Buying or Owning in California? Don’t Skip This Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Living in California offers plenty of perks—beautiful coastlines, thriving cities, and sunny weather nearly year-round. But it also means living with the risk of natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. Whether you're a longtime homeowner or currently house hunting, preparing for these hazards is not just smart—it's essential.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know and do as a California homeowner to safeguard your property and your family, plus what buyers should check for when evaluating a home’s disaster readiness.

Why Earthquake and Fire Preparedness Matters in California

California lies along major fault lines, including the infamous San Andreas Fault, making it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the United States. At the same time, drought conditions and dry vegetation have made wildfires increasingly frequent and intense. Being prepared is not just about peace of mind—it's about protecting your investment and potentially saving lives.

For Homeowners: How to Prepare for Earthquakes and Fires

1. Evaluate Your Home’s Structural Safety

• Earthquake: Ensure your home is bolted to its foundation. Homes built before the 1980s are particularly vulnerable and may require retrofitting to better withstand seismic activity.

• Fire: Install fire-resistant roofing and consider non-combustible siding like stucco or fiber cement. Clean gutters regularly to remove dry leaves and debris that can ignite easily.

2. Create Defensible Space

• Clear 30 to 100 feet of space around your home to reduce fire risk. This includes trimming trees, removing dead vegetation, and spacing out plants.

• Keep woodpiles and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from any structure.

3. Secure Interior Items

• Anchor heavy furniture like bookshelves and large TVs to walls to prevent tipping during an earthquake.

• Use latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent glassware from falling.

4. Install Safety Systems

• Smoke Detectors: Install in every bedroom and hallway, and test monthly.

• Fire Extinguishers: Keep one in the kitchen, garage, and near exits.

• Gas Shutoff Valve: Know how to manually shut off your gas line in case of a leak post-earthquake.

5. Emergency Kits and Plans

• Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.

• Create an evacuation plan and practice it with your family. Identify two exit routes from your home and neighborhood.

For Buyers: What to Look for in a Disaster-Ready Home

When shopping for a home in California, disaster preparedness should be part of your due diligence. Here are key questions to ask and items to inspect:

1. Was the Home Retrofitted for Earthquakes?

• Ask if the property has been bolted to its foundation and whether it has cripple wall bracing.

• Check the age of the home—properties built after 1985 are typically built to higher seismic standards.

2. What Type of Roofing and Siding is Installed?

• Fire-resistant roofing (metal, tile, or Class A-rated asphalt) is ideal.

• Siding materials like stucco or brick offer more protection than wood or vinyl.

3. Does the Property Have Defensible Space?

• Look at how vegetation is managed. Overgrown trees or shrubs near the house can be a major fire hazard.

• Assess the spacing of trees and the condition of nearby landscaping.

4. Location and Risk Factors

• Use online tools like Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map and MyHazards from Cal OES to evaluate the fire and earthquake risks in the area.

• Check if the home is in a high-risk zone that requires additional insurance.

5. Insurance and Disclosure

• Ask the seller for a copy of the Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) report, which will highlight any risk areas.

• Review the cost and availability of earthquake and fire insurance, as it can vary widely by location and condition of the home.

Long-Term Protection and Peace of Mind

Disaster preparedness isn't just a one-time checklist—it’s an ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and resilient home. As a homeowner, stay proactive by scheduling regular safety inspections and updating emergency plans. If you're buying a home, make sure you understand both the risks and the protections already in place.

It’s also wise to stay informed about local alerts and community emergency programs. Many cities offer free classes on disaster preparedness, first aid, and fire safety.

Final Thoughts

Living in California comes with undeniable natural beauty—and its share of natural challenges. But with the right knowledge and a proactive mindset, homeowners and buyers alike can minimize risk and feel confident in their investment.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home in California, it helps to have a real estate agent who understands these local considerations. From evaluating retrofitting to understanding insurance needs, a knowledgeable agent can help you navigate the process with confidence.