Most areas of Long Beach are fairly safe, even after dark. There are two major areas that are not quite as safe and should be avoided after dark. Caution is called for even during the daytime in these areas.
The first of these areas is in the south-western portion of the city. This area is bounded, starting from the south-east corner, by Redondo Blvd. and 4th, running north to the Signal Hill border. Along the Signal Hill border north-west to the 405 Freeway, along the freeway to the western border of Long Beach and Wilmington, down to 4th St.
The second and more dangerous of the areas is North Long Beach north west of the LGB airport. The approximate boundaries of this area are from Del Amo and Cherry, north to the north border of the city, along the north border to the west border and back south to Del Amo. This area, which borders on Compton, has a reputation for gang activity and is one of the more active police and fire districts in the city.
During the riots of 1992, both of these areas experienced violence, looting, destruction of property.
police
Long Beach has its own police department operating from four main stations throughout the city. Police can be reached by dialing 911 toll-free from any phone. The Long Beach Police now receive 911 calls directly from cell phones however calling 911 from a cell phone when near freeways will connect you with the California Highway Patrol. To reach the Long Beach Police directly from a cell phone, dial +1 562 435-6711.
South Station
400 W. BroadwayWest Station
1835 Santa Fe AvenueNorth Station
4891 Atlantic AvenueEast Station
4800 Los Coyotes Diagonal
fire/emergency medical services
Long Beach also has its own Class 1 Fire Department. The Class 1 designation indicates that response times to emergencies average 5 minutes or less. To request emergency assistance from the Fire Department, dial 911 toll-free from any phone.
Every fire engine and truck is staffed by fire-fighters with Basic Life Support training. The department also has a number of Advanced Life Support certified Paramedic Ambulances strategically stationed around the city. Fire Department Ambulances are available for emergency medical transport to a hospital, however, be aware that you will be billed for transport.
hospitals
Long Beach is well-served by hospitals. There are three major hospitals in the city, including two that are trauma centers Memorial and St. Mary capable of handling the most critical emergencies. All five of the hospitals listed below have 24-hour emergency rooms.
Long Beach Memorial Hospital
(http://www.memorialcare.o...) - 2801 Atlantic Avenue, +1 562 933-2000St. Mary Medical Center
(http://www.stmarymedicalc...) - 1050 Linden Avenue, +1 562 491-9000Community Hospital Long Beach
(http://www.chlb.org/) - 1720 Termino Avenue, +1 562 498-1000While there are three hospitals in the city, they are all south of Interstate 405. In North and East Long Beach, the nearest hospitals are located in neighboring cities.
North: Lakewood Regional Medical Center (http://www.lakewoodregion...) - 3700 East South Street, Lakewood, +1 562 531-2550. This hospital has an emergency room reservation service. See their website for details.
East: Los Alamitos Medical Center (http://www.losalamitosmed...) - 3751 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, +1 562 598-1311. This hospital has an emergency room reservation service. See their website for details.