As summer settles over our stunning basin, I want to take a moment to share some important updates on how we’re working to keep you safe, informed and resilient in the face of emergencies. From wildfire preparedness to planning to support law enforcement during evacuations, our team, alongside dedicated partners across the region, is committed to protecting this place we all call home.

TahoeAlerts: Your lifeline in emergencies

Let’s start with a tool that puts safety at your fingertips. Last year, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office proudly launched TahoeAlerts, a unified emergency notification system website designed to simplify how residents and visitors receive critical alerts. Whether you’re a full-time resident or renting a cabin for the week, staying informed shouldn’t be complicated. With TahoeAlerts, you can visit www.tahoealerts.com, enter your address or location, and instantly connect to the right notification system for your area. This GPS-powered tool bridges gaps between jurisdictions, ensuring no one gets left in the dark during a crisis. Sign up today—it’s one small step that could make a world of difference.

Training for the unexpected: Unified command 

Preparation is key, and this summer, Placer County is putting that principle into action. For the last couple of years, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit - Placer County Fire Department, and over 20 regional agencies gathered in North Lake Tahoe for the annual East Placer Unified Command Training. These drills simulate real-world emergencies, from wildfires to mass evacuations, testing coordination between fire crews, law enforcement and emergency managers. Last year, 100 responders honed their skills in live-fire scenarios. Why does this matter? Because when seconds count, practiced teamwork saves lives.

Firewise communities: Neighbors helping neighbors

Wildfire resilience isn’t just the job of first responders—it’s a community effort. In East Placer, we’re proud to collaborate with local fire districts, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and the Eastern Regional Firewise Coalition to empower neighborhoods. The ERFC, born from the Nevada County Firewise Coalition, focuses on our unique region east of the Sierra Crest. Their mission? To foster self-sufficient, fire-adapted communities through education, resources and boots-on-the-ground support.

As your OES team, we provide tools like grant assistance, defensible space guidance and coordination with county departments. But the real heroes are you—the residents who attend Firewise workshops, clear brush and champion preparedness. Together, we’re building a culture of resilience.

A regional evacuation plan: Strength in unity

If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from recent wildfires, it’s that emergencies don’t stop at county lines. That’s why agencies across two states and five counties came together to create the Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan. This “living document” links evacuation protocols basin-wide while addressing hyperlocal needs through seven annexes. Whether you’re in Kings Beach or South Lake Tahoe, the plan clarifies agency roles and resources.

Your role in a safer Lake Tahoe

While we’re hard at work behind the scenes, true preparedness starts at home. Here’s how you can help:

• Sign up for TahoeAlerts and encourage visitors to do the same.
• Create defensible space around your property—clear debris, trim trees and work with Firewise programs.
• Have a “go bag” ready with essentials like medications, documents and pet supplies.
• Practice your evacuation route and talk to neighbors about their plans.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently approved updated eligibility guidelines for the county’s first-time homebuyers program, which will provide qualified applicants with up to $100,000 in down payment assistance.

Funded through state housing programs, Placer County has a total of $2,624,007 available to assist eligible households in purchasing their first homes. The program offers a favorable loan term with a 1% minimum down payment, a 3% interest rate and a 30-year loan term to ensure affordability for applicants.

For details on a May 30 first-time homebuyer’s webinar hosted by the county’s Housing Division, click here.

LEARN MORE + ATTEND MAY 30 WEBINAR