LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – July 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - After collaborating across all public safety departments in the preparedness and evacuation workshop series, Laguna Beach continues to strive to increase community resiliency. Although the evacuation workshop series ended in May, additional workshops are currently being scheduled.

Based on community feedback and valuable input from locals, the City’s emergency evacuation zone maps have been updated. The number of evacuation zones and zone boundaries remain the same. Two zones have new names: Zone 8 (formerly called Club Laguna) is now El Toro, and Zone 11 (formerly called El Toro) is now Sun Valley to better reflect what the residents call the areas. Three zones have new numbers: North Coast (formerly Zone 9a) is now Zone 9, Central Coast (formerly Zone 9b) is now Zone 21, and South Coast (formerly Zone 9c) is now Zone 22.

Other map improvements include corrected street names, updated landmarks, and preparedness information based on lessons learned since the first iteration of maps. The latest maps are available to view and download on the city website’s Evacuation Planning page: lagunabeachcity.net/evacuation.

 Laguna Beach has only three main exit routes: north or south on Coast Highway, or Laguna Canyon Road. Knowing evacuation routes and planning ahead of time can help locals feel more confident when an evacuation is necessary.

 "The City's evacuation time study found that it could take an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes to evacuate Laguna Beach under a full-city evacuation scenario," said Police Chief Jeff Calvert. "That finding reinforces why preparedness matters. Residents who know their evacuation zone, have a plan in place, and are ready to leave early help improve safety for themselves, their families, and the entire community. The Police Department manages evacuations, but personal preparedness is a shared responsibility. Knowing your neighbors and working together can make a significant difference when it's time to leave quickly."

Staying alert includes receiving Alert Laguna Beach text messages. Text “92651” to 888-777 to sign up. Laguna Beach has also invested in an Outdoor Warning System (OWS) which is a series of speakers/sirens throughout the city that can be activated to sound a loud siren followed by safety instructions (i.e., shelter in place, evacuation). The city now tests this system quarterly, and the next test is on September 15, 2026 at 4 p.m. The OWS currently speakers/sirens, speakers/sirens, expanding to 25 by the fall and 27 by the end of 2026. The two newest locations will cover the areas of the Artisan Apartments and Canyon Acres.

“For residents, businesses, and visitors, the speakers add a redundant layer of alerts in addition to alerts to your cell and landline phones as an emergency situation unfolds,” said Fire Chief Niko King. “We encourage anyone who spends time in Laguna Beach to ensure they will receive notifications like Nixle and AlertOC, and to stay informed by checking apps like Watch Duty.”

 In addition to evacuations due to wildfires, Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond said “Locals and visitors to Laguna Beach should all know that a tsunami evacuation is a real possibility. Due to the geography here, it’s usually a short walk to higher ground. However, familiarizing yourselves with the tsunami impact zones and being prepared for potential evacuations will help everyone.”

To further prepare, Laguna Beach locals are encouraged to use the city’s Emergency Preparedness Guide. The Guide includes critical information that empowers the community to take ownership in their personal preparedness with checklists, resources, and ideas to complete a household emergency plan. Download the PDF from the City’s website, or pick up a printed copy at the Community Recreation Center (30516 S. Coast Hwy) or the Susi Q (380 Third Street).

For additional information, please contact the Emergency Management Division at 949.715.8615.