Preparedness Starts at Home, but We’re in This Together
Every September, Placer County joins the nation in recognizing National Preparedness Month. Emergencies come in many forms—wildfire, flood, avalanche, extreme weather—and while we can’t predict when or where the next disaster will strike, we can prepare together.
Across our county, dedicated teams work on the frontlines and behind the scenes to keep our communities safe before, during and after an emergency. Here’s a look at some of the many Placer County departments and divisions ready to serve when you need them most.
Placer County Office of Emergency Services
Learn more about the Office of Emergency Services.
From coordinating emergency operations to leading preparedness campaigns, the Placer County Office of Emergency Services is at the center of disaster response and recovery. They bring together county departments, local partners and state and federal agencies to ensure resources are in place when disaster strikes.
Jacqui Manning with the Placer County Office of Emergency Services serves as a key liaison and coordinator for the Fire Safe Alliance of Placer County, Firewise USA® program and Placer County Fire Safe Councils. In this role, Jacqui helps connect community groups, fire districts and county departments to strengthen wildfire preparedness and resilience across the region.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office
Learn more about the Placer County Sheriff's Office.
When lives and property are at risk, the Sheriff’s Office is among the first to respond. Deputies provide law enforcement, evacuation support and community safety during fires, floods and other emergencies.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jason Welsh plays a vital role in the county’s Emergency Operations Center as an embedded member of the Placer County Emergency Management Team. Lt. Welsh actively participates in planning activities and educates community members about the county's Placer Alert emergency notification system, go-and-stay kits and high-low sirens.
CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department
Learn more about the CAL FIRE /Placer County Fire Department.
Firefighters and emergency personnel are on the ground battling wildfires, performing rescues and protecting our neighborhoods. Their commitment saves lives and limits damage year-round.
CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department Assistant Chief. Ryan Woessner serves as a critical link in the Placer County Emergency Operations Center as part of the Emergency Management Team. His role brings firsthand fire service expertise into countywide planning and response, ensuring wildfire prevention, fire suppression and emergency medical services are fully integrated with other emergency operations. Woessner also oversees fire marshals, ensuring fire building codes are met and educating the public about defensible space.
Public Health Division
Learn more about the Public Health Division.
Placer County Health and Human Services administrative technician Beth Friend plays a vital role in supporting evacuation shelters during disasters. From coordinating resources to helping protect residents from extreme heat, wildfire smoke or other health risks, her work ensures that Placer County is ready to care for those in need when emergencies strike. During emergencies, Beth manages critical supplies, ensuring that important medical supplies and cots are coordinated and delivered to shelters.
Animal Services Division
Pets and livestock are family, too. Animal Services provides safe shelter for displaced animals, reunites lost pets with owners, and offers peace of mind to those forced to evacuate.
Placer County animal control officer Anna Piland plays a critical role during emergencies by ensuring the safety and well-being of pets and livestock. Whether it’s coordinating safe shelter, arranging food and water or helping reunite animals with their families after an evacuation, Anna provides peace of mind to residents when they need it most. Her compassion and expertise remind us that preparedness extends to every member of the family—two-legged and four-legged alike.
Public Works
Learn more about Public Works.
Whether it’s clearing snow, removing downed trees or repairing flood-damaged roads, Public Works crews keep traffic moving safely and ensure emergency responders can reach the people who need help.
Public Works also redesigns infrastructure such as the new Yankee Jims Bridge in Colfax, helping ensure that services can be provided when people need it the most.
Learn more about the Yankee Jims Bridge project.
Placer County sign worker Matt Byers is part of the Public Works team that helps keep roads safe during emergencies. When disasters strike, Matt works quickly to place traffic signs and road closure notices, guiding drivers away from danger and redirecting them safely to their destinations.
Regional Forest Health Division
Learn more about the Regional Forest Health Division.
Prevention is preparedness. This division partners with agencies, organizations and the community to reduce wildfire risk through forest health programs, fuels management and long-term resilience projects.
Placer County Regional Forest Health senior planner Nick Coleman plays a pivotal role in advancing the division’s mission to keep forests healthy and communities wildfire resilient. By coordinating restoration projects, fuels reduction efforts and long-term forest management strategies, Nick helps bridge science, policy and on-the-ground action. His work not only reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires but also strengthens the natural landscapes that protect water, wildlife and people throughout Placer County.
Learn about Placer County's 10-Year Countywide Action Plan Prioritization Framework.
Procurement Services
Placer County Procurement Services staff member Samantha Escalante provides invaluable support, particularly during the recovery phase of an emergency. From sourcing essential supplies to ensuring contracts are in place, she helps restore services quickly and efficiently. Her behind-the-scenes work makes it possible for responders and county departments to focus on helping residents, knowing that critical resources will be there when they’re needed most.
Library Services
Libraries aren’t just places to read—they become community lifelines in times of crisis. Staff extend hours during extreme weather, provide safe indoor space and operate industrial-grade air purifiers on smoky days.
Placer County Library clerk Rachel West and library specialist Jacob Towne are among the many friendly faces ready to welcome you at our libraries. In addition to offering books and resources, they help ensure these spaces remain safe havens during emergencies—places where residents can find comfort, clean air and community support when they're needed most.
Probation Department & Chipper Program
Through an innovative partnership with the Placer Resource Conservation District, probationers support wildfire preparedness by staffing the low-cost Placer County Chipper Program—helping residents create defensible space around their homes.
Placer County Deputy Probation Officer Troy Tate, along with Placer Resource Conservation District employee Jason Graydon and chipper crew members Branden McCoy and David Trnka, are on the ground turning branches and brush into mulch. Their work helps residents clear hazardous vegetation and reduce wildfire risk, making neighborhoods safer and more resilient. This partnership not only supports community preparedness but also provides meaningful opportunities for probationers to contribute to the safety of Placer County.
Public Information Officers
When seconds matter, clear, reliable communication saves lives. PIOs across Placer County—including the Sheriff’s Office and CAL FIRE—work around the clock to keep the public informed.
Placer County visual communications specialist Erik Bergen criss-crosses the county during emergencies, capturing powerful visuals that help keep communities informed and prepared. His ability to deliver clear, timely imagery ensures residents understand both the risks and the response in real time. Beyond his communications role, Erik also serves on the Placer County Search and Rescue Team, bringing firsthand field experience that strengthens the accuracy and urgency of the information shared. His dual perspective makes him an invaluable part of the county’s emergency communications effort.
Learn more about the Placer County Public Information Office.
Preparedness Is a Year-Round Commitment
National Preparedness Month reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a resident, business owner or community leader, your actions today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Stay connected and ready by signing up for Placer Alert and bookmarking the Ready Placer Dashboard for real-time information during emergencies. If you live in a high-fire-risk area, consider building a fire-resilient neighborhood—become a Fire Wise USA® Community, get involved with your local Fire Safe Council and learn more through the Fire Safe Alliance of Placer County.
And don’t forget the essentials: create a stay-go-kit, make a family evacuation plan and ensure your business or organization has an emergency plan in place. Visit the Ready Placer webpage to learn more.
Together, we can keep Placer County informed, prepared, and resilient—all year long.
Credits:
Portrait photography by Dea Burlew