San Bernardino Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 221,774 and a calculated risk score of 99.8, San Bernardino faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for San Bernardino, CA. From its neighborhoods to its downtown, San Bernardino is unique. But ignoring the local climate risks is not an option. Our data indicates a specific vulnerability to wildfires.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 99.828, San Bernardino requires specific preparation. The data highlights Wildfire as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Wildfire risk in San Bernardino, California
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding San Bernardino create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
San Bernardino Wildfire Evacuation Plan
- β’Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and roof
- β’Have a 'Go Bag' packed and ready near the door
- β’Sign up for local emergency alerts
Top Hazards for The San Bernardino Area
Comparisons of local data to the rest of California reveal, San Bernardino faces a critical challenge with wildfire events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 99.9, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Ember intrusion is a major threat; ensuring vents are screened is a critical home upgrade.
The geographical layout of California means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these earthquake scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 99.9. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
Environmental studies focusing on California highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from river flooding events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 99.4 score. For those near water, having a 'go-bag' ready for rapid evacuation is non-negotiable.
Monitor Active Threats
San Bernardino has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in San Bernardino? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in San Bernardino
Read the Full Guide βResidents of San Bernardino must prioritize defensible space and air quality. Fire moves fast, and smoke can be just as dangerous. Your preparation should focus on rapid evacuation and respiratory protection.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep gutters clean of dry leaves and debris.
- 2Have N95 masks in your kit for smoke protection.
- 3Pack a 'Go-Bag' with wool blankets and protective clothing.
- 4Know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
- 5Create defensible space by clearing dry vegetation 30ft from your home.
Essential Gear for San Bernardino

Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a Wildfire warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | Los Angeles and San Bernardino share similar regional risks, but our data gives San Bernardino the edge in overall safety. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | Choosing between San Bernardino and San Francisco? San Bernardino presents a unique set of challenges. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | When compared to San Diego, San Bernardino is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | When compared to Riverside, San Bernardino is statistically safer. The difference of 0.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Choosing between San Bernardino and Sacramento? San Bernardino presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in San Bernardino?
With a risk score of 99.9 for Wildfire, San Bernardino is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Wildfire events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is San Bernardino safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While San Bernardino has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.8), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to San Bernardino given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.9) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in San Bernardino is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does San Bernardino compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how San Bernardino stacks up against other cities in the state.