The Department of Homeland Security graded 75 US cities and regional areas on operating procedures, the use of communications systems and how effectively local governments have coordinated in preparation for a disaster.

Federal officials say in all three categories - the Sacramento area is between "intermediate" and "advanced".

Only 6 cities are judged “advanced” in all three categories, San Diego being the only one in California.

According to the study, the Sacramento area is better prepared than San Francisco, Portland and San Antonio.