With significant winter weather impacting much of California with multiple rounds of rain, heavy snow, freezing temperatures and gusty winds, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is working with local government partners to coordinate any necessary response and provide resources to communities such as generators, comfort kits, or other necessities to ensure that residents stay safe.
Below find a list of open Warming Centers, travel alerts, and tips on how to prepare and stay safe during these winter weather events, along with a social media toolkit.
Click here to find your local Warming Centers or check with your county.
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:
- Do not use generators indoors or in confined areas. Keep them outside away from buildings and anything flammable.
- Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home
- Check with neighbors and family to ensure they are aware of the risk of operating generators.
- Before refueling generators, turn them off and let them cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Never power the house wiring by plugging the generator into the wall outlet; instead use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension 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
Resources