Winter Safety

Once the rain and snow comes to Nevada County the threat of Wildfires diminishes but new fire and life safety issues arrive. These include carbon monoxide poising, fires from heating equipment, chimney fires, dangerous road conditions, downed powerlines and cooking fires. Be prepared for winter emergencies and hazards by following these safety tips and links below. If you have any questions please feel free to stop by your local station or contact us.

Winter facts from NFPA

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
Roughly two out of five home fires start in the kitchen.
A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
In 2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 61,100 non fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of seven calls per hour.
Half of home heating fires are

reported during the months of

December, January and February.

Winter Driving Tips

Check current road conditions and chain requirements by visiting CHP's dispatch page or Caltrans road conditions page.
Slow down! Drive for the conditions
Allow extra time to get to your destination
Check your windshield wipers
Drive with your lights when visibility is limited
Never drive through flooded roadways with moving water
Carry warm clothes, food, water and blankets
Carry chains if traveling where there is snow or a possibility of snow

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Generator Safety Tips

Heating Safety

Caltrans Chain Requirements

Powerline Safety

Follow these tips from PG&E for dealing with down powerlines:

What to Do If You See a Downed Power Line

Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live.
Don't touch a fallen power line or anything touching the wire.
Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line or other equipment.
Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.
Do not drive over a fallen power line.
Call 911 immediately to report a fallen power line.

What to Do If a Power Line Touches Your Car

If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line:

Stay inside! The safest place is in your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
Honk the horn, roll down your window and yell for help.
Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around the vehicle may be injured.
Use your mobile phone to call 911.
Fire department, police and PG&E workers will tell you when it is safe to get out of the vehicle.

If there is a fire and you have to exit a vehicle that has come in contact with downed power lines:

Remove loose items of clothing.
Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle, so you are not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.