Every county, town, village or borough around the world has at least one hazard or disaster they are at risk from, and San Luis Obispo County is no exception.  We may not have to worry about hurricanes and tornados, but we are no stranger to fires, earthquakes, and even floods.  But what about disasters such as tsunami, hazardous materials or dam failure?  Is San Luis Obispo County at risk for those?  It is difficult to make appropriate plans if you are unsure what you are planning for. Take a look through the following pages and find out how you can prepare your family for anything that we may face.

Click on the links below to learn more about how to prepare for disasters that might (and have) affected our community.

Earthquake Preparedness

Did you know that the 7.9 magnitude "Fort Tejon" earthquake of 1857 actually originated NW of Parkfield?  The earthquake propagated more than 225 miles and had a displacement of close to 30 feet in the Carrizo Plain. 

Wildfire and House Fire Preparedness

Did you know that the 1996 Hwy 58 fire was the 14th largest in California history, burning 106,668 acres?

Storm Preparedness

Did you know that President Clinton declared San Luis Obispo County a federal major disaster area on January 31, 1997 after winter storms caused extensive flooding, landslides and wind damage?   

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Did you know that in October 2001 Morro Bay had a 1,100 pound Anhydrous Ammonia leak at a former fish processing plant that caused approximately 3,500 people to be evacuated?

Floods, Dam and Levee Failures

Did you know that the south side of the Arroyo Grande Creek Levee broke in 2001, flooding Cienaga Valley?   

Tsunami Preparedness

Did you know the The Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960 caused a Tsunami to run ashore at Pismo Beach and Avila Beach? The height of the wave was 1.4 meters. 

Heat/Cold Emergency Preparedness

Did you know that in 1933 Atascadero recorded a record breaking 117 degree day?