Emergency Planning

CRMP EXTENDS EARTHQUAKE BRACE + BOLT GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE

Extension through October 17 aligns with California Great ShakeOut to boost earthquake preparedness awareness.

The program, which first opened this registration period on August 20, offers critical funding support for seismic retrofits that bolt houses to their foundations and brace crawl space walls—proven methods to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. With eligibility covering more than 1,100 ZIP Codes statewide, including 303 added earlier this year, the extension provides even more Californians with the opportunity to apply for up to $3,000 in grant funding. In fact, for the first time, CRMP has expanded EBB eligibility to include non-owner-occupied homes, allowing landlords to apply for this retrofit grant opportunity for their investment properties.

“Extending the deadline helps meet the high demand for earthquake retrofit assistance while drawing attention to the importance of preparedness as millions of Californians take part in the Great ShakeOut on October 16,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). “This extra time gives homeowners and rental property owners another chance to apply, choose a contractor, and begin strengthening their homes. Each retrofit improves safety not just for families but for entire communities.”

More than $20 million is available in this registration period to offset retrofit costs. Since the program’s launch in 2013, more than 33,500 California homeowners have received assistance through EBB.

Qualified income eligible households may also be eligible for supplemental grants of up to $7,000, which can cover as much as 100% of retrofit costs.

“Every retrofit makes California stronger and more resilient,” said Tom Welsh, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority. “By aligning with the Great ShakeOut, this extension ensures that more families are reminded of the simple but powerful steps they can take to protect their homes before the next big quake.”

The EBB grant program is administered by CRMP, a Joint Powers Authority between CEA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

Interested property owners can learn more and register at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com. The updated registration period runs through October 17, 2025.

About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)

Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity, such as ground shaking and soil failure, by bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit CRMP.org.

AlertOC

Register Your Cell Phone or Email Address to Receive Emergency Notifications from the City of San Clemente at 

www.AlertOC.gov 

Links to Other Websites Information and Planning Tools for All Hazards

• Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
• Preparing and maintaining the City of San Clemente’s Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan
• Maintaining the City Emergency Operations Center and communications equipment
• Training City staff who may be called upon to serve in time of disaster
• Assisting the City Manager with issues relating to emergency services
• Conducting emergency exercises in coordination with county, state, and federal agencies
• Working with other government agencies to develop and maintain integrated emergency plans for response to an incident at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS)
• Assisting individuals and community organizations to become prepared for a disaster
• Promote and use AlertOC, the City’s Community Mass Notification System (www.AlertOC.com)

Make a Plan

How often is your entire family all in one place at one time?

The likelihood becomes even less in the chance of a disaster. Odds are your children will be at school, your pet will be at home and you will be at work. How will you contact one another, get back together and handle the disaster in your individual locations?

Making a family emergency plan will help you to think about these questions and answer them before the disaster strikes.

Learn more about how to make a family plan by visiting ReadyOC.org, Orange County’s emergency planning webpage.

Put Together Your Emergency Supply Kit

How many gallons of water are in your closet? Do you have a flashlight and batteries in the car or extra medication at the office? 

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. 

However, your disaster kit may include other essential items that your family may need in the event of a disaster such as prescription medicine, diapers or spare contacts. 

Learn more about how to make a family plan by visiting ReadyOC.org, Orange County’s emergency planning webpage. 

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. Read more: Ready.gov.

• Informative guide to prepare seniors and caregivers for disasters and emergencies. You can see the guide here: https://www.seniorliving.org/research/disaster-preparedness/.  
• CDC (Center for Disease Control Prevention) https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-adult-emergency/index.html
• OCSD: Orange County Sheriff’s Department: https://www.ocsheriff.gov/commands-divisions/field-operations-investigations-command/emergency-management/resources-disaster
• OC Health Care Agency: https://www.ochealthinfo.com/about-hca/behavioral-health-services/bh-services/crisis-support/bhs-disaster-response/disaster-0
• Ready OC: Orange County’s emergency preparedness resource: http://www.readyoc.org/prepare/seniors.html

