High Risk California  ·  Wildfire / Earthquake

San Diego County CA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

8/ 10
Threat Score
Population
3,286,069
Area
4261
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Earthquake
FEMA Disasters
58
federally declared

San Diego County faces severe and recurring wildfire risk, driven by hot Santa Ana winds, steep chaparral-covered terrain, and prolonged drought. The 2003 Cedar Fire burned over 280,000 acres and killed 15 people. Earthquake risk from the Rose Canyon Fault near downtown San Diego adds a second critical threat vector.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 8 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Earthquake
Secondary Hazard Drought
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Seismic High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 58
Last Major Event Cedar Fire (2003)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–4 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (858) 565-5255
Emergency Shelters 72 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-5 North, I-15 North, I-8 East, SR-76 East

// County Profile

County San Diego County CA
State California (CA)
Population 3,286,069
Area 4261 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Seismic High Risk)

// Major Cities

Coronado CA National City CA Vista CA San Ysidro CA Tecate CA Carlsbad CA El Cajon CA Oceanside CA Escondido CA Chula Vista CA

// Cities in This County

// Other California Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Naval Base San Diego CA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  San Diego  ·  US Navy / Pacific Fleet  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
General Atomics Poway CA Predator Plant
Military Installation  ·  Poway, CA  ·  General Atomics Aeronautical  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
San Onofre Spent Fuel Storage CA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  San Clemente, CA  ·  Southern California Edison  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar CA
Military Installation  ·  San Diego  ·  US Marine Corps / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego CA
Major Hospital  ·  San Diego, CA  ·  Scripps Health  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
UC San Diego Health La Jolla CA
Major Hospital  ·  La Jolla, CA  ·  UC San Diego Health  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
General Dynamics Nassco San Diego CA Shipyard
Military Installation  ·  San Diego, CA  ·  General Dynamics NASSCO  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏟
Petco Park San Diego CA
Stadium / Arena  ·  San Diego, CA  ·  San Diego Padres / MLB  ·  2-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton CA
Military Installation  ·  Oceanside, CA  ·  US Marine Corps  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏟
Snapdragon Stadium San Diego CA
Stadium / Arena  ·  San Diego, CA  ·  San Diego FC / MLS  ·  2-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.