FLOOD-04: Coordinate with Federal, State, and Local Agencies to Improve Emergency Evacuation and Supply Transportation Routes
Measure Description
While the risk for large-scale flood-related evacuations in Sacramento County is relatively low, the risk is not zero, and additionally, even smaller-scale evacuations need to be prepared for. For any evacuation scenario, the limited bridge crossings in the county are just one of many unique considerations that could potentially complicate any scale of evacuation. Development of a comprehensive plan and multiple routes for evacuation and supply transport will be necessary to protect Sacramento County residents during flood events.
Implementation Status
Updated 08/25/2026
In Progress
Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies to prepare emergency evacuation plans and provide possible routes to assist with evacuations. In response to flooding and wildfire concerns, SacDOT submitted two grant applications for resiliency planning projects that will identify necessary transportation improvements in the Rancho Murieta and Wilton areas.
Sacramento County maintains the Sacramento Ready website as a central hub for emergency preparedness, alerts, and recovery: https://sacramentoready.saccounty.gov/ The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services (SACOES) partners with local jurisdictions to map evacuation zones and routes, all of which are available on the Sacramento Ready site, including downloadable PDFs in multiple languages. Each zone also includes livestock evacuation maps showing hazard areas and potential staging sites.
In 2026, SACOES renewed its StormReady designation through September 2030, supporting the County’s efforts to build the infrastructure and coordination needed to protect lives and property before, during, and after severe weather. To qualify, agencies must maintain 24/7 emergency operations and monitoring, have established emergency communication systems, and provide ongoing public education and outreach.
SACOES is also recognized as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, a NOAA-led program that highlights the County’s commitment to weather awareness, safety education, and community resilience. SACOES also coordinates closely with regional and federal partners to ensure timely alerts and response strategies.
For the first time, Sacramento County will begin testing its emergency alert system twice a year in 2026, expanding efforts to keep residents informed and prepared during emergencies. The goal is to give residents more opportunities to update their contact information. Sacramento County encourages everyone to sign up for Sacramento Alert through Smart911.
Actions
Action FLOOD-04-a
Action Description: Coordinate with the City of Sacramento, Cal OES, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, California Department of Water Resources, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in improving emergency evacuation and supply transportation routes during flood events.
Action FLOOD-04-b
Action Description: Identify locations of limited evacuation and supply transport capacity (e.g., bridges) and explore innovative alternative routes (e.g., American River bike trails, light-rail).
Action FLOOD-04-c
Action Description: Host workshops and develop educational materials to inform the public about vulnerable areas and designated evacuation routes.
Action FLOOD-04-d
Action Description: Develop or modify evacuation plans for inclusivity, providing accessible options for individuals without motor vehicles.
Action FLOOD-04-e
Action Description: Develop comprehensive and equitable communication strategies for emergency evacuations to reach everyone, regardless of language, literacy levels, or access to technology