7/25/25 Now accepting registration for Fall 2025 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training. More Information

TriCities RACES/ARES Emergency Communications

Tri-Cities RACES/ARES is a volunteer organization of amateur radio operators committed to providing the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and surrounding communities, with radio communications during times of emergency or when needed for public service. More Information

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Put together your family emergency plan
Surviving an earthquake and reducing its health impact requires preparation, planning, and practice. You and your family can reduce your risk of injury during an earthquake by preparing beforehand. Take some time to gather supplies, identify and reduce possible hazards in your home, and practice what to do during and after an earthquake. Develop an earthquake plan for your household and then talk to your neighbors about developing a neighborhood plan. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Build a disaster preparedness kit
• Place large or heavy objects on the lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace taller top heavy objects.
• Store bottled foods, glass, china and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut
• Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables or desks
• Know the danger spots - near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, etc.
• Install flex fittings on all gas and water connections
• Practice earthquake drills with family members
• Maintain an updated out-of-state contact card

Visit the Great Shakeout to learn how to participate and get your family ready for an earthquake. 

For real time earthquake information visit the United States Geological Survey.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

Finding the correct FIRM map for your property location

San Clemente FIRM map #1

San Clemente FIRM map #2

San Clemente FIRM map #3

San Clemente FIRM map #4

San Clemente FIRM map #5

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Forms

Nuclear Energy Links

Radiation Detection and Monitoring Links

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) – Decommissioning
On June 7, 2013 Southern California Edison (SCE) announced that it will permanently retire Units 2 and 3 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). On June 12, 2013 SCE submitted a Certification of Permanent Cessation of Power Operations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) which opened the door to begin preparations for decommissioning.

Decommissioning Process
The decommissioning process is regulated by the NRC and involves the removal and disposal of radioactive plant materials and components, removal and safe storage of spent fuel and eventually the termination of the plant’s operating license.

Emergency Planning Changes at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

On Monday, June 8th, 2015 as part of the decommissioning process, the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has implemented the Permanently Defueled Emergency Plan (PDEP), a revised emergency preparedness plan that is appropriate for a decommissioning nuclear power plant. This change in emergency planning has been implemented because most potential accidents related to an operating plant are no longer possible at nuclear power plants that have shut down and where fuel has been removed from the reactor. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted a year-long review of the plan and approved it on June 5, 2015.

For the surrounding communities, emergency preparedness remains the same. The SONGS Interjurisdictional Planning Committee (IPC) is responsible for nuclear emergency planning in the region. IPC jurisdictions, including San Clemente remain committed to the protection of the public’s health and safety and will maintain nuclear specific emergency response plans and procedures that will align with Southern California Edison’s Permanently Defueled Emergency Plan.  Additionally, the IPC will continue to maintain the following emergency planning elements:

• Dedicated and trained emergency response personnel
• Radiological and environmental monitoring capabilities
• Integrated emergency plan and policy revisions approved by the IPC
• Emergency preparedness exercises and communications drills
• Ongoing public education and informational awareness campaign

Community Siren System
Southern California Edison will continue to maintain the Community Siren System for use by the surrounding jurisdictions. A siren testing schedule will be maintained to ensure the system remains operational. The schedule will be posted on the City of San Clemente calendar. 

SONGS Community Website
Visit the SONGS Community website at www.songscommunity.com for detailed information about decommissioning activities.

• SONGS Document Library 
• SONGS CEP Historical Meeting Topic Index

Community Engagement Panel
The CEP is an advisory panel that brings together all the different stakeholders of the decommissioning process and serves as a conduit of information between the SCE owners and the public. CEP meetings are open to the public and create an opportunity for all key interests to be voiced. CEP meetings will be recorded and aired on Cox Channel 30.

You can also view the meetings live via webcast or watch previous meetings on Southern California Edison’s website www.songscommunity.com.

