Emergency Preparedness
Be ready, Garden Grove.
Emergencies can happen with little warning. A few steps today help your household stay safe through earthquakes, storms, heat and power outages.
WINTER STORM SEASON 2026–27
The odds favor a wetter winter. Prepare now, while it's dry.
NOAA's seasonal outlook leans toward above-normal rain for Southern California from January through March 2027. That shifts the odds- but it doesn't guarantee big storms in any one neighborhood.
Detailed forecasts for a specific storm come a few days before it arrives. Get ready the way you would for any Southern California winter, and watch for alerts.
Check your home
Clear gutters and downspouts. Test yard drains with a hose. Have an older roof inspected by a licensed roofer. Renters: report leaks to your landlord now.
Keep storm drains clear
Keep leaves and trash out of gutters and drains. Report clogged drains, street flooding or fallen trees to the City at (714) 741-5375.
Check your insurance
Most homeowners and renter’s policies don't cover flooding, and a new flood policy usually takes 30 days to start. Get a quote at FloodSmart.gov.
Get your car ready
Check wipers, tires, lights, brakes and battery. Keep the tank full or the battery charged when storms are forecast.
Turn Around Don't Drown
Never drive or walk into flood water, or around a barricade. The road underneath may be gone.
- 6 inches can knock over an adult
- 12 inches can carry away most cars
- 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks
What the weather alerts mean
Outlook |
Watch |
Advisory |
Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
A hazard is possible in the next 7 days. Make a plan. |
A hazard could happen soon and threaten life or property. Have your plan ready. |
A hazard is happening or likely and could cause real inconvenience. Use caution. |
A hazard is happening or likely and threatens life or property. Take action now. |
HAZARDS IN GARDEN GROVE
Know what to do before it happens
Earthquakes
Drop, Cover and Hold On. Strap water heaters and secure tall furniture. Practice with the Great California ShakeOut.
Winter storms
Expect wet, slow roads and possible outages. Secure loose outdoor items and turn off sprinklers when rain is forecast.
Floods
Never enter flood water. Move to higher ground if water is rising. If you're told to evacuate, go right away.
Heat waves
Stay in air-conditioned spaces in the afternoon, drink water and check on older neighbors. Never leave children or pets in a car. Cooling centers: https://ggcity.org/cooling-center
Power outages
Use flashlights, not candles. Never run a generator or grill indoors. Report outages to Edison at https://www.sce.com/outages-safety/report-outage-safety-issue/report-ou… and check outage status at https://www.sce.com/outages-safety/outage-center/check-outage-status. Stay away from downed lines and report them to 911.
Fires
Install smoke alarms on every level and test them monthly. When nearby fires make the air smoky, stay indoors with windows closed. Fire safety: OCFA.
THREE STEPS TO GET READY
Step 1 - Get alerts
AlertOC: Orange County's official emergency alerts
During an emergency, the City and County send urgent instructions- like evacuation orders or shelter-in-place notices- through AlertOC. Messages arrive by text, phone call and email.
Some landlines are included automatically, but cell phones and email are not. Sign up so alerts reach you wherever you are. You can add several phone numbers and addresses, such as home, work, and a family member's home.
Register at AlertOC.org
Other ways to stay informed
- Wireless Emergency Alerts come to most cell phones automatically for the most serious emergencies. Keep them turned on in your phone's settings.
- National Weather Service San Diego issues the watches and warnings for Garden Grove at https://weather.gov/sgx.
- Follow the City on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.
Step 2 - Make a plan
Your household plan
- Pick an out-of-state contact everyone can call or text to check in. Local lines are often busy after a disaster.
- Choose two meeting places: one near home and one outside your neighborhood.
- Know your evacuation zone and two ways out of your neighborhood.
- Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity at your home.
- Plan for everyone, including older adults, people with disabilities or medical equipment, and pets.
Step 3 - Build a kit
Grab-and-go bag
Keep one at home, at work and in your car.
- Water and snacks
- Medications and a copy of prescriptions
- Copies of ID, medical and insurance cards
- Out-of-state contact's name and number
- Cash in small bills
- First aid kit, gloves and masks
- Flashlight, portable radio and batteries
- Phone chargers and a backup battery
- Sunglasses, hats and a change of clothes
- Pet food, leash, carrier and a photo with your pet
At home, also store: one gallon of water per person per day for several days, several days of non-perishable food, a manual can opener and a wrench to shut off utilities. Full checklist at Ready.gov/kit.
Get involved
Help your neighbors be ready
More Resources
Garden Grove City Hall
11222 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 741-5000 · info@ggcity.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am.-5:30 pm.; alternating Fridays, 7:30 am.-5 pm.
In an emergency: life-threatening, call 911.
Garden Grove Police Department
11201 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 741-5704 · police@ggcity.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 am-5 pm.
In an emergency: life-threatening, call 911.