LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Sheriff”s Office of Emergency Services (OES) issued the following public advisory for extreme weather conditions forecasted for the next several days, according to Capt. James Bauman, public information officer.
The Lake County area will be subject to a severe weather event over the next three days as a storm system approaches with the potential to drop snow throughout the area and down to lake level. As much as 6 to 8 inches of snow is expected to accumulate in the mountains and throughout the county starting early this morning and lasting through Friday evening.
During this weather event, OES strongly urges the public to avoid any unnecessary travel. As temperatures fall and winds increase starting late Wednesday or early Thursday, road surfaces may become icy and blowing snow could limit visibility. Even in areas where falling snow turns to rain or sleet, snow or slush accumulations may remain on roadways and present a hazard to motorists.
Lake County Public Safety agencies responded to numerous accidents throughout the county during the last winter storm event on Feb. 17 and OES is advising motorists to refrain from all unnecessary travel when this approaching system arrives. Those who must drive should use extreme caution. Speeds should be lowered and distances between vehicles should be increased as appropriate. Motorists are encouraged to be equipped with flares, flashlights, a cell phone, a first aid kit, boots, and other extra clothing if they must travel.
With increasing winds and decreasing temperatures, those who must leave home should wear multiple layers of clothing and keep their head, ears, and hands covered. Pets should be brought indoors if possible, or otherwise kept in a well-insulated outdoor shelter. Outdoor water dishes should be checked regularly to assure animals are provided with water that is not frozen.
If generator power becomes necessary, OES urges homeowners to first contact PG&E before starting up as utilizing generators can re-energize power lines and potentially cause serious injury or death to responders and utility workers.
OES offers the following public safety tips for severe storms or other adverse weather conditions:
? Dress appropriately with head and hands covered when going outdoors in temperatures below freezing.
? Bring pets inside and provide shelter for farm animals.
? Have an emergency household supply kit, including non-perishable foods and drinking water stored in bottles or other containers in case water or other utility services are interrupted.
? Ensure flashlights and battery-powered radios are in good working order and have an ample supply of batteries on hand. Candles and other open-flame light sources are not recommended.
? Avoid over-exertion. Cold weather puts strain on the heart, even without exertion. Some winter deaths have resulted from over-exertion while shoveling snow or pushing cars stuck in the snow.
? Check on neighbors and relatives. The elderly are particularly susceptible to hypothermia and falls due to icy conditions.
? If there is a power outage, do not call 9-1-1. Use a customer service number for information.
? Take precautions to keep pipes from freezing. Consult a licensed plumber or hardware dealer for recommendations on protecting or thawing pipes.
