City of Redding crews are poised to provide residents with sandbags, clear storm drains and restore power if necessary to keep citizens safe during a powerful storm expected to hit the area beginning March 12.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for hazardous weather and high winds, which could range from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts as high as 50 miles per hour. Rain is expected throughout the week, adding to hazardous conditions. Police, Fire, and Utility crews will be on alert to respond to storm-caused hazards, helping residents as quickly as possible.
Residents should be especially careful to avoid any downed power lines, which can be snapped by wind-blown branches or uprooted trees. To report downed lines, call 245-7000.
The Redding Fire Department also urges residents to ensure space heaters have adequate clearance of at least 36 inches from combustibles and to not use barbecues, generators or unapproved kerosene heaters inside the home. Paper products should not be burned in a fireplace or wood stove and if power goes out, use lanterns or flashlights instead of candles. Homeowners are also urged to make sure smoke alarm batteries are fresh.
Sand and bags will be available around the clock at Redding Fire Station No. 4 on South Bonnyview Road, and the City Corporation Yard on Viking Way, off Old Oregon Trail, north of Highway 44. Residents must fill bags themselves with a limit of 25.
Motorists also should be alert for streets that might flood suddenly and avoid driving through them. Shallow-looking puddles can be deeper than they appear, causing a car to stall and endangering the driver.
Residents who see City storm-drain openings that are clogged with leaves or debris can call the City Storm Drain Utility at 224-6068 at any hour. Residents also are encouraged to check and clear any drainage courses on their own property to avoid flooding.
-from press release
