Goal 1: High quality public safety, emergency preparedness, and response services.

Because no two disasters are ever the same, high quality public safety requires significant planning and preparation to support a variety of needs in a variety of conditions. Public safety must consider needed facilities, equipment, staff, training, public education, planning, and post disaster recovery. Adequate planning and preparation lead to strong response and recovery from hazard events, including fire, flooding, coastal hazards such as tsunamis and rogue waves, earthquakes, geologic hazards such as landslides, and extreme heat.

Goal 2: Evacuation routes and centers that are maintained to provide functionality during hazardous conditions.

Evacuation strategies are important to help ensure public safety and prevent injuries in an emergency. The need for evacuation could arise as a result of a hazard event and could involve either small or large numbers of people, depending on the type and extent of a hazard event. Therefore, effective evacuation strategies are key to protecting public health and safety and providing efficient access for first responders.

Goal 3: Tested and effective communication systems for emergency preparedness and response.

Communication systems are an essential component of emergency preparedness and response. Effective communication systems can help facilitate response efforts, connect people to resources, and educate people about emergency preparedness and response.

Goal 4: Reduced and well-managed urban and wildland fire hazards.

As urban and wildfire hazards can impact communities across Newport Beach, mitigation strategies and limits to new or redevelopment may be necessary. Many hillside communities in the eastern portion of the City, in and surrounding Newport Coast are in a very high fire hazard severity zone. Homes, businesses, and other structures in these areas must be adapted to prevent the spread of fire.

Goal 5: A community that is resilient to and protected from inland flooding.

While minimal, some areas of the City that are not along the coast are still vulnerable to flooding. Inland flooding can occur in flood plains and low-lying areas when rainfall exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the ground or accommodated by channels. While most flood risks exist in areas closest to the shoreline, it is important that inland flooding potential is also considered for the protection of existing and planned development.

Goal 6: A built environment adapted to provide relief from extreme heat.

As summer temperatures continue to get hotter and heat waves become more common, the City must adapt to changing temperatures to protect the health of residents and visitors, particularly vulnerable populations. Strategies such as air conditioning, home weatherization, and increased shade in public areas can help the community stay cool on hot days.

Goal 7: Buildings and utilities that are protected from seismic and geologic hazards.

While difficult to predict, seismic and geologic events pose a risk to physical structures. While new buildings are held to higher standards to be resilient to such events, existing buildings can be modified to minimize structural damage.

Goal 8: A community protected from airport-related hazards.

John Wayne Airport produces noise in the vicinity of the airport and its general aviation flight path. Additionally, the airport contributes to air quality in the vicinity of the airport. To the extent practicable, and consistent with the Settlement Agreement, there are actions the City can take to influence airport operations and help protect future residents from noise and air pollution.

Goal 9: A community protected from impacts of hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials produced from manufacturing and industrial facilities have the potential to negatively impact public health and safety and degrade the environment if not properly managed. Although hazardous materials are primarily regulated by state and federal agencies, local governments play a pivotal role in hazard mitigation planning, enforcement and inspection of hazardous waste generators, and increasing public awareness.

Goal 10: A community where residents, employees, and visitors feel a sense of comfort and safety.

Providing a sense of comfort and safety in the public realm can be achieved through design and development that encourages “eyes on the street.” The concept of “eyes on the street” uses place-based design in public spaces to increase community awareness, build social cohesion, improve community bonds, enhance sense of safety, and increase social interaction. Designing for safety can include regular maintenance of parks, lighting, trash, and streets; which requires a level of fiscal responsibility. Further, balanced communities with opportunities for a mix of uses such as residential, retail, employment, and visitor serving uses, can draw people at all hours of the day; increasing “eyes on the street” and community safety.