← scroll for more →
California · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what California throws at different parts of the state.
See CA hazardsCA hazard profile
California's fire season now runs year-round. The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires in the LA metro destroyed 16,000+ structures and killed 28 people. The 2018 Camp Fire killed 85 people and incinerated the entire town of Paradise in hours. The 2020 fire season burned a record 4.2 million acres. Santa Ana and Diablo wind events can drive fires at 60+ mph — faster than you can drive on surface streets. California has 800+ miles of active fault. The Hayward Fault through the East Bay is overdue for a magnitude 6.8+ event. The 1994 Northridge earthquake ($49B damage, 57 dead) and 1989 Loma Prieta (63 dead) are the modern California benchmarks. A major San Andreas event could produce shaking across 300+ miles. Seismic retrofit of older buildings is one of the highest-return preparedness investments in California. California is in a megadrought — tree ring records show the 2000-2022 period was the driest 22-year span in 1,200 years. The Colorado River, which supplies Southern California, is at historic lows. Agricultural water allocations in the Central Valley have been slashed. Water security planning is a household-level preparedness issue in California, not just a policy question.
Dry conditions, wind, and vegetation combine to create serious wildfire risk, particularly in dry seasons.
Read the full guide →
Seismic activity along fault systems creates significant ground-shaking risk.
Read the full guide →
Multi-year drought cycles affect water supply, agriculture, and wildfire risk.
Read the full guide →
Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
Read the full guide →
Coastal zones face inundation risk from distant and local seismic events.
Read the full guide →
Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in California exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to California.
CA Checklists