Fresno Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 724,547 and a calculated risk score of 97.0, Fresno faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Fresno, CA. Calling Fresno home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to heat waves.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 97.025, Fresno requires specific preparation. The data highlights Heat Wave as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Fresno Area
When analyzing the risk profile of California, Fresno's geography makes it particularly susceptible to heat wave risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.5. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
Looking at the long-term climate history of California, resilience against earthquakes is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 99.0, indicating a substantial threat level. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
Meteorological data for California confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating river flooding. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.8. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
Monitor Active Threats
Fresno has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Fresno? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Fresno
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Fresno. It stresses the power grid and the human body. Your survival strategy should revolve around hydration, cooling, and backup power.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Know the location of your nearest cooling center.
- 2Have a backup power source for fans or medical devices.
- 3Cover windows with reflective material to keep heat out.
- 4Monitor local weather for 'Wet Bulb' temperature warnings.
- 5Store electrolyte powder in your kit, not just plain water.
Essential Gear for Fresno
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a Heat Wave warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | Los Angeles and Fresno share similar regional risks, but our data gives Fresno the edge in overall safety. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | Choosing between Fresno and San Francisco? Fresno presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | When compared to San Diego, Fresno is statistically safer. The difference of 2.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | When compared to Riverside, Fresno is statistically safer. The difference of 2.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Choosing between Fresno and Sacramento? Fresno presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Fresno?
With a risk score of 99.5 for Heat Wave, Fresno is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Heat Wave events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Fresno safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Fresno has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.0), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Fresno given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Fresno is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Fresno compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Fresno stacks up against other cities in the state.