Office of Emergency Management
During disasters or large scale incidents the Butte County OEM coordinates the overall response through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). When activated, the EOC provides a central location for responding and supporting agencies to collaborate response and recovery efforts in order to effectively and efficiently provide information and deploy resources.
In non-disaster times the Butte County OEM supports and coordinates disaster planning, community preparedness, mitigation, and training.
Emergency Mass Notifications
Sign up for Emergency Mass Notifications.
Email the Butte County Sheriff's Office if you have trouble registering your address for notifications.
Emergency Management Functions
Protection (Prevention)
Actions taken to stop or avoid an incident.
Mitigation
Measures to reduce the likelihood of occurrence, or reduce the damaging effects of the hazard. These activities should be done prior to an incident.
Preparedness
Preparedness activities increase a community's ability to respond when a disaster occurs. Emergency response plans, evacuation plans, family communications plan and assembling a family disaster kit are just a few examples of preparedness.
Response
Actions taken immediately before, during and after a disaster to protect human lives and property from damaging effects. For individuals, it is being able to act responsibly and safely to protect yourself and your family from the impacts of a disaster event.
Recovery
Actions taken to return community to normalcy. For catastrophic events this may take years.
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Ready
Part 3: Set
Part 4: Go
The following videos are a four-part series of lessons learned in Butte County in the wake of the Camp Fire.
Part 1: Preparation
Part 2: Day of Fire
Part 3: Aftermath
Part 4: Lessons Learned
The Butte Fire Safe Council created a website with information specific to Broom, a yellow blooming shrub that is quick to sprout and grow but increases wildfire danger. For more information on Broom and how it is impacting the Camp Fire Burn Scar, check out Doom the Broom.
Many California residents have a hard time finding home insurance because of local fire risk. If you're looking for home insurance, try the Home Insurance Finder to receive multiple insurance quotes, a consumer buying guide and a home value estimate.
Earthquake Warning California is the country's first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Managed by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Californians to "Drop, Cover and Hold On" in advance of an earthquake. More information is available at Earthquake Warning California.
What if I Need to Evacuate?
- Be familiar with routes in and out of your neighborhood and community. Practice driving these routes during the day and at night.
- Does your community have an evacuation plan and map? Visit our Disaster Preparedness page to learn more.
- Do you know your Zone Number? Butte County has evacuation zones, it is important to remember the last three numbers of the zone you live in.
- Maintain Awareness (PDF) during developing emergencies. If you feel threatened, don't wait for an evacuation order. Also alert family and neighbors.
- Prepare Your Family (PDF) for a possible evacuation.
- Be Ember Aware (PDF).
- Do you have a Go Bag (PDF)? Put it in your vehicle and back into the driveway or garage with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed.
- Do you have animals? Be Prepared to Take Them with You (PDF).
- Promptly follow the instructions and evacuation orders given by public safety officials.
What Does It All Mean?
Immediate Evacuation Order
Requires the immediate movement of people out of an affected area due to an imminent threat to life. Choosing to stay could result in loss of life. Staying may also impede the work of emergency personnel. Due to the changing nature of the emergency, this Immediate Evacuation Order may be the only warning that people in the affected area(s) receive.
Evacuation Warning
Alerts people in an affected area (s) of potential threat to life and property. People who need additional time should consider evacuating at this time. An Evacuation Warning considers the probability that an area will be affected and prepares people for a potential Immediate Evacuation Order.
Shelter-in-Place
Advises people to stay secure at their current location by remaining in place as evacuation will cause a higher potential for loss of life.
Public Assembly Point
A temporary assembly area that provides a safe haven for evacuees to assemble until conditions subside and evacuation routes are accessible, or for evacuees who otherwise cannot evacuate the community on their own and need assistance to be moved to a shelter. Note: Evacuees who are capable of evacuating on their own to designated shelters or other areas outside of their community do not need to go to Public Assembly Points unless directed by public safety officials.
When Can I Go Back Home?
You may not be able to get back into the area for several hours or several days depending upon emergency conditions. Public safety officials working with utility companies and other agencies must ensure that the area is safe for residents to return, considerations include ensuring the fire or other emergency has been abated, hazard trees removed and utilities restored or secured to name a few. Stay Informed (PDF) for news of when the threat is mitigated and access is given to residents with identification.