Sonoma County is taking a powerful step toward community readiness with the 2026 Sonoma County Wildfire & Earthquake Expo, a two-day event focused on strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience.
Taking place April 25–26, 2026, at the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, the Expo will highlight earthquake preparedness in recognition of Earthquake Preparedness Month and the 120th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.
A featured component of this year’s event is “The Epicenter,” a dedicated earthquake preparedness area sponsored by Bolt Down the Bay Area and Friedman’s Home Improvement. This interactive space will showcase one of the Expo’s most anticipated attractions: an earthquake simulator provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
The simulator allows participants to safely experience the motion of a real earthquake inside a furnished room, while safety experts guide them through protective actions such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” and demonstrate how everyday household items can become hazards during seismic events.
Experts from Bolt Down the Bay Area and Friedman’s Home Improvement will also be onsite at the Expo on Sunday, April 26 to share practical guidance on securing homes and building emergency kits to reduce risk before disaster strikes.
Hosted by Fire Safe Sonoma and Northern Sonoma County CERT, the Expo brings together fire agencies, municipalities, emergency responders, healthcare organizations, utilities, nonprofits, and residents to improve readiness for wildfires, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
The Expo includes two key components:
Saturday, April 25 features a large-scale mass casualty disaster simulation focused on emergency response coordination and training.
Sunday, April 26 is a free, family-friendly community event where attendees can explore interactive exhibits, attend demonstrations and workshops, and connect directly with safety
With a focus on accessibility, the Expo ensures that families, seniors, and vulnerable populations have access to the tools and information needed to prepare for emergencies.