MyHazards is a tool for the general public to discover hazards in their area (earthquake, flood, fire, and tsunami) and learn steps to reduce personal risk. Using the MyHazards tool, users may enter an address, city, zip code, or may select a location from a map. The map targets the location, and allows users to zoom and scroll to their desired view. The screen then presents information on the risks identified within the search radius, and recommended actions. MyHazards website performs best when using Internet Explorer. Hazard Data is approximate and data layer visibility are subject to the extent of the Map.
Type in your address below to learn how to address natural hazards in your area.
Search SearchThe State Responsibility Area (SRA) is the area of the state where the State of California is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires. SRA does not include lands within city boundaries or in federal ownership. FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center
Use this website to discover the hazards that exist in your area and learn how to reduce YOUR risk! Remember, the best way to recover from disasters is by reducing the risks before a disaster strikes.
Please note: This web site is for general purpose use only. Real estate disclosure information can be obtained from your local city or county government. See our disclaimer below for more information regarding the limitations of this web service..
We all understand that disasters will continue to occur throughout California. Hazard mitigation saves lives, preserves property, and protects the environment during times of disaster. MyHazards facilitates the identification of hazards by individuals, businesses, and local government.
Earthquakes can occur everywhere in California which means all Californians live with an earthquake risk. In addition to the shaking caused by earthquakes, other things can occur such as landslides, surface fault ruptures and liquefaction--all of which may cause injury or property damage. Take note of where you live, read the information provided here, and contact your local city our county government for further details on how to be prepared where you live.
More information and ideas on how to secure the contents of your home can be found at
If the property is not developed, a fault study may be required before the parcel can be subdivided or structures permitted. If a property is developed, you will not need a geologic study unless you plan to extensively add onto or remodel an existing structure.
These maps prepared by the California Geological Survey are State-mandated regulatory maps that show "Zones of Required Investigation" for surface fault rupture, liquefaction and landslide hazard. They do not depict different degrees of hazard, rather they identify zones within which site specific studies will be required for new construction. These maps also are used in real estate transactions - when a property falls within a "Zone of Required Investigation," sellers of that property must disclose that fact to prospective buyers.
NOTE: Some areas of the State scheduled for Seismic Hazard Zonation for liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides are yet to be evaluated. If you are informed that you are not in a Seismic Hazard Zone, please check whether the Official Seismic Hazard Zone Map covering your area has been released.
Also, map scale limitations on this website do not always allow accurate determination of whether a property falls inside or outside a Zone of Required Investigation. This degree of uncertainty is addressed herein by use of the term "in or near" a zone. To determine property location relative to a zone boundary, please visit your local planning agency to view appropriate Official Seismic Hazard, Earthquake Fault Zone maps, and parcel maps.
California wildfires typically burn hundreds of thousands of acres each year. California law requires CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), to identify areas based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail there. These areas, or "zones," are based on factors such as fuel (material that can burn), slope and the expected chance of burning. There are three zones, based on increasing fire hazard. Moderate (M), High (H) and Very High (VH)
For more information, click the links below.
For those living with wildfire hazards start protecting your property by creating 100 feet of "defensible space" around your structures. This includes removing all flammable vegetation and debris within 30 feet immediately surrounding your home, and, creating a "reduced fuel zone" that extends 70 feet beyond that.
Next, you can use "ignition resistant" materials in your construction, and make sure you have well marked access to your property and an emergency water supply.
For many more tips on keeping your property fire safe see the Fire Safety web page from Cal Fire by clicking the link below.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
NOTE: FEMA is currently updating the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) inventory through its Map Modernization Program. The updated maps will be added to this site as they are available, however, the digital information for many California counties has not been completed.
Please be sure to check on-line at the FEMA Map Service Center website to view the most current FIRMs and use the search function for a "Public Flood Map."
Ready America provides a large assortment of preparedness and disaster supplies and programs. Supplies include but are not limited to:
For more information on flood preparedness:
For more information on these items, see the Ready America and FEMA websites. In addition, the California Dept. of Water Resources has a web page with extensive links about flood management in California.
A tsunami is a sea wave generated by an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or even by a large meteor hitting the ocean. (The Japanese word tsu means harbor; nami means wave.)
Things You Should Know:
Here are links to other sources of information about Tsunamis: