{"id":86710,"date":"2023-09-01T10:49:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T17:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=86710"},"modified":"2023-09-28T10:48:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T17:48:22","slug":"natural-disasters-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/natural-disasters-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Disasters in California: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

California is known for its varied, lush landscapes, rich history, and high quality of life. It has <\/span>16 climate zones<\/span><\/a>, ranging from dry desert basins and coastal hills, to snowy peaks and ancient forests. There\u2019s a climate for everyone in California, which has made it a very appealing place to live.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather patterns generally range from mild and wet in coastal metros like <\/span>San Francisco<\/span><\/a>, to more dry and extreme in southern and mountainous cities like <\/span>Palm Springs<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Truckee<\/span><\/a>. However, weather can often turn into natural disasters like flooding, heat waves, and wildfires. When these happen, it\u2019s essential to be prepared.\u00a0<\/span>So what are the most common natural disasters in California, how are they changing, and what can you do to prepare? Whether you\u2019re planning a <\/span>move to San Diego<\/span><\/a> or are looking at <\/span>apartments in San Jose<\/span><\/a>, read on for everything you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"natural-disasters-in-california-5\"<\/p>\n

1. California wildfires<\/span><\/h2>\n
California cities most at risk of wildfires<\/b><\/h5>\n
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  1. Red Bluff<\/b>: 86% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Chico<\/b>: 85% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Sonora<\/b>: 70% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Wildfires are <\/span>the<\/span><\/i> major disaster in California and have <\/span>catastrophic impacts<\/span><\/a>. They are by far the most common and destructive type of disaster in the state, and most years, <\/span>California leads the nation<\/span><\/a> in wildfires and acres burned. Most recently, the August Complex and Dixie Fires burned nearly 2 million acres.These fires <\/span>cost hundreds of millions of dollars<\/span><\/a> to fight, and created dangerous air quality across the Western US.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    California is also unique in how frequently fires affect people\u2019s homes. From 2000-2019, <\/span>over 70%<\/b><\/a> of people living within the perimeter of wildfires in the US lived in California<\/b>. Additionally, according to <\/span>data from First Street Foundation<\/span><\/a>, 71% (8.15 million) of properties in the state are at risk of being affected by wildfires.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The state’s dry season from spring through late autumn, combined with parched forests throughout the state, sets the stage for devastating fires that can spread incredibly quickly. Prolonged drought, heat waves, and windy weather are the primary causes of wildfires, which are becoming increasingly common as climate change progresses. <\/span>Aging electrical infrastructure<\/span><\/a> also plays a role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Wildfires can also devastate landscapes and hillsides, making them more susceptible to flooding, landslides, and mudslides.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prepare for wildfires in California<\/span><\/h3>\n

    If you\u2019re planning on moving to California or already live in the Golden State, <\/span>preparing for wildfires<\/span><\/a> is essential. Here are key tips to help:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n