In preparation for the winter season: friendly winter preparedness tips

To:      All News Outlets

From:  Jennifer Hansen, Public Information Officer

Date:   December 3, 2013

RE:       In preparation for the winter season: friendly winter preparedness tips

It’s that time of year again! Yes, winter is slowly creeping upon us. As we all hope for that massive snow storm to strike and an epic winter season, the question remains, are you prepared for the season?

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens and visitors alike to always be prepared for winter conditions, whether you are simply out and about in town on foot or driving across the many roadways of Mono County. Always have an emergency bag in your vehicle with extra food, water, warm clothing and shoes, and emergency supplies just in case you are stuck in your vehicle for an unknown amount of time as you try to reach your intended destination due to hazardous weather and road conditions. Remember, if you get stuck in your vehicle, stay in your vehicle until help arrives or you can safely continue on your journey. Remember to take some extra time while traveling, slow down, and obey all chain control requirements. Even those that are seasoned drivers on the Mono County roadways, please slow down and take your time when driving on the snowy conditions. This ensures your safety and those traveling around you.

Be aware of your surroundings while traveling the roadways and various communities of Mono County. Watch for snow removal equipment. This could be a large snowplow clearing the roadway or an individual shoveling a driveway or sidewalk. Both their safety and your own are important and will benefit from your awareness. Also, be aware of the various locations around Mono County that have parking restrictions during the winter months. Vehicles parked in the restricted areas will hinder necessary snow removal and be subject to citations and/or having the vehicle towed. These restrictions are in place and enforced for your safety and to allow proper snow removal for safer driving conditions for all.

Mono County utilizes what is known as the CodeRed Emergency Alert System when a critical incident or emergency situations takes place within the county. This system is a database of resident and citizen information for use only in critical and emergency situations to send critical communications from evacuation notices, to hazardous weather alerts, to missing children alerts. Your contact information remains private and is only used to contact you for community emergency communications. To register for the CodeRed emergency alerts, log on to www.monosheriff.org – Resources – CodeRed. There is also a mobile app available for all Android and Apple phones.

Please remember to think safety first this winter and here’s hoping for a great winter season!

Reported and written by: Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer