Merced Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 163,257 and a calculated risk score of 93.0, Merced faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Merced, CA. Merced is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that heat waves rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Merced sits at a Risk Score of 92.988. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Heat Wave and Earthquake.
Top Hazards for The Merced Area
Meteorological data for California confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating heat waves. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 99.0. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Regional data for California suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of earthquake. Consequently, the data-driven score of 98.5 underscores the need for preparedness. Families should have a reunification plan for when an event occurs during work/school hours.
Looking at the long-term climate history of California, resilience against river flooding is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 96.6, indicating a substantial threat level. Sandbagging locations and shelter routes should be identified before the season starts.
Monitor Active Threats
Merced has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Merced? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Merced
Read the Full Guide →Extreme heat is a silent killer in Merced. 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 Merced
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
The best insurance against Heat Wave is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | When compared to Los Angeles, Merced is statistically safer. The difference of 7.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | San Francisco and Merced share similar regional risks, but our data gives Merced the edge in overall safety. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | Choosing between Merced and San Diego? Merced presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | Choosing between Merced and Riverside? Merced presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Sacramento and Merced share similar regional risks, but our data gives Merced the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Heat Waves in Merced?
With a risk score of 99.0 for Heat Wave, Merced 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 Merced safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Merced has its own risk profile (Total Score: 93.0), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Merced given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 98.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Merced is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Merced compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Merced stacks up against other cities in the state.