Message From The Chief

Fall / Winter Precautions:

It’s the that time of the year again for winter fun in the mountains! Whether it’s an outdoor adventure like skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or relaxing indoors with family and friends while enjoying the views we hope everyone is safe and prepared. Keep in mind that we can receive a significant amount of weather in the form of rain and snow that can impact road travel, electricity outages, cellular phone coverage, and other services. If you plan on staying in the area during a winter storm event make sure you plan on ways to heat your home and enough food for the duration.

Home Heating

Check your home’s heating system for operation before you need it. Ensure the pilot light is started and ready on gas furnaces. For wood burning stoves make sure your chimney is clean and flume is open before use.

Winter Driving

During the winter, make sure your car is prepared, and you are familiar with road conditions.  Check your vehicle’s tires, lights, wipers, and battery condition to see if it is up to the task of winter conditions.  Don’t forget warm clothes/blankets in your vehicle as a precaution. Some winter weather driving tips:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
• Carry tire chains
• Don’t pass snowplows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you are likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel-drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.