Message From The Chief

The Winter Season is especially beautiful in the Sierra Mountains with so many activities and sights to see in our area.

As the daylight hours become less and it gets dark earlier, be aware that pedestrians are more likely walking after dark and harder to see. Check your home’s heating system for operation before you need it, and don’t forget to make sure your chimney is clean and flume is open before use.

The rain and snow have returned to the Ebbetts Pass Corridor and it’s time to reconsider 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.

Mike Johnson, Fire Chief