Overview

• A recent report by California's Office of Inspector General highlights that no state prison has a plan to evacuate beyond its gates within the critical first 72 hours of a disaster.
• California prisons are operating at 120% capacity, with overcrowding and aging infrastructure worsening emergency response challenges.
• The report issued 18 recommendations to bring the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation into compliance with state emergency planning regulations.
• Lawmakers and advocates are pressing for systemic reforms, warning that current gaps could lead to loss of life during wildfires, floods, or earthquakes.
• The Department of Corrections claims adherence to FEMA’s National Incident Management System but faces criticism for relying on external agencies for large-scale evacuations.