Know the Risks, Be Ready to Act
San Mateo County is one of the most beautiful places in California—but our geography also puts us in the path of serious natural hazards. From major earthquake faults running beneath our feet to atmospheric rivers rolling in from the Pacific, understanding what we face is the first step toward being prepared.
Knowing your hazards isn’t about fear—it’s about being ready. When you understand what could happen, you can have real conversations with your family, your neighbors, and your community about how to prepare and how to respond.
Top Hazards in San Mateo County
These are the primary threats our community faces:
- Earthquakes – Multiple major fault lines run through or near our county, including the San Andreas Fault. A significant earthquake could strike with little to no warning.
- Wildfires – Our hillsides and wildland-urban interface areas are at increasing risk, especially during dry, windy conditions.
- Flooding & Atmospheric Rivers – Powerful Pacific storms can overwhelm creeks, flood roads, and cause dangerous mudslides—especially in areas that have recently experienced wildfires.
- Extreme Heat – Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more severe, posing serious health risks especially for seniors, children, and those without air conditioning.
- Tsunamis – Our coastline communities could be impacted by tsunamis generated by earthquakes in the Pacific. Knowing evacuation routes is critical.
- Power Outages & Utility Failures – Whether from storms, wildfires, or equipment failure, losing power can affect everything from medical equipment to communication systems.
Learn more about each of these hazards and how to prepare below.
This Isn’t Everything
The hazards listed above are our most common and significant threats—but they’re not the only risks. Chemical spills, gas leaks, infectious disease outbreaks, and other emergencies can happen too.
For a more comprehensive guide to preparing for any emergency, we recommend visiting Ready.gov—the federal government’s resource for emergency preparedness.
Why This Matters
Disasters will happen. But how they affect you and your family often comes down to how prepared you are. Take time to learn about the hazards most likely in your area, make a plan, and talk with the people you care about. The conversation you have today could make all the difference tomorrow.
