Natural Disaster Risk in San Bernardino County
California
Risk Summary for San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County scores 7.2/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: San Bernardino County, California
San Bernardino County, in the United States in California, is characterized by its Mediterranean climate — dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles. The county faces a critical fire season from late summer through fall, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.
San Bernardino County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area's position within a seismically active region makes earthquake preparedness a top priority for residents and property owners alike. Secondary hazards include landslide and wildfire.
Within California, San Bernardino County's risk is, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of San Bernardino County identifies earthquake as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
San Bernardino County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for San Bernardino County: Earthquake preparedness
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
Cities in San Bernardino County
ZIP codes in San Bernardino County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.