Placer County Providing Sandbags to Help Residents Prepare For Storm

Published on December 10, 2014

Placer County officials are making available free sand and sandbags to help residents in unincorporated areas prepare for a major storm that is expected to bring heavy rain, snow and gusty winds to Northern California tonight through Friday.

Placer County’s website has a list of sand and sandbag locations, important storm-related telephone numbers and online sites, and other information. Links to the storm information are at the top of the home page.

As part of their storm-preparations, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services sent out an emergency alert Tuesday to residents in flood-prone areas, advising them to take precautions such as:

• Clearing leaves from drains and gutters;
• Securing outdoor objects, decorations and patio furniture;
• Having emergency supplies of food, batteries, blankets and other necessities available in case of extended power outages;
• Monitoring weather reports from the National Weather Service and media;
• Not driving over downed power lines; and
• Turning around to avoid flooded roadways.

The Office of Emergency Services is monitoring storm data closely in coordination with other agencies such as the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, local cities, utility companies and fire departments.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for urban and small-stream flooding that is scheduled to remain in effect tonight night into Friday. The flood watch covers Placer County and many other counties throughout Northern California. A flood watches means there is potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Part of Placer County also is covered by a high wind warning that is scheduled to remain in effect from 9 p.m. today through 2 p.m. Thursday. The strongest winds are expected overnight into Thursday morning. Potential impacts include power outages, downed trees, other property damage, and difficult driving conditions.

In addition, a blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for areas with elevations above 6,000 feet. That warning is scheduled to remain in effect from 10 p.m. today to 1 p.m. Friday. Whiteout conditions are expected and mountain passes may be closed.

Updated weather information is available on the National Weather Service’s website.

SAND AND SANDBAGS

Residents who live in unincorporated areas of Placer County can pick up free sand and sandbags at the locations listed below.

• Alta: CAL FIRE Station 33, 33752 Alta Forestry Road;
• Dry Creek: Placer County Fire Station 100, Dry Creek, 8350 Cook Riolo Road;
• Foresthill: Foresthill Fire Protection District Station 90, 20540 Foresthill Road;
• Granite Bay: South Placer Fire Station 17, 6900 Eureka Road;
• Homewood: North Tahoe Fire, Station 53, 5425 West Lake Boulevard;
• Kings Beach: North Tahoe Fire Station 52, 288 North Shore Boulevard, (Intersection of Highways 267 and 28);
• Lincoln: Placer County Fire Station 70, 1112 Wise Road, Lincoln; Placer County Fire Station 74, 8500 North Forbes Road, Thermalands;
• Loomis: Loomis Fire Station 28, 5840 Horseshoe Bar Road;
• Meadow Vista: Placer Hills Fire Station 84, 16999 Placer Hills Road;
• North Auburn: Placer County Fire Station 180, 11645 Atwood Road; Higgins Fire Station, 10106 Combie Road;
• Ophir: Placer County Fire Station 182, Ophir, 9405 Wise Road;
• Northstar: Northstar Community Services District Corp. Yard, 50 Trimont Lane (off Northstar Boulevard);
• Paige: Placer County Fire Station 75, Paige, 5584 Nicolaus Road;
• Sheridan: Placer County Fire Station 78, Sheridan, 4952 Riosa Road;
• Squaw Valley: Old Squaw Valley Fire Station, 1810 Squaw Valley Road (at west end of valley, near lifts); and
• Truckee: Truckee Fire Station 92, 11473 Donner Pass Road; and Truckee Ranger Station parking lot, 10811 Stockrest Spring Road.

Residents who live in local cities are asked to contact city officials for information about sand and sandbags.

The Flood Control District is advising residents to:

• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding;
• Avoid trying to cross flowing streams where water is above the knees because residents could be swept away by strong currents;
• Not sightsee in flooded areas or try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities;
• Avoid unnecessary trips, and dress warmly and advise others of destinations when traveling during storms;
• Monitor radio, television or online news sites for emergency information and instructions from authorities;
• Keep vehicles fueled in case power outages interrupt service station operations;
• Know safe routes from home or work that lead to higher ground;
• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is interrupted;
• If flooding is likely and time permits, move essential items and furniture to higher ground, such as the upper floors of homes; and
• If advised by local authorities to leave home, move to safe areas promptly before access is cut off by flood waters.