The City of Sacramento hosted disaster shelter training Wednesday, April 3 at Oak Park Community Center.
Training was conducted by volunteers from the American Red Cross and included dozens of City staff from the Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Department (YPCE).
During emergencies, the YPCE department is tasked by the Office of Emergency Management to conduct care and shelter activities during times of emergencies when residents may need evacuate.
“Thanks to the American Red Cross, this training fully integrates Access and Functional Needs considerations to ensure that all City of Sacramento’s disaster shelters are capable of supporting all residents including those with disabilities,” said Daniel Bowers, Director of Emergency Management. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our whole community during hazardous incidents.”
During major emergencies, there is a likelihood for the City to activate shelters, and the City is prepared to open several when necessary. The City ran shelters will be located at Community Centers and operated in partnership with the American Red Cross.
“City of Sacramento has not needed to open disaster shelters recently, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t prepared to do so,” said Bowers.
This training is an example of maintaining the City’s readiness to protect and shelter residents and fellow Californians throughout the region should a catastrophe occur.
During this past summer when Northern California endured destructive fires, the City of Sacramento was prepared to receive evacuees and displaced persons if needed.