What disasters threaten Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is at high risk for earthquakes and wildfires, particularly in hillside areas. The primary risks are Earthquake, Wildfire, Extreme Heat.

When does Los Angeles's risk peak?

May–Oct: Peak wildfire season, intensified by drought and dry brush

What should be in a Los Angeles emergency kit?

For earthquakes: secure heavy furniture, keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight by every bed, and store water for 3+ days; For wildfire: keep a packed go-bag by the door during fire season with N95 masks, goggles, and copies of documents

Where do I find local emergency alerts in Los Angeles?

Ready LA County (https://ready.lacounty.gov/) — Local alerts, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.

Los Angeles, United States

Los Angeles Emergency Kit — Personalized for Your Risks

Los Angeles is at high risk for earthquakes and wildfires, particularly in hillside areas.

Primary Risks for Los Angeles

Earthquake
Wildfire
Extreme Heat

Key takeaways for Los Angeles

Primary risks: Earthquake, Wildfire, Extreme Heat
Plan for: Two emergencies in one — an earthquake kit at home plus a wildfire go-bag by the door during fire season.
Read more: Ready LA County

What you'll get

Los Angeles-specific risk analysis: AI-powered analysis of disaster risks specific to Los Angeles and your exact address.
Personalized kit list: Emergency supplies tailored to your household size, pets, and home type.
Direct purchase links: One-click links to buy every item in your personalized kit.
Emergency action guide: Step-by-step instructions for each disaster type common in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Risk Briefing

Local Hazard History

Los Angeles faces a rare double threat: earthquakes and wildfire. The 1994 Northridge earthquake (magnitude 6.7) killed dozens and caused tens of billions in damage along hidden thrust faults beneath the city. In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed thousands of structures and forced mass evacuations across LA County — a stark reminder that wildfire now reaches deep into the urban edge.

When Risk Peaks

May–Oct: Peak wildfire season, intensified by drought and dry brush
Sep–Dec: Santa Ana winds drive the most dangerous, fast-moving fires
Year-round: Earthquakes can strike at any time, with no warning
Winter: Burn-scar areas face debris flows and mudslides in heavy rain

What to Pack for Los Angeles

LA households should prepare for two very different emergencies:

For earthquakes: secure heavy furniture, keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight by every bed, and store water for 3+ days
For wildfire: keep a packed go-bag by the door during fire season with N95 masks, goggles, and copies of documents
Enable ShakeAlert earthquake early-warning alerts on your phone
Plan two evacuation routes — hillside and canyon roads clog quickly

Local Resources

Ready LA County — Local alerts, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.
CAL FIRE — Ready for Wildfire — Wildfire evacuation planning and defensible-space guidance.
USGS Earthquake Hazards — Real-time earthquake maps and ShakeAlert information.

Other locations

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