. You need separate policies for both, and they have waiting periods.
If you're relocating from a state without significant seismic activity, your instincts will need recalibrating. You need earthquake insurance through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or a private carrier. There is typically a 15-day waiting period before coverage activates. Flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a 30-day waiting period. Check your new address against Cal Fire's Fire Hazard Severity Zone map. If you're in a Very High severity zone, your homeowner's insurance options may be limited and your premiums will reflect that. Learn your local fault lines, evacuation zones, and the location of your gas meter shutoff valve before you finish unpacking.
Source: California Earthquake Authority
Who do I call in California?
Emergency contacts
State emergency agency
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
(916) 845-8510For disaster coordination, state-level emergency information, and to report infrastructure damage during or after a declared disaster.
“State your county, the type of incident, and what information or resources you need. They will route you to the correct division.”
Expected response: Cal OES operates a 24/7 State Warning Center. Expect to be connected to a duty officer who can provide current status information or escalate your report.
FEMA Region IX
1-800-621-3362After a federally declared disaster, to register for individual assistance including temporary housing, home repair grants, and disaster loans.
“Have your Social Security number, address of damaged property, current contact information, and insurance details ready before you call.”
Expected response: FEMA will assign you a registration number and schedule a home inspection. The process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for initial determination.
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222If someone has been exposed to a potentially toxic substance, including after disasters when chemical spills or contaminated water may be a risk.
“Describe the substance, the amount involved, the person's age and weight, and the time of exposure. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.”
PG&E Emergency Line
1-800-743-5000To report a gas leak, downed power line, or other utility emergency. If you smell gas, leave the area first, then call from a safe distance.
“Describe what you see or smell, give your exact location, and note whether anyone is injured. For gas leaks, do not use light switches or electronic devices near the leak.”
211 California
211For non-emergency community resources after a disaster, including shelter locations, food distribution, mental health support, and recovery programs.
“State your zip code and what you need. 211 connects you with local services. Available 24/7 in most California counties.”
How does California compare?
Earthquake risk exposure
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Acres burned by wildfire (2020)
Source: National Interagency Fire Center
FEMA disaster declarations (2000-2024)
Flood insurance policies in force
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Now you know what California asks of the people who live here. The ones who do well aren't fearless — they've just started before they had to.