Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: June 5, 2026, 11:30 a.m.
General Information
What is the status of the hazardous materials?
Cleanup activities continue at the GKN Aerospace facility under the oversight of the OC Health Care Agency, South Coast AQMD and GKN Aerospace.
The planned removal of neutralized methyl methacrylate (MMA) from the storage tanks at GKN Aerospace did not begin on Thursday, June 4th, as previously announced due to unavailable resources.
Once a removal date is confirmed, advance notice will be provided to the community with important information, including the potential odors during the activity. Daily updates are being posted at www.occupainfo.com.
Is the air safe to breathe?
Air monitoring continues at the facility perimeter and in the surrounding community to ensure public safety and guide response actions.
The Orange County Health Care Agency advised that cleanup activities at the facility may cause temporary odors with a fruity or plastic-like smell. It is confirmed that the intermittent odors are well below levels associated with health concerns.
An interactive map and data dashboard is now available on the www.occupainfo.com webpage enabling residents to view air monitoring data from the stationary and mobile air monitoring at the site.
Is there any financial assistance available for impacted residents or businesses?
Orange County United Way has launched the OC Community Resilience Fund to provide direct assistance to residents and businesses affected by the recent chemical incident impacting Garden Grove, Stanton, Westminster, Cypress, Anaheim and Buena Park.
If you need assistance, please follow the steps below:
To Apply
- Call 211
- Select Option 7
- Provide basic information, including your name and address. Agree to participate in the program.
- A member of the 211 team will follow up with you to complete the eligibility and review process.
Is it safe for residents to return home?
Yes, it is safe to return home and move about in the previous evacuation area. As of May 26, all evacuation orders related to the hazardous materials incident have been lifted. Reentry decisions are made by a team of public safety officials based on conditions in the affected area. Orange County health officials have confirmed that there are no air quality or other health concerns in the area.
Should residents clean their homes or businesses in a specific way after returning?
There is no need to take any action inside or outside of a home or business. Public safety and health agencies have confirmed that there was no release of chemicals that would warrant specific cleaning or safety precautions.
Have City services resumed in and around the evacuation area?
Yes. As of May 27, all City services in and around the evacuation area have resumed. This includes services such as water service, trash collection, utilities, mail delivery and street sweeping. Residents and businesses should also contact their utility providers directly if they are experiencing any individual issues with gas, electricity or other service connections.
Is City Hall open for regular business?
Yes. City Hall is open, and City employees continue to serve the community. Residents and businesses may continue contacting City departments for regular City services, in addition to using the emergency hotline for incident-related questions.
Business
What resources are available for businesses affected by the incident?
The City's website is being updated with the latest business support resources for businesses affected by the hazardous materials incident. These resources may include information from the County of Orange, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center and other partner agencies. Businesses affected by the incident are encouraged to review the resources posted on the City's website and complete the SBA Assistance Worksheet if applicable.
In addition, the Small Business Development Center is hosting a free webinar for businesses impacted by the chemical incident on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. The webinar will be offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean, and will include information about available federal, state, county and local resources, business support services and guidance for impacted businesses.
Will the City provide documentation showing that my home or business was in the evacuation area?
Yes. The City will post an official letter on its website that residents and businesses may use to help verify that they were located within an evacuation area during the hazardous materials incident. The letter is intended to help residents and businesses document the evacuation for purposes such as insurance, employment, school, business interruption discussions or other personal recordkeeping needs. The City cannot guarantee how the letter will be used or accepted by third parties.
Can the City confirm whether my specific address was in the evacuation zone?
The City is working to provide information that helps residents and businesses verify whether they were located within the evacuation area. Residents and businesses should check the City's website for the official evacuation verification letter and any related maps or instructions.
For additional questions, contact the Garden Grove Emergency Hotline during business hours at (714) 741-5444.
How will residents or businesses be reimbursed for evacuation-related costs?
Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowners or renters insurance companies. Businesses should contact their insurance providers regarding potential claims or coverage.