Santa Barbara Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 194,950 and a calculated risk score of 98.9, Santa Barbara faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Santa Barbara, CA. Life in Santa Barbara comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for wildfires.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 98.871, Santa Barbara requires specific preparation. The data highlights Wildfire as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Wildfire risk in Santa Barbara, California
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Santa Barbara create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Area
Within the specific ecosystem of California, wildfire frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 99.5/100. Creating defensible space around the home is the single most effective mitigation step.
As part of the wider California region, the threat of earthquakes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 99.1. Unlike weather events, a earthquake offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
Environmental studies focusing on California highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from landslide events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 96.0 score. Emergency kits must include shoes and gloves to navigate debris after an event.
Monitor Active Threats
Santa Barbara has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Santa Barbara? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Santa Barbara
Read the Full Guide →Residents of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara
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 Santa Barbara share similar regional risks, but our data gives Santa Barbara the edge in overall safety. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | Choosing between Santa Barbara and San Francisco? Santa Barbara presents a unique set of challenges. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | When compared to San Diego, Santa Barbara is statistically safer. The difference of 0.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | When compared to Riverside, Santa Barbara is statistically safer. The difference of 1.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Choosing between Santa Barbara and Sacramento? Santa Barbara presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Santa Barbara?
With a risk score of 99.5 for Wildfire, Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Santa Barbara has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.9), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Santa Barbara given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.1) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Santa Barbara is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Santa Barbara compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Santa Barbara stacks up against other cities in the state.