Vacaville Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 102,085 and a calculated risk score of 97.1, Vacaville faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Vacaville, CA. For residents of Vacaville, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for earthquakes events.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Vacaville sits at a Risk Score of 97.107. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Earthquake and Heat Wave.
Earthquake risk in Vacaville, California
Vacaville's location near active fault lines makes earthquake preparedness critical for all residents. While seismic retrofitting has improved infrastructure, the potential for a significant magnitude event remains a primary hazard concern for the region.
Vacaville Earthquake Safety
- •Secure heavy furniture and water heaters to wall studs
- •Create a family communication plan for when cell towers fail
- •Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight tied to your bedframe
Top Hazards for The Vacaville Area
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 99.3. Unlike weather events, a earthquake offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
As part of the wider California region, the threat of heat waves should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 96.3. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
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 88.1/100. Creating defensible space around the home is the single most effective mitigation step.
Monitor Active Threats
Vacaville has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Vacaville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Vacaville
Read the Full Guide →In Vacaville, warning times are minimal. The ground can shift without notice, making immediate physical safety your priority. Your home environment needs to be 'quake-proofed' long before the shaking starts.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Store breakable items in low, latched cabinets.
- 2Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 3Secure heavy furniture and appliances to the walls.
- 4Identify safe spots (under sturdy tables) in each room.
- 5Keep a pair of sturdy shoes and a flashlight tied to your bedframe.
Essential Gear for Vacaville
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.
The best insurance against Earthquake 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, Vacaville is statistically safer. The difference of 2.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | San Francisco and Vacaville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Vacaville the edge in overall safety. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | Choosing between Vacaville and San Diego? Vacaville presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | Choosing between Vacaville and Riverside? Vacaville presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Sacramento and Vacaville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Sacramento the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Earthquakes in Vacaville?
With a risk score of 99.3 for Earthquake, Vacaville is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Earthquake events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Vacaville safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Vacaville has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Vacaville given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 96.3) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Vacaville is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Vacaville compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Vacaville stacks up against other cities in the state.