• SONGS Document Library 
• SONGS CEP Historical Meeting Topic Index

SONGS Decommissioning Questions, Comments, Concerns

Telephone: (800) 332-3612

E-mail: nuccomm@songs.sce.com

Mailing Address:

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
P.O. Box 128
San Clemente, CA 92674-0128

What is Radiation?

Everything on earth is made of tiny particles called atoms. Some atoms in our environment naturally give off energy in the form of waves or particles. This energy is called radiation. You cannot hear, see, feel, taste or smell radiation. We receive small amounts of radiation every day from natural and manmade sources such as the air, the sun, minerals in the earth, the food we eat, the building materials in your house, x-rays used by dentists and doctors and our television sets. Even our bodies give off small amounts of radiation. The amount of radiation that a person gets is measured in millirems. The average U.S. citizen receives about 360 millirems per year from these types of natural and manmade sources. Information from detailed monitoring shows that nuclear power plants expose the public to less than one millirem per year.

How Will I be Notified if There is an Emergency?

You will be notified of an emergency by community alert sirens, roving public address systems, and/or emergency phone calls. The sirens are a signal for you to turn your radio or television to a local Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for important information from local officials. Please do not call 911 if you hear the sirens, unless you have a life-threatening emergency. The following radio stations will broadcast emergency information:

What will I be asked to do?

The EAS messages and news broadcasts will tell you more about the situation, and may ask you to evacuate or to Shelter-in-Place.

Evacuation: If you are directed to evacuate, please stay calm. Get in your car and proceed to I-5 N. Be sure to follow the directions of local law enforcement officers, as traffic patterns will likely change. If you know someone in your neighborhood who is without transportation, please give them a ride. Those without a ride can go to a public Transportation Assembly Point. If you are directed to evacuate while your children are at public school, do not attempt to pick them up. Children in the public schools will be pre-evacuated by Capistrano Unified School District to a safe location. You may contact your child's school to find out their evacuation location.

A Reception Center at the Orange County Fairgrounds will be opened for persons coming from Southern Orange County, if necessary during an emergency. (U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and San Diego County will open their own, separate Reception Centers.)

Shelter: Sheltering in Place is the process of staying where you and taking special precautions. If asked to take shelter, stay indoors, close off all ventilation, windows and doors, turn off air conditioners and close fireplace dampers. Listen to news reports to determine when it is safe to leave your shelter and evacuate the area.

What is a Reception Center?

A reception center is a meeting place for evacuees to check in and register, get assistance from the American Red Cross, and reunite with family members. The Orange County Reception Center is located at the Orange County Fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. At the Reception Center, evacuees will be provided with a place to sleep, meals and medical attention, if needed. Government health and fire department personnel will be available to monitor evacuees for exposure to radiological contamination.

What Should I Take With Me?

You should take necessary items for three days including prescribed medication, a small amount of cash, credit cards, toiletries, baby supplies and bedding.

What is Potassium Iodide?

Potassium iodide, or KI, is a chemical compound that contains iodine and can protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine. KI is only effective against exposure to radioactive iodine and only protects the thyroid gland. It does not protect against other types of radioactivity that might be released during a nuclear emergency. Radioactive iodine is a fission product produced within the fuel of an operating reactor. Unit 2 was defueled in July 2013 and Unit 3 was defueled in September 2012 so no fission has occurred in more than a year. Since fission has not occurred in more than a year and the plant is now decommissioning, potassium iodide (KI) distribution is no longer necessary as a supplemental protective action. If you have some on hand you may dispose of it. All KI distributed by the City of San Clemente to residents will expire July 2015. For more information click here. 

What do I do if I need special assistance?

You may need special help if you have a physical or mental disability or medical condition preventing mobility; are elderly or need life support systems. You can get assistance by registering with Orange County by calling (714) 828-7055 and request a special assistance card. (The card is addressed and postage has been paid for your convenience.)

For more information about SONGS, please visit www.songscommunity.com

Publications

• AT&T White Pages Emergency Information (PDF)

July 2021 Tsunami Map Update
The California State Tsunami Program updated state-wide Tsunami Hazard Maps on July 8^th, 2021. There are some small changes along the coast, with the most significant change being a reduction near Poche Beach. Please see this map for an outline of these changes (red indicates reduced tsunami hazard area).

