Winter-Wise Tips for Tahoe & Mountain area Travelers
Living or traveling in snow country isn't like living and traveling in California's valleys or along the coast. The snowfall and the cold weather that bring good skiing and other winter activities require a greater level of safety preparedness from visitors.
To reach the Placer County Office of Emergency Services in Tahoe (when there's an emergency), please call 530-584-1590)
Keep in mind the following travel tips to maximize your fun in Tahoe:
Drive SLOWLY on snow and ice. Remember, having 4-wheel drive isn't protection from sliding on ice.
Be prepared: carry chains, blankets, food, water, cold weather clothing, flashlights and a radio in your car.
Have an emergency plan; tell someone where you are going and give them your itinerary.
Do NOT travel alone, if at all possible.
Keep your vehicle full of fuel and windshield washer fluid that does not freeze.
Dial 9-1-1 only to report an emergency or to request emergency assistance
For information during an emergency:
Turn on news radio or television:
KKOH AM 780 (Reno regional - strong)
KRNV TV Ch. 4
KRLT FM 93.9
KTHO AM 590
KOLO TV Ch. 8
KOWL AM 1490
KTHX FM 100.1
KTVN TV Ch. 2
KOZZ FM 105.7
KTKE FM 101.5
Other radio or TV stations in Sacramento may also have information:
KCRA TV Ch. 3
KXTV TV Ch. 10
KOVR TV Ch. 13
KTXL TV Ch. 40
KAHI AM 950 (Auburn)
KFBK AM 1530
KNCO AM 830 (Grass Valley)
Contact Tahoe Area Regional Transit for information on how to get around during your stay on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Route schedules are available by calling
(530) 550-1212 or (800) 736-6365. TDD (530) 550-9223. Visit their website at:
http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Works/Transit/TART.aspx
For snow removal information, including routes and maps and other road information, contact Placer County Department of Public Works, (530) 581-6222. You can obtain local road condition information can be obtained at this number. You can view the snow removal maps on their website at:
http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Works/Roads/snowremove.aspx
During an emergency, visit the Placer County Office of Emergency Services website:
http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/CEO/Emergency.aspx
You may call the Placer County Emergency Operations Center Information Line: (530)-584-1590. This number is staffed ONLY during an emergency.
(Each emergency is different, often involving many agencies. Specific information sources may or may not apply, depending on where the emergency is and which agencies are involved. Radio and TV are usually easiest.)
Other Useful Information Numbers:
Sierra Pacific Power: 1-800-782-2506
Southwest Gas: 1-800-645-4541
1-800-772-4555 (weekend)
California Road Information: 1-800-427-ROAD
Nevada Road Information: 1-877-687-6237
Don't park on the street. Vehicles parked on the street block emergency vehicles and hinder snow removal. You vehicle may be damaged by snow removal equipment, ticketed or towed. On street parking on the roadway or shoulder is prohibited by Placer County Code from November 1 to May 1.
Keep entrances to your residence clear of snow. Make certain that chimneys and flues are clear and that house numbers visible. Keep smoke detectors in working order. Do not let ice and snow build up on gas lines and connections. Don't let fire hydrants become covered with snow as you clear driveways and walkways.
Be careful with ashes. Don't put them in containers that can melt or burn. Unless they are completely cold, don't store ashes on decks or in dumpsters or trash cans where they can start fires.
Pay attention to weather advisories and what they really mean. A Winter Storm Warning means that severe weather is on its way and will likely arrive. A Winter Storm Watch alerts you to possible adverse weather.
Take a moment to learn where you are located so you can request emergency help if you need it. That information could be something similar to this: The facility/residence where I am is located at ______________________, which is near the corner of _________________ and ______________. The telephone number is (530) ____-_____.