Local

Is my Sacramento County home in a flood zone? How can I prepare? Here’s what to know

As rain returns to the Sacramento area, the California Department of Water Resources is observing Flood Preparedness Week.

Local agencies across the state are sharing information about California’s flood risks and how to prepare for flooding, according to the department’s website.

Where is the flood risk in Sacramento County? What can residents do to prepare?

Here’s what you should know ahead of the winter weather season:

A semi-truck drives on Highway 99 on Jan. 1 past abandoned cars that were stranded amid flooding Dillard Road in south Sacramento County. NOAA has warned of a “historically strong” El Niño through January but, unlike last year’s drenching holiday storms, California’s wet season has been notably dry.
A semi-truck drives on Highway 99 on Jan. 1 past abandoned cars that were stranded amid flooding Dillard Road in south Sacramento County. NOAA has warned of a “historically strong” El Niño through January but, unlike last year’s drenching holiday storms, California’s wet season has been notably dry. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com

Where are flood risks in Sacramento County?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, here 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

To see if you live in a flood-risk area, you can type your address into FEMA’s flood map service center.

How can I prepare for a flood in California?

According to the California Department of Water Resources, you can prepare for flooding by following these 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

This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM.

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