At a recent meeting on April 1, 2025, Fullerton’s City Planning Manager Chris Schaefer introduced Aaron, the consulting firm that previously assisted the city of Brea in updating their safety protocols. The presentation aimed to shed light on the ongoing updates to Fullerton’s Safety Element—a crucial component of the city’s General Plan, originally adopted in May 2012 (see 2012 plan below).

Kriti Hofstetter Batiste, the Fire Department’s Emergency Preparedness Director, has been at the helm of this update process. Aaron explained that his involvement with Brea’s local hazard mitigation plan paralleled the guidance he provided to Fullerton. This updated plan is timely, particularly as the California legislature has modified requirements in the Government Code that impact safety elements across the state.

The Safety Element is one of several mandated chapters within the General Plan, which serves to address critical areas such as land use, housing, circulation, open space, conservation, noise, and, of course, safety. Depending on specific community needs, some jurisdictions may also be required to focus on environmental justice or air quality. Each chapter contains essential components including background information, hazard identification maps, and established goals and policies—all vital for enabling city officials to respond effectively to community safety needs.

As mandated by the Government Code, communities must protect themselves against unreasonable risks from various hazards. While communities are not required to address hazards that do not apply to them, the code promotes a comprehensive approach to safety planning.

In recent years, the California legislature has introduced several updates to address pressing issues such as flooding, wildfire risks, climate change, and evacuation strategies. The discussion around geological and seismic hazards has been particularly significant, especially following the devastating San Fernando Valley earthquake in 1971, which underscored the necessity for rigorous safety measures to prevent further devastation.

Flooding remains a pressing concern, illustrated by a capture from a previous flood event in Fullerton, where a resident was seen jet skiing down a submerged street. Such scenes highlight the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate flooding and water-related hazards, including considerations for sea level rise and potential tsunamis.

Wildfires have also emerged as a significant risk for many California communities, prompting heightened attention to vulnerable areas within Fullerton.

Historically, the requirements surrounding the safety element have evolved from vague guidelines to more specific mandates. The state has increasingly emphasized the importance of these safety plans, which now serve as a cornerstone for safeguarding communities against emerging risks. With the updates, Fullerton aims to harness federal funding opportunities, particularly through FEMA grants, to bolster its safety strategies.

As the city moves forward with the Safety Element update, officials are committed to ensuring compliance with all legislative mandates while strengthening the community’s resilience against the hazards that pose a threat to its residents.

This was adopted unanimously.