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Evacuation Guide

San Diego, California Evacuation Routes

Plan your escape with optimized routes and safe zones

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Threat Assessment

Earthquake

Multiple active faults: Rose Canyon, Elsinore, San Jacinto. Potential 7.0+ magnitude events.

Wildfire

Santa Ana winds create extreme red flag conditions September-November. Major fires in 2003, 2007, 2017.

Tsunami

Coastal areas vulnerable to Pacific tsunamis. Wave arrival 15-20 min from local quake, hours from distant.

Drought

Water supply 85% imported. Vulnerable to Colorado River and Northern CA shortages.

Extreme Heat

Desert winds can push temperatures above 100°F, especially inland areas.

Flash Flood

Steep canyons and urban surfaces create flood risk during heavy rain.

Evacuation Routes

I-15 North to Temecula/Inland Empire
primary
Primary northern evacuation avoiding coastal congestion. Passes through inland valleys to Riverside County.
59 miles to Temecula, 95 miles to Riverside1 hour (normal), 2-3 hours (evacuation)
High traffic during peak hours - expect 2x travel time
Wildfire corridor through Escondido/Poway
Earthquake
Tsunami
Civil Unrest
I-5 North Coastal Route
secondary
Coastal corridor north through Camp Pendleton to Orange County. Scenic but congested.
95 miles to Irvine1.5 hours (normal), 3-5 hours (evacuation)
AVOID during tsunami warning - route is coastal
Camp Pendleton section has no exits for 18 miles
Civil Unrest
Power Outage
Non-Coastal Emergency
I-8 East to Imperial Valley
secondary
Eastern desert evacuation route through mountains to Imperial Valley. Extreme conditions possible.
118 miles to El Centro2 hours (normal), 4-5 hours (evacuation)
EXTREME HEAT in summer - carry 1 gallon water per person
Mountain pass (4,140ft) dangerous in winter snow
Coastal Disaster
Tsunami
Major Earthquake
SR-78 East to Anza-Borrego
tertiary
Alternate eastern route through Escondido to desert. Access to wilderness refuge.
67 miles to Borrego Springs1.5 hours (normal), 3-4 hours (evacuation)
Banner Grade has hairpin turns - not for large RVs
Borrego Springs has limited supplies
Urban Disaster
Self-Sufficient Camping
Pandemic
Mexico Border Crossing
tertiary
Cross into Tijuana if US destinations blocked. Last resort requiring documentation.
18 miles to San Ysidro crossing30 min (normal), 2+ hours (evacuation)
REQUIRES valid passport or passport card
Border may close during major emergencies
Last Resort
All Northern Routes Blocked
Extended Evacuation
Mission Trails Regional Park
foot
On-foot evacuation through Mission Trails to eastern communities. 8,000 acres of trails.
10 miles to Santee4-6 hours on foot
Carry 2+ liters of water per person minimum
Sun exposure - bring sun protection
Vehicle Unavailable
Urban Fire
Grid Down
Civil Unrest
Coastal Rail Trail North
foot
Follow the Coaster rail corridor north on foot or bike. Mostly flat, urban route.
25 miles to Oceanside8-10 hours on foot, 3-4 hours by bike
NOT for tsunami evacuation - route is coastal
Some road walking required between trail sections
Vehicle Unavailable
Bridge Collapse
Fuel Shortage

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Safe Zones & Rally Points

S

San Diego Convention Center

shelter • Capacity: 10,000

H

UCSD Medical Center - Hillcrest

hospital • Capacity: 581

H

Sharp Memorial Hospital

hospital • Capacity: 368

H

Scripps Memorial La Jolla

hospital • Capacity: 502

R

SDCCU Stadium Area

rally point

R

Mount Soledad

rally point

S

Del Mar Fairgrounds

shelter • Capacity: 8,000

R

Balboa Park

rally point

R

Mission Trails Visitor Center

rally point

S

Grossmont College

shelter • Capacity: 3,000

R

Naval Base San Diego

resource

R

MCAS Miramar

resource

R

Poway Community Park

rally point

R

Cowles Mountain Summit

rally point

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