In order to help the community understand the changes and what it means for San Clemente, the public is encouraged to check out the updated maps on the California State Tsunami Program's website. 

Tsunami Preparedness Links

Tsunami Information

The City of San Clemente has been certified by the National Weather Service as TsunamiReady. For information on what San Clemente residents need to know to prepare for, respond to and be notified of a tsunami,Click Here.

The word "tsunami" is Japanese and means 'harbor wave,' because of the devastating effects these waves have had on low-lying coastal communities. Tsunamis are often incorrectly referred to as tidal waves, but a tsunami is actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour in the open ocean. In the open ocean, tsunamis would not be felt by ships because the wavelength would be hundreds of miles long, with an amplitude of only a few feet. This would also make them unnoticeable from the air. As the waves approach the coast, their speed decreases and their amplitude increases. Unusual wave heights have been known to be over 100 feet high. However, waves that are 10 to 20 feet high can be very destructive and cause many deaths or injuries.

More Information on Tsunamis

City of San Clemente Tsunami Playbook (pdf) 

City of San Clemente Tsunami Emergency Information Brochure (pdf)

Tsunami Communications Drill March 2019 (pdf)

Tsunami Annex information (pdf)

West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/

NOAA Tsunami Website http://tsunami.noaa.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Services (FEMA)http://www.ready.gov/

Tsunami Information for Kids- A great animated video to teach children about Tsunamis http://www.readysandiego.org/kids/

The City of San Clemente is situated in a Wildland Urban Interface, an area where development meets undeveloped wildland. Structures in these zones are at a higher risk of a wildfire. There are many actions property owners can take to greatly minimize this risk.

What can you do to protect your home from wildfire?

Create and Maintain Defensible Space

Defensible space is the buffer between your structure and the surrounding area.

Adequate defensible space acts as a barrier to slow or halt the progress of fire that would otherwise engulf your property. It also helps ensure the safety of firefighters defending your home. Defensible space is the first line of defense for your home against wildfire. Click the following link to learn more -  https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace.

Be Prepared in the Event of an Evacuation Order

There may not be a lot of time to figure out who is home, what to take, where or when to go. Learn what you can do today by clicking on https://www.ocfa.org/rsg.

Organize a Firewise Community

A Firewise Community is a neighborhood with a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 2500 homes that is taking appropriate measures to become more resistant to wildfire damage. Benefits of being in a Firewise Community include:

• Homeowners Insurance Discounts (yes, even CA FAIR Plan).
•  Detailed, practical info about how to protect your home from fire.
• Access to funding for neighborhood wildfire mitigation activities.
• Helpful information about how to prepare your home and yourself for a potential evacuation.

For information on how to organize a Firewise community, please visit the following web pages:

NFPA Firewise Information Page:

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa

CalFire Firewise Communities Info:

https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities/

Firewise USA Sites Map:

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa/firewise-usa-sites

CA Department of Insurance- Safer from Wildfires Page

https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/Safer-from-Wildfires.cfm

Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Links

Wildland Fire Information
The City of San Clemente is in the Urban/Wildland Interface and is vulnerable to wildfire. Additionally, our coastal canyons can become very dry and promote the rapid growth of a fire. 

Although the City hasn't had major losses due to a wildfire since 1976, in Southern California we must always be vigilant and prepared for fire. 

In 2009 the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) launched its Ready! Set! Go! program to better prepare the community to prevent and prepare for wildfire. Visit Ready! Set! Go! for more information.

If a wildland fire is impacting the health or safety of our City, updates will be posted on the front page of the City's website. For information about fires outside of the City you may find the following links useful:

OCFA

US Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Sun-Post / Orange County Register

San Clemente Times

Winter storms in San Clemente can bring heavy rains, high winds and extreme temperatures to San Clemente.  Localized flooding and erosion are common during heavy winter rains.  Many structures in the city are built on hillsides or at the top of coastal canyons, creating an ever present danger of minor or major slope failure or landslides when the ground is saturated.  

