Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness for Newport Beach Residents: Protecting Your Home and Family

Welcome to the Newport Beach Fire Department’s guide to disaster preparedness. Living in Newport Beach offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle, but it also means being prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, and floods. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 60% of Americans have not practiced what to do in a disaster, and nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a major disaster. These statistics highlight the importance of preparation to protect lives and property. This guide provides essential tips and resources to help you safeguard your home and loved ones.

Disaster Preparedness Documents: Senior Disaster Preparedness / 

Earthquakes

Understanding the Risk

Newport Beach is located in an earthquake-prone region. While earthquakes cannot be predicted, preparation can significantly reduce the impact on your family and property.

Preparation Tips

• Secure Your Home: Anchor heavy furniture, appliances, and water heaters to walls. Install latches on cabinets to prevent items from falling.
• Create an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and essential medications.
• Develop a Family Plan: Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy tables, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills.
• Know How to Turn Off Utilities: Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case of damage.

Links: ReadyGov Earthquakes / Cal OES Earthquakes

Wildfires

Understanding the Risk

Wildfires are a growing concern in Southern California. Even if your property isn’t directly in a wildfire zone, embers can travel and ignite structures.

Preparation Tips

• Create Defensible Space: Maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation and trimming trees.
• Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Upgrade roofing, siding, and decking with fire-resistant materials.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor wildfire conditions.
• Evacuation Plan: Have a go-bag ready and know multiple evacuation routes.

Links: ReadyGov Wildfires / CAL OES Wildfires

Tsunamis

Understanding the Risk

As a coastal city, Newport Beach is vulnerable to tsunamis triggered by distant or local seismic events.

Preparation Tips

• Know the Evacuation Zones: Familiarize yourself with Newport Beach’s tsunami evacuation maps.
• Stay Alert: If you feel an earthquake near the coast, move inland or to higher ground immediately.
• Heed Warnings: Pay attention to tsunami alerts and sirens.
• Plan Your Route: Identify safe areas inland and practice evacuation routes with your family.

Links: ReadyGov Tsunami's

Floods

Understanding the Risk

Flooding in Newport Beach can occur due to heavy rain, storm surges, or king tides. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly at risk.

Preparation Tips

• Protect Your Property: Use sandbags and barriers to redirect water away from your home.
• Elevate Utilities: Raise electrical panels, appliances, and HVAC systems above flood levels.
• Have Flood Insurance: Check your coverage and understand what is included.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Links: ReadyGov Floods

General Preparedness Resources

• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for AlertOC and Nixle notifications for real-time updates.
• Community Preparedness Programs: Join Newport Beach’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn valuable disaster response skills.
• City Evacuation Map: 
• Ready Newport Beach: Visit Newport Beach Ready for additional resources and updates.

Be Ready, Stay Safe

• Preparedness is a shared responsibility. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce risks and ensure the safety of your family and neighbors. For more information, contact the Newport Beach Fire Department or visit the City's Disaster Preparedness Main Webpage.
• Together, we can create a resilient Newport Beach.