Alert SouthBay
Gardena participates in the regional emergency notification system for critical alerts by text, email and other channels.
Homeowner Safety Resource
Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Recovery
A practical Carnelian guide to preparing your household, receiving local alerts, learning emergency skills and knowing where to turn after an earthquake, storm, power outage or other major emergency.
Start Here
Four things every household can do now
Preparedness is most useful when it is simple, practiced and shared with everyone in the household.
1
Know your risks
For Gardena and the South Bay, prepare for earthquakes, severe weather and flooding, utility outages, fires and other local emergencies.
2
Make a family plan
Choose meeting places, an out-of-area contact, evacuation routes and a plan for children, older adults, disabilities and pets.
3
Build your supplies
Keep water, nonperishable food, medications, lighting, batteries, first aid, cash, copies of key documents and a portable go-bag.
4
Get alerts & training
Register for local alerts, enable phone emergency warnings and consider CERT, CPR or first-aid training before an emergency happens.
Gardena & South Bay
Local alerts and hands-on training
The City of Gardena encourages residents to know their risk, make a household plan, build a kit, get involved locally and stay informed through Alert SouthBay.
Tri-City CERT
Community Emergency Response Team training serves Gardena, Hawthorne and Lawndale and provides disaster-preparedness education, drills and response skills.
City of Gardena
The City’s preparedness guidance connects residents with local hazard information, household planning, emergency kits, training and Alert SouthBay.
Build Your Kit
Plan for at least the first few days
Ready.gov recommends a basic supply kit that includes at least a three-day supply of water and nonperishable food, plus supplies matched to your household’s needs.
Food & water
- Water for drinking and sanitation
- Nonperishable food
- Manual can opener
- Pet food and special dietary items
Light, power & information
- Flashlights and spare batteries
- Battery or hand-crank radio
- Phone power banks and charging cables
- Local maps and important phone numbers
Health & personal needs
- First-aid supplies and medications
- Eyeglasses and mobility needs
- Hygiene and sanitation supplies
- Copies of IDs, insurance and key records
Tip: Keep a smaller go-bag ready for evacuation and consider a separate kit for your vehicle. Review supplies periodically for expired food, water, medications and batteries.
Earthquake Readiness
Seconds matter in Southern California
California’s Earthquake Warning system can provide valuable seconds of notice before strong shaking reaches your location.
Get MyShake
California’s free MyShake app can provide earthquake warnings. Keep emergency alerts enabled on your phone.
Drop, Cover & Hold On
If you receive a warning or feel shaking: drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture when available, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Reduce hazards at home
Secure tall furniture and heavy objects, know where utility shutoffs are located, keep shoes and a flashlight accessible, and have a qualified professional properly secure your water heater.
During & Immediately After
Protect people first
Follow official emergency instructions and do not enter damaged or unsafe areas just to inspect property.
Life safety
- Call 911 for immediate threats to life or safety.
- Check yourself and household members for injuries.
- Expect aftershocks after an earthquake.
- Stay away from downed power lines and visibly damaged structures.
Natural gas safety
SoCalGas advises residents not to shut off the gas meter unless they smell gas, hear escaping gas or see another sign of a leak—and only when it is safe. If the meter is shut off, do not turn it back on yourself.
Check on neighbors safely
Once your household is safe, check on nearby neighbors who may need help, especially older adults or people with access and functional needs. Do not place yourself in danger or enter damaged structures.
Recovery
What to do after the immediate danger
Recovery can take time. Document conditions, protect your household from secondary hazards and use verified public resources.
1
Document damage
When it is safe, take photos or video of damage before cleanup and keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary expenses.
2
Contact insurance
Report covered damage promptly and follow your insurer’s instructions before authorizing major repairs whenever possible.
3
Use verified assistance
If a disaster is federally declared, check FEMA and DisasterAssistance.gov for available programs. Be cautious of unsolicited contractors or requests for payment.
4
Report common-area issues
After life-safety concerns are addressed, report Carnelian common-area damage, access problems or other Association concerns to property management.
Trusted Resources
Bookmark these before you need them
LocalCity of Gardena PreparednessLocal hazards, planning, kits, training and alerts.
AlertsAlert SouthBayRegional emergency notification registration for Gardena residents.
TrainingTri-City CERTEmergency-response and preparedness training for Gardena, Hawthorne and Lawndale.
FederalReady.govFamily planning, supply kits, evacuation and hazard-specific guidance.
CaliforniaEarthquake Warning CaliforniaMyShake, earthquake alerts and preparedness resources.
FEMAFEMA AppPreparedness information, alerts, shelters and disaster recovery resources.
RecoveryDisasterAssistance.govOfficial federal portal for assistance when programs are activated.
UtilitiesGardena Public WorksCity infrastructure contacts and frequently used utility numbers.
Important
This page is an educational homeowner resource, not an emergency operations plan. During an emergency, follow instructions from police, fire, the City of Gardena, Alert SouthBay and other public-safety agencies. For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911. Association management should be contacted for common-area and HOA-related issues after urgent safety needs are addressed.