Local

Where is the flood risk in Sacramento County and how can I prepare? Follow these tips

The California Department of Water Resources’ Flood Preparedness Week has begun after a weekend of rain accumulating over two inches in part of the Sacramento region.

From Oct. 21 to Oct. 28, local agencies across the state will share information about California’s flood risk and how to prepare during a flood, according to the department’s website.

On Sunday night, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for parts of Placer, Sacramento, Yolo and Sutter counties.

Here’s what you need to know about preparing for flooding:

How can I prepare for a flood in California?

You can prepare for flooding by following the department’s three steps:

  • Be aware: Check to see if your home is in a flood zone and stay updated on weather alerts.
  • Be prepared: Have a flood evacuation plan ready with a prepared emergency evacuation kit and copies of your important documents.
  • Take action: Evacuate when you are advised to.

Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so the department recommends purchasing flood insurance.

According to the city of Sacramento, emergency flood kits should include:

  • Important documents, such as copies of birth certificates and insurance policies
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Radio powered by batteries
  • Medication
  • Food and water that will last at least three days
  • Cat carriers, dog leashes and pet food

Where are flood risks in Sacramento County?

Here are are the areas in Sacramento considered at high risk for flooding:

Where Sacramento County could flood

This map shows the 100-year floodplain in Sacramento County as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Areas in blue are considered at high risk for flooding, with a 1% chance of flooding annually and a 26% of flooding over the 30-year life of a mortgage. Properties in these areas are required by mortgage lenders to carry flood insurance. Use the magnifying glass to search for your address, or zoom in to see your neighborhood more closely. Toggle the basemap to see satellite imagery of the region.
Source: FEMA. Map: NATHANIEL LEVINE

This story was originally published October 23, 2023 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Where is the flood risk in Sacramento County and how can I prepare? Follow these tips."

Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW