Winter Preparedness

Severe winter weather can bring extended power outages and road closures for days or weeks at a time. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough for food, water, heat, medicine, and fuel. Whether you've lived in the mountains for years, or you are new to multi-day snowstorms, the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is here to share steps you can take now. Keep your loved ones safe if homebound without power. Use the list below to prepare a Stay-Bag with enough supplies to last at least two weeks. Have out-of-town friends you can stay with? Consider whether to have a backup plan to travel to lower elevations or a sunnier location before the snow flies.

Be Aware of the Forecast

The National Weather Service will issue Winter Storm Watches & Warnings for severe weather. Tune into local media forecasts and follow the Reno & Sacramento National Weather Service.

Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

Prepare Your Stay Bag

Assemble a stay bag with enough supplies for at least two weeks.

Stock up on NON-PERISHABLE SHELF-STABLE food.
Keep a supply of bottled water for drinking.
If on a well, fill bathtubs with water for household use.
Have a flashlight, camp stove, and fuel ready.
Gather warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags.
Have extra food, water, and blankets for your pets and animals. Make a plan for medical devices and have backup batteries.
Call FREED, (530) 447-3333, for personal emergency planning assistance.

Fuel-Up & Stock-Up

Storms mean power outages, prep your backup energy and heat before the weather hits.

Storms mean power outages, prep your backup energy and heat before the weather hits.
Top off your propane tank and conserve fuel BEFORE the storm.
Use a wood stove or fireplace? Make sure you have plenty of dry firewood and that your flue is clean.
Have a full tank of gas and a fully charged vehicle.
Charge batteries and devices so you can stay connected.
Ensure you have a snow shovel and backups.
Stock up on fuel for generators, snow blowers, and chainsaws.

What To Do During Severe Winter Weather

Eat Hydrate & Stay Warm

Take out your stay bag and hunker down till the storm passes.

Break out the shelf-stable foods, camping supplies, and bottled water to stay hydrated and energized.
Layer up and stay warm. If your home becomes too cold, visit friends, family, or a warming center.
Heat your home safely. Keep flammables at least three feet away from heat sources, don’t leave heaters unattended, check that your fuel-burning equipment is venting properly, and that your CO₂ monitor is working.
Only travel if absolutely necessary and check road conditions BEFORE you leave.

Stay Connected

Look out for one another. Check on neighbors, friends, and family.

Use a battery-powered/hand-crank radio to tune into local radio stations and stay informed of conditions.
If the power is out, use text messaging to stay connected and keep your devices in airplane mode when not in use.
Set up a neighborhood snow clearing party! Your neighbors can be your greatest resource during a storm.

After the Storm

Now it's time to assess damages and prepare for the next one

Assess your house and property for damage.
Remember, storm debris becomes a fire hazard in the spring.
If there are downed powerlines, first call 911 and then contact your utility provider.
Inventory your supplies and prepare for the next storm.

Generator Safety

Portable Generators | Generator must be started manually when power goes out

Before starting your generator, read and follow the manufacturer instructions.
Ensure that the total electric load on the generator does not exceed the manufacturer's rating.
Never run in an enclosed space and always direct exhaust away from your home. Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air immediately.
Make sure extension cords are properly sized to carry electric load to avoid overheating.
Before refueling, make sure generator is off and has had a chance to cool.

Permanent Generators | Generator automatically turns on when power goes out

Installation requires a licensed electric contractor and building permits.
Install generator on high ground, where flooding is not likely to be a concern.
Electrical transfer switches safely switch electrical load from your power provider to the generator.
Prevent back-feeding lines by installing a "double-pole, double-throw transfer switch."
Notify your local utility provider to let them know about your backup system.