The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services would like to remind the public to be more cautious and aware when driving and traveling during severe storm warnings on north state highways, roadways and mountain areas and encourage residents to be prepared for the upcoming storm.
The National Weather Service is predicting a significant storm to move into the Shasta County area on Wednesday through Thursday night. This storm is forecast to have heavy rains with as much as 1 to 3 inches in the valley and 3 to 8 inches in the mountains. The storm will also bring winds from 30 to 40 MPH with gust up to 60 MPH. Due to recent heavy rains the ground is very saturated and with the predicted winds, downed trees and/or power lines could be very prevalent during this storm.
Make sure to have food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries at your residence before the storm hits. Residents are also encouraged to be prepared to be without power for several days should an outage occur. If a generator is used after a loss of power, remember to place it outside the home in a well-ventilated area due to carbon monoxide fumes. Have extra fuel for your generator due to any extended power outage
Residents are encouraged to limit travel during the storm due to the potential for dangerous conditions on the roadways. If driving or traveling is done during severe storm warnings for rain, snow and ice, be prepared and do not be in a hurry. Check road conditions before traveling. Plan your trip/route and allow extra time for your trip due to changing weather conditions. Let friends or family members know your route and estimated arrival time. If you must travel do not cross flooded roadways or small streams and watch for down power lines.
Also before traveling, check your vehicle and make sure it is in good working order. Check all fluid levels, battery and ignition systems, brakes, fuel and air filters, heater and defroster, lights, emergency flashers, windshield wipers and good winter tires.
The following items are good things to carry in your vehicle. Chains, a tow strap or rope and jumper cables. Have a shovel, broom and window scraper. Bring along a cell phone and charger, GPS and road maps. Carry an emergency supply kit, which should contain snack food, water, needed medication, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries, proper clothes and shoes, matches, blankets and a first aid kit. Also keep road salt or sand, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag in your vehicle. Keep your car fueled in case power is cut off at local gas stations.
If you should become stuck in the snow or mud, stay with your vehicle and call for help. Use the vehicles heater to stay warm, along with extra clothing and blankets.
Attached is the locations of sand and sand bags within Shasta County. Bags are limited and you must bring your own shovel to fill bags at these locations.
If you have an emergency during the storm call 911.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and the Shasta County Department of Public Works, along with the cooperation of CALFIRE, have several locations of sand and sandbags throughout the county. The Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage citizens to use these locations if they are having any flooding problems due to the recent weather event. The sand at the below locations is available anytime and citizens are encouraged to bring their own tools to load the sand. A limited amount of bags will be available for those that need them. However, citizens are encouraged to bring their own bags if possible.
Palo Cedro – Palo Cedro Fire Station Co #32, 9418 Deschutes Road, Palo Cedro – pile located at the edge of the driveway at far west end of parking lot. Bags are located inside the fire station.
Bella Vista – Bella Vista Fire Station Co #33, 2202 Hwy 299E., Bella Vista – pile located at the west side of the fire station near the propane tank. Bags are located inside the fire station.
French Gulch – French Gulch Fire Station Co #59, 14363 Cline Gulch Road, French Gulch – pile located at east side driveway. Bags are located inside the fire station.
Cottonwood – Cottonwood Fire District #23, 3271 Brush Street, Cottonwood – pile located behind fire station on north/east side of Pine St. Bags are inside the fire station.
Jones Valley – Jones Valley Fire District, 14680 Ravine Road, Jones Valley- pile located on the upper hill behind the fire hall. Bags are located inside the fire station.
Burney – Sheriff’s Office Substation, 20509 Shasta Street, Burney – pile located behind the station. Contact the Sheriff’s Office for bags.
Shingletown – Shingletown Volunteer Fire Station #20, 32249 Hwy 44, Shingletown- pile located in the parking area of the station. Bags are located inside the fire station.
City of Redding – City of Redding Corporation Yard, Building #3, Old Airport Road at Abernathy Lane, Redding.
City of Anderson- Barney Street at Marx
– Press Release
