Emergency preparedness in West Coast
California, Oregon, and Washington. Earthquakes, wildfires, and tsunamis are the defining threats along the Pacific coast. The USGS estimates a 99.7% probability of a 6.7+ magnitude earthquake in California within 30 years. The 2020 fire season burned over 4 million acres in California alone (CAL FIRE). The Cascadia subduction zone could produce a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami (USGS).
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Why prepare in West Coast?
Northridge Earthquake
Magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley. 57 deaths, $20 billion in damage, and widespread infrastructure failure across Los Angeles.
California Fire Siege
Over 4 million acres burned across California. The August Complex Fire became the first million-acre fire in state history. Thousands evacuated.
Camp Fire
The deadliest wildfire in California history destroyed the town of Paradise. 85 people killed, 18,804 structures destroyed in a matter of hours.
These events are real and recent. Preparing ahead of time lets you react calmly and protect your family when it matters most.
Would your family be ready today?
In less than 5 minutes you will know exactly what you need: water, food, gear and communications based on the number of people and the risks in your area.
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Gear checklist for West Coast
Earthquake straps for furniture
Unsecured bookshelves and TVs become projectiles during shaking
Water for 7 days
A major earthquake could disrupt water service for weeks
Heavy shoes by the bed
Broken glass is one of the most common earthquake injuries at home
N95 masks
Wildfire smoke season can last months; protect your lungs
Go-bag with evacuation essentials
Wildfires and tsunamis require rapid evacuation with minutes of notice
Wrench to shut off gas valve
Gas leaks after earthquakes cause fires; know how to shut off your gas
The planner adjusts quantities, categories and products based on the number of people, duration and the specific risks of your area.
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Recommended products for West Coast
Selection based on the specific risks of this area.
Products selected by our team · Based on official sources (FEMA, Red Cross)
The product selection below is based on the analysis of the specific risks of West Coast and on the experience of emergency preparedness specialists. Every product was chosen for its reliability in real conditions, not just for the manufacturer specs.
Before you buy, evaluate which categories are priority for your family situation: the number of people, the presence of children or older adults, and whether your plan includes staying home or evacuating completely change the needs. Our free planner calculates the exact quantities for your case in less than five minutes.
backpacks-kits
ROARING FIRE Tactical Backpack, Expandable Molle Backpack for The Outdoor, Hiking, 3 Day Pack, Bug Out Bag,
water-filtration
Scepter 2.5 Gallon True Military BPA Free Water Container, Food Grade Water Jug for Camping and Emergency Storage, Green
power-lighting
DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights f
tools-gear
1pcs 100ft 550 Paracord Parachute Cord Lanyard Mil Spec Type III 7 Strand Core
These products are a starting point, not a definitive list. Your family's real needs depend on factors only you know: allergies, chronic medication, pets, reduced mobility or the presence of young children.
Use our planner to get a personalized list that takes all those factors into account and adjusts the quantities to the exact number of people and days you want to cover.
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Frequently asked questions about West Coast
How do I prepare for an earthquake?
How long will I be without services after a major quake?
Should I worry about tsunamis?
Other risk areas in the US
Northeast
Blizzards and nor'easters, Coastal flooding and storm surge
Southeast
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Extreme heat and humidity
Midwest
Tornadoes and severe storms, Ice storms and blizzards
Southwest
Extreme heat and drought, Flash floods
Mountain West
Wildfires, Heavy snowfall and avalanches
Pacific Islands
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Tsunamis
Protect your family in West Coast — in less than 5 minutes
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