On January 1, 1997, a flood in Yuba and Sutter counties demonstrated the need for coordinated emergency response. Heavy rainfall followed by warm rain caused reservoirs to exceed flood control capacity, and voluntary evacuations were ordered for both counties. However, Yuba-Sutter Transit was not notified nor given evacuation orders. By chance, a transit analyst found out about the order and mobilized transit services for evacuation. With the help of bus drivers and volunteers, over 1,000 individuals were evacuated on buses that day.
The Sacramento region faces a number of potential emergency situations caused by events such as forest fires, flooding and earthquakes. The threat of natural (and man-made) emergencies establishes the need for good emergency planning in both urban and rural areas. In the event of an emergency, residents must be able to evacuate their homes and go to a safer area; however, evacuation can be tricky in rural areas where residents are dispersed and emergency services are not readily available.
SACOG is working with partner agencies to implement a project called the Sacramento Transportation Area Network (STARNET) system. Transit operators and emergency responders will be able to use STARNET to exchange information and coordinate operations in the Sacramento region. STARNET will allow real-time sharing of data and live video, as well as adjustment of joint procedures pertaining to roadways and public transit operation, and public safety activities. It will also provide more information for travelers via the region’s 511 website and interactive telephone service, 511.
For more information about emergency response, contact Lacey Symons at (916) 340-6212 or lsymons@sacog.org. For more information about the STARNET system, contact Mark Heiman at (916) 340-6232 or mheiman@sacog.org.