Remember as you return to your home, that many things may appear to be normal, but you need to be aware of hidden dangers. Power was only recently restored to some homes that experienced outages since late last week. Even if food in the freezer is frozen, it likely thawed during the time you were gone. Likewise, refrigerated food is only good for four hours without power. Longer than four hours can cause spoilage, and the food is best discarded to ensure you avoid foodborne illnesses.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste has resumed normal trash pick-up. Place your cans on the curb at the normally scheduled time. No fire waste is to be placed in the cans on the curb. Fire waste is hazardous and needs to be inspected by a hazardous waste specialist prior to clean up. Inspections will be done by either California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) or another state or federal agency. Inspections may be done at any time, whether residents are at their property or not. When they have cleared the property, they will leave notification for the homeowner to begin the debris removal process. If you have no fire damage and are simply cleaning up ash, this can be bagged and placed in your gray trash receptacle.
The Transfer Station is currently accepting food waste at no additional charge, to assist you if you have to clean out refrigerators and freezers.
Redding Utilities
Redding Electric Utility, with the help of 12 other mutual aid crews, has officially returned power to all serviceable homes. These are homes that have not sustained fire damage that is preventing them from having power established. If you return to your home and there is no power, first check your main breaker to make sure it hasn’t been tripped. If you are still having problems, call REU at 339-7200.
Water and wastewater utility services have also been returned to all serviceable homes. If you return to your home and find that these services are not working, please call Public Works Utilities at 530-224-6068.
Trails
The Sacramento River Trail (River Trail) sustained significant damage upstream of the Diestelhorst Bridge and the Westside Trails above Mary Lake. A few bridges over creek drainages burned completely leaving large sections of the Trail missing and impassable. There are a significant number of downed and burned trees and bushes. Some of the slopes above the Trail are unstable. We know, for many residents, the trails in our community are an important part of daily and weekly routines. We ask that you respect the trail closure and allow us to get the repairs made. It is anticipated the bridge replacements will take months to complete.
The River Trail remains open downstream of the Diestelhorst and Lake Redding Bridges through the Sundial Bridge, Arboretum loop, and to the Dana to Downtown connection. Turtle Bay East Open Space and trails remain open. When the air quality improves, there are many other trails throughout the community to seek and explore that are safe.
Clean up
As tempting as it is to begin cleaning right away, be careful to avoid contact with hazardous waste. Fire ash can cause respiratory problems and burn exposed skin. Avoid washing ash down driveways into the storm drains, as it can cause water contamination which could harm both people and wildlife.
No debris removal should take place until DTSC has cleared the property for hazardous waste. The City will likely contract with CalRecycle for debris removal, but options will exist for you to opt out and contract for independent clean up. The City will keep you informed when that process begins.
