S.A.F.E. Plan

Last Updated: July 2025

Being prepared for emergencies is a shared responsibility that strengthens our entire community. The City of Laguna Niguel encourages all residents to follow these 10 S.A.F.E. steps to protect your family and home from potential hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, and power outages.

The 10 S.A.F.E. Steps for Survival

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

  • Plan how your household will communicate, reunite, and evacuate if needed
  • Know local evacuation zones and routes specific to Laguna Niguel.
  • Include out-of-area contacts and practice your plan regularly.

Laguna Niguel's Neighborhood Evacuation Zones and Routes

2. Know How to Shut Off Utilities

    • Show all family members how to safely turn off gas, water, and electricity.
    • Keep a wrench or shut-off tool near the gas meter for quick access.

Tip: Do not turn gas back on yourself. Only a professional should do this.

3. Prepare Emergency Contact Cards

    • Include:
      • Out-of-area contact numbers
      • Medications and allergies
      • Emergency physician information
    • Keep copies in wallets, kits, and vehicles.

4. Secure Vital Documents

    • Store passports, insurance, and property records in a fireproof/waterproof safe.
    • Back up digital copies to secure cloud storage or an encrypted USB.
    • Take photos or videos of home contents for insurance claims.

5. Get Trained

    • Take a basic first aid and CPR course through the Red Cross or local providers.
    • Learn psychological first aid and disaster-specific care when possible.

Knowledge saves lives.

6. Build Your Disaster Kits

    • Prepare both Go-Kits (for evacuation) and Stay-at-Home Kits(for sheltering). Include:
      • Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (3-day minimum)
      • Non-perishable food, flashlight, extra batteries
      • Medications and prescription copies
      • Masks, gloves, and hygiene items
      • Pet supplies (food, leash, medications)
    • Also consider:
      • Portable phone chargers
      • Paper maps
      • Whistle and small bills in cash

7. Maintain Safety Equipment

    • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
    • Ensure fire extinguishers are charged and accessible.
    • Replace expired batteries and equipment as needed.

Safety starts at home.

8. Conduct a Home Hazard Hunt

    • Secure furniture, bookshelves, water heaters, and appliances.
    • Identify potential falling hazards and fix them.
    • Clear brush and create defensible space for wildfire safety.

9. Connect with Your Neighbors

    • Build relationships--neighbors often become first responders in a disaster.
    • Share emergency plans, resources, and check on each other after an incident.

Strong neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods.

10. Engage in Community Preparedness

    • Join or organize a Neighborhood Watch group in your area.
    • Stay informed about City safety initiatives, crime prevention tips, and preparedness events.
    • Encourage neighbors to exchange contact information and check on one another during emergencies.

Learn about Neighborhood Watch

Stay Informed

  • Sign Up for AlertOC to receive real-time emergency notifications.
  • Register for Nixle by texting '92677' to 888-777 to receive real-time alerts about local critical situations.
  • Download the City's FREE Mobile App, Laguna Niguel, to receive instant access to City updates and real-time traffic alerts for incidents causing major lane closures.
  • Download the MyShake App to receive early warnings before earthquake shaking starts.
  • Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in the area, and more.

Learn More & Access Preparedness Resources