San Diego Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 3,057,778 and a calculated risk score of 99.6, San Diego faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for San Diego, CA. From its neighborhoods to its downtown, San Diego 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 99.555, San Diego requires specific preparation. The data highlights Wildfire as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Wildfire risk in San Diego, California
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding San Diego create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
San Diego Wildfire Evacuation Plan
- •Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and roof
- •Have a 'Go Bag' packed and ready near the door
- •Sign up for local emergency alerts
Top Hazards for The San Diego Area
From a statewide perspective in California, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of wildfires here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 100.0. Community Fire Safe Councils offer specific resources for neighborhood preparedness.
Long-standing weather records for California indicate citizens here are statistically more likely to encounter earthquakes. Crucially, an analytical review of past disasters puts the current risk tier at 99.7. Bolt-down foundations and braced water heaters are standard requirements for safety.
In the broader context of California's climate, heat waves represent a significant vector of concern for San Diego. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 97.9. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a heat wave strains the power grid.
Monitor Active Threats
San Diego has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in San Diego? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in San Diego
Read the Full Guide →Residents of San Diego 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 Diego
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 →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | Los Angeles and San Diego share similar regional risks, but our data gives San Diego the edge in overall safety. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | Choosing between San Diego and San Francisco? San Diego presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | When compared to Riverside, San Diego is statistically safer. The difference of 0.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Choosing between San Diego and Sacramento? San Diego presents a unique set of challenges. |
| San Jose | 99.8 | San Jose and San Diego share similar regional risks, but our data gives San Diego the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in San Diego?
With a risk score of 100.0 for Wildfire, San Diego 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 Diego safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While San Diego has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.6), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to San Diego given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in San Diego is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does San Diego compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how San Diego stacks up against other cities in the state.