Evacuating San Pablo: Essential Information and Resources

The City of San Pablo, California, is prone to natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. In the event of an emergency, residents may be ordered to evacuate their homes. If you live in San Pablo, it is important to be prepared for evacuation.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

The City of San Pablo is divided into four evacuation zones. Find your evacuation zone by visiting the city's website or calling the City Clerk's office at (510) 215-3000.

Zone 1: West of San Pablo Avenue and north of El Portal Drive
Zone 2: West of San Pablo Avenue and south of El Portal Drive
Zone 3: East of San Pablo Avenue and north of Highway 4
Zone 4: East of San Pablo Avenue and south of Highway 4

Evacuation Orders

There are three types of evacuation orders that may be issued by the City of San Pablo:

• Evacuation Warning: An evacuation warning means that there is a potential threat to your area and you should prepare to evacuate.
• Evacuation Order: An evacuation order means that you must evacuate your home immediately.
• Re-evacuation Order: A re-evacuation order means that it is safe to return to your home.

Evacuation Routes

In the event of an evacuation, there are several routes that you can take out of San Pablo. The best route for you will depend on your evacuation zone and the nature of the emergency.

Evacuation Routes for Zone 1:

• West on El Portal Drive to I-80 westbound
• North on San Pablo Avenue to I-80 eastbound

Evacuation Routes for Zone 2:

• South on San Pablo Avenue to Highway 4 westbound
• West on El Portal Drive to I-80 westbound

Evacuation Routes for Zone 3:

• East on San Pablo Avenue to Highway 24 eastbound
• North on I-80 to Highway 4 eastbound
• South on San Pablo Avenue to Highway 4 westbound

Evacuation Routes for Zone 4:

• East on San Pablo Avenue to Highway 24 eastbound
• South on San Pablo Avenue to Highway 4 westbound

Evacuation Centers

If you are unable to evacuate your home, you can go to one of the city's evacuation centers. Evacuation centers provide shelter, food, and water for evacuees.

The following are the evacuation centers for the City of San Pablo:

• San Pablo Community Center (1401 Rumrill Boulevard)
• Richmond Civic Center (450 Civic Center Plaza)
• El Cerrito Community Center (7007 Moeser Lane)

Preparation Tips

In order to be prepared for an evacuation, you should do the following:

• Create an evacuation plan. The plan should include a list of evacuation routes, evacuation centers, and emergency contacts.
• Assemble an emergency kit. The kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, clothing, and other essential items.
• Stay informed. Monitor local news and weather forecasts for updates on the emergency situation.
• Be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. If an evacuation order is issued, you should evacuate immediately.

Stories of Survival

Following are three stories of people who survived evacuations from San Pablo:

A Family's Escape from the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire

In 1991, a major wildfire swept through the Oakland Hills, destroying thousands of homes and killing 25 people. One of the families affected by the fire was the Johnson family.

"We were at home when we heard about the fire," said Mrs. Johnson. "We grabbed our children and a few belongings and got out of the house as quickly as we could."

The Johnson family drove to a nearby evacuation center, where they stayed for several days until the fire was brought under control.

"We were lucky to get out alive," said Mr. Johnson. "We lost our home, but we're grateful that we have each other."

A First Responder's Experience with the 2017 Atlas Fire

In 2017, the Atlas Fire burned over 50,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma counties. One of the first responders who helped evacuate San Pablo residents was firefighter John Smith.

"It was a very chaotic scene," said Smith. "There were people everywhere, trying to get out of the fire zone. We did our best to help as many people as we could."

Smith said that one of the most rewarding experiences he had was helping a family evacuate their home.

"The family had two young children," said Smith. "They were all scared and disoriented. We were able to get them into our fire truck and take them to safety."

A Business Owner's Perspective on the 2022 Kensington Fire

In 2022, the Kensington Fire burned over 200 acres in Contra Costa County. One of the businesses affected by the fire was a coffee shop owned by Sarah Jones.

"We had to evacuate our shop when the fire started," said Jones. "We didn't know if we would ever see it again."

Jones said that she was grateful for the support of the community during the evacuation.

"Our customers and neighbors helped us pack up