Before the Storm

How can I prepare my property for winter storms?

Residential rain preparations should include clearing debris from gutters, downspouts and low areas in yards or patios that could cause water back-ups. Prevent runoff pollution into streets and storm drains by collecting any trash or landscape clippings from your property into their designated disposal containers. Secure outdoor furniture, equipment or toys and be sure pets have safe cover.

Take preventative measures now before the rain arrives and create a family action plan. Inspect your property for potential hazards and fix any past problem areas. Slopes, roof repairs, and places where water tends to accumulate are all areas posing potential hazards if there is extended rain. Purchase plastic sheeting and sandbags for your landscape while stores have supplies. While the City’s Public Works Department keeps sandbags on hand for emergencies, a major rain incident quickly depletes their supply.

When rain is predicted, put your trash cans up on the sidewalk or out past the gutter so that the water flow is not blocked.  This reduces the chance that your trash cans will overturn or wash down the street.  Please remove your trash cans from the street on your trash pick-up day as soon as possible after pick up.

Where can I get sand bags? 

The City has free sand bag supplies for citizens. The following locations have a sand pile, empty bags and shovel. Citizens can come and fill their own (limit 25 please).

• Richard T. Steed Memorial Park (247 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, Ca 92673) during park hours 6am -10pm Sand, shovels and bags are located in the back right corner of the main parking lot.
• San Gorgonio Park (2916 Via San Gorgonio, San Clemente Ca 92672) during park hours 6am- 10pm Sand, shovels and bags are located in the parking lot on the right just inside the park.

Additional bags can be purchased from local building/material supply stores (e.g. Lowes, Home Depot, WhiteCap), but call ahead to check availability.

My property is on a hillside, are there specific things I should do?

The City’s Engineering Division has guidelines for private property owners.  The guidelines include:

414331 Guidelines – Protecting Hillside Homes

414340 Guidelines – Recommended Slope Planting Palette

414350 Guidelines – Slope Repair

During the Storm

How do I Report Damage?

If you have a life or limb threatening emergency, call 911. 

During normal working hours the Front Desk of City Hall will direct your call to the appropriate location.  It can be reached at 949-361-8200. 

If the problem occurs during non-working hours, or you would like to reach the division directly, you can use the following contact numbers:

Maintenance Services - (949) 361-8317

• City Beaches
• City Parks
• City Trails
• Damaged Trees/Branches on Public Property – Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
• Street Damage or Obstruction
• Street Light/Sign Damage

 Utilities - (949) 366-1553

• Sewer Back-ups or Problems
• Storm Drain Blockages
• Street Flooding
• Ditch Blockages on Public Property – Generally, drainage ditches on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.  Some exceptions exist, i.e. easements.
• Water line damage or failure

 Engineering (949) 361-6118 or 361-6119 (Phone is answered only during working hours)

• Slope Failures from or onto Public Property

What should I do during a storm?

Protect yourself and your family.  The California Emergency Management Agency provides the following information:

• Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
• Do not try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Even water as low as inches deep may cause you to be swept away by strong currents.
• Do not try to drive over a flooded road. This may cause you to be both stranded and trapped.
• If your car stalls, abandon it IMMEDIATELY and seek higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
• Do not “sightsee” in flooded areas. Do not try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities.
• Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination.
• Use the telephone ONLY for emergency needs or to report dangerous conditions.
• Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.
• If flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions to the upper floors of your home.
• If advised by local authorities to leave your home, move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. Establish an out-of-state “family contact” so that friends and relatives will know who to call to get information about where you are.
• Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances, and if advised by your local utility, shut off electric circuits at the fuse panel and gas service at the meter.

What do I do if my property was damaged during the storm?

Should water or mud damage occur on private property, the owner must get in touch with their insurance company for referrals to approved remediation services. Those who may wish to contract on their own for assistance can find commercial vendors, and be sure to inquire if the company is licensed to do this work.