Winter Storm Preparedness At Lake Tahoe
Winter Storm Preparedness, Tahoe Region
Living or traveling in snow country isn't like living or traveling in California's valleys or the coast. The rugged terrain and challenging weather which make this region so beautiful also require a greater level of safety preparedness from residents and visitors alike.
Remember the following tips to maximize your safety and enjoyment of the beautiful Tahoe area.
Drive SLOWLY on snow or ice. Remember that having 4-wheel drive doesn't protect you from sliding on ice.
Be prepared - carry chains, blankets, food and water, cold weather clothing, flashlights and a radio in your car. Have an emergency plan and tell someone your travel plans. Don't travel alone. Keep your gas tank full. Give your car a maintenance check-up before winter comes.
Dial 9-1-1 only to report an emergency or to request emergency assistance, or if you smell propane or natural gas.
Use your radio and TV to get emergency and weather information. These stations carry local emergency information:
- AM 1490 KOWL
- FM 93.9 KRLT
- AM 780 KOH (Reno)
- NOAA weather radio 162.55 MHz
Other local stations which may have emergency information include
- Channel 2 KTVN Reno
- Channel 4 KRNV Reno
- Channel 8 KOLO Reno
- TCI Cable Channel 12
- Weststar Cable Channel 6
- And other Reno or Sacramento TV or radio stations.
Read the Tahoe World, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, Sierra Sun, Tahoe Daily Tribune, Sacramento Bee and North Tahoe/Truckee Week for local information.
Before winter snows arrive, call your utility company to arrange a preventive checkup for your heating system. After it snows, clear around propane tanks, lines and fittings, including where they enter your home. Natural gas meters and piping should also be kept free of snow or ice. If you smell gas at any time, call 9-1-1.
The following numbers may be useful:
- California road information - 800-427-ROAD (7623)
- Sierra Pacific Power – 530-546-1700
- Nevada road information – 1-877-687-6237
- Placer Co. Road Dept. – 530-581-6222
Do not park on the street. Parked vehicles block emergency routes and hamper snow removal. Your vehicle may be damaged by equipment, ticketed or towed.
Keep entrances to your residence and overhangs clear of snow. Make certain that chimneys and flues are also clear, and that your house numbers can be read from the street. Keep smoke detectors in working order.
Don't let fire hydrants be covered with snow as you clear your walks and driveway. Mark the boundaries of your driveway with snow poles, set back out of the roadway.
Be careful what you do with ashes: don't put them on decks, in trash cans, dumpsters, or other places where they may start fires. Place all ashes in a metal container with a lid until they are cold enough to touch.
Don't underestimate the power of Mother Nature. Stay warm and dry. If it's extremely stormy or icy,leave the driving to someone else. Call about public buses: TART at the North Shore 530-550-1212 or 1-800-736-6365, or in Truckee, call 530-587-7451. Check also the Placer County Public Works Web site.
Pay attention to weather advisories and what they really mean. "Winter Storm Warning" means severe weather is on its way. "Winter Storm Watch" alerts you to possible adverse conditions.