Full Notification

Public Information Release
December 10, 2014
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


A winter storm warning, hazardous driving conditions and above normal rainfall is expected through Friday.
The Lake County area is subject to a severe weather event over the next three days as a large storm system has the potential to drop large quantities of rain throughout the County. Increased rain is expected to fall through the overnight hours from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening with accumulations of up to a 4”-6” in the mountains around the County.
Numerous areas in the County with significant rainfall may result in large accumulation of standing water on the ground and roads. The increased rainfall will also result in a rapid rise in creeks and streams which can pose an immediate danger to citizens in and around these areas do to their swift currents. This condition may be found throughout the County as the rainfall continues. Maintain a safe distance from these areas with family members and pets.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office strongly urges the public to avoid driving during these conditions and if possible wait until conditions improve and roads can be cleared. As the storm front moves through the County winds increase late Wednesday through Friday afternoon, road surfaces will be slippery and possibly flooded and rainfall could limit visibility.
Those who must drive should use extreme caution. Speeds should be lowered appropriately and a safe distance maintained between vehicles. Motorists are advised to have safety equipment such as flares, flashlights, a cell phone, first aid kit, boots and other extra clothing if they must travel.
With increasing winds and above normal rainfall, those who must go out should wear or have appropriate rain gear; pets should be brought indoors, or at a minimum, kept in a dry outdoor shelter. Pet owners must take care to regularly check the wellness of outdoor pets.
If you are utilizing a generator to operate power to your residence please contact PG&E immediately before using as utilizing these devices can re-energize power lines causing injury or death to responders and utility workers.
The following tips are examples of ways to prevent injury and possible death from the effects of storms, and winter weather in general:

1. Dress appropriately with the proper clothing and raingear. If you go outdoors be aware of slippery conditions. Provide shelter for pets or farm animals.
2. Have a 72-hour household emergency supply kit, including a supply of drinking water and non-perishable foods. Bottled water or water in containers should be stored in case water and other utilities are disrupted.
3. Ensure that flashlights and battery-powered radios are in good working order. Have plenty of batteries. Use of candles and other open-flame light sources is not recommended.
4. Check on neighbors and relatives during winter storms. The elderly are especially susceptible to hypothermia and falls on slippery surfaces.
5. If you lose power or other utilities, do not call 911. Use a customer service number for information.
7. As rainfalls continue, take precautions to keep your storm drains and rain gutter from obstructions. Contact a contractor or hardware dealer for recommendations of the best measures to protect these drains.

Customer Service Numbers:
PG&E: 1-800-743-5000
ATT/TELEPHONE: 611 or 1-866-346-1168
American Red Cross: Emergency: 1-800-696-3873 or Local Office: 707-263-8451
Media-Comm Cable: 1-866-752-4747
Non-Emergent Police/Office of Emergency Services: 707-263-2690
Additional Disaster Information can be located within your local Yellow Pages Phone Book.
SAND BAGS AVAILABILITY
1. Sand bags can be purchased through most hardware stores, but quantities may be limited. Sand may be purchased at some hardware stores or at local Sand and Gravel facilities that can be found in the local Yellow Pages.
The public should monitor weather conditions and recommendations on local broadcast media.