LAGUNA BEACH, CA – Wildfire is on everyone’s mind given the ongoing fire risks in Southern California. To help Laguna Beach locals become more prepared, the City is hosting a series of Community Preparedness and Evacuation Workshops. Participants will learn about their evacuation zone and their neighborhood’s evacuation routes. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask neighborhood-specific evacuation questions. Each workshop will include steps to begin planning for an evacuation.
Fire Chief Niko King stated “In Laguna Beach, wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. Our goal is not just to respond to emergencies, but to help our community be ready before they happen. When residents are signed up for alert and warning systems, have their go-kits packed, and coordinate with their neighbors ahead of time, evacuations become safer and more orderly. These workshops are about working together to make Laguna Beach more prepared.”
All Laguna Beach public safety departments are joining forces to provide a comprehensive and complete experience. Emergency Management will provide information on alert and warning systems, plus how to build an emergency kit, and how to help neighbors. The Fire Prevention team will be on hand with tips for home hardening and creating defensible space around a home.
The Marine Safety Department will also be there to address how beaches fit into the evacuation process and touch on tsunami evacuations. “During a tsunami event, our immediate priority is the rapid and orderly evacuation of all beaches and low-lying coastal areas. We work closely with Police, Fire, and regional partners to clear the sand, notify coastal residents, and move people to higher ground as quickly and safely as possible. Public awareness and early action are critical,” added Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond.
The Police Department will share evacuation zones and routes, laws, and useful tips. “When a wildfire threatens our community, decisions must be made quickly and under intense pressure,” said Police Chief Jeff Calvert. “The time to learn how evacuations work is long before smoke is in the air. Understanding your evacuation zone, knowing your routes, and being familiar with how public safety coordinates an evacuation can make all the difference. These workshops give residents the clarity and confidence they need to act decisively and safely when it matters most.”
The main focus of the workshop is a discussion-based simulation of evacuation scenarios within the zone. Participants will come away with a better understanding of how evacuations work, and how they can better prepare their household or business.
The City of Laguna Beach is divided into 22 Evacuation Management Zones, and each zone has a specific evacuation map. Locals will leave this workshop knowing when to leave, what to take, where to go, and how to get there.
The workshops are open to residents, business and property owners, as well as anyone who works, attends school or religious services, or participates in social activities in the city. To view evacuation zone information, workshop schedule, and to register: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/evacuation.
For additional information, please contact the Emergency Management Division at 949.715.8615.
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