Cal OES Resources for California’s Winter Weather

Published:

Unsettled weather has impacted much of California with multiple rounds of rain, heavy snow, and gusty winds.

This has prompted widespread road closures, power outages, and high avalanche risks across the Sierra.

Below you will find open Shelters and Warming Centers, road closures, and tips on how you can prepare, stay safe during these weather event and a social media toolkit.

Resources

PGE Community Resource Centers (CRC)

Winter Storm Preparedness Tips

Stay safe on the roads:

  • Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency preparedness kit with you
  • Be weather wise, know the weather forecast during your travel
  • Learn the weather/climate risks risk for the area you are travel to and know what to do before, during and after such events
  • Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.
  • During the winter keep the proper emergency winter road tools in the truck of your automobile

Emergency Kit for the Car

In case you are stranded, keep an emergency supply kit in your car with these automobile extras:

  • Jumper cables
  • Flares or reflective triangle
  • Ice scraper
  • Car cell phone charger
  • Blanket
  • Map
  • Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)

Prepare Your Car for Emergencies

Have a mechanic check the following on your car before an emergency:

  • Antifreeze levels
  • Battery and ignition system
  • Brakes
  • Exhaust system
  • Fuel and air filters
  • Heater and defroster
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights
  • Oil
  • Thermostat
  • Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level

Car Safety Tips

  • Keep your gas tank full in case of evacuation or power outages. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
  • If it becomes hard to control the car, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.
  • If the emergency could affect the stability of the roadway avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards.

Generator Safety

Don't use generators indoors or in confined. poorly ventilated areas. Keep them outside, away from buildings and anything flammable, even dry bush. Check with neighbors and family to ensure they are aware of the risk of operating generators. If you are using generators for any reason, this information can help keep you and your household safe. Place generators at leatst 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from open doors, windows and vents. Before refueling it, turn off generator ad let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet; instead, use a heavy duty outdoor extensions cord to plug appliances into generators. do not use generators in rain or wet conditions. place a fire extinguisher nearby. make sure your home has operating fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Learn about carbon monoxide from the CDC at cdc.gov/co/ or call 800-232-4636