Sierra Sun: Truckee Fire issues winter safety reminders as Sierra snowpack builds
TRUCKEE, Calif. – As winter conditions intensify across the Sierra, the Truckee Fire Protection District is calling on all residents to undertake proactive measures to ensure that everyone they know stays safe. Winter brings increased challenges at home, while recreating outdoors and while out on the roads – from snow-related hazards to fire risks. It’s important to understand aspects of mountain living that pose dangers from thin ice conditions on area lakes to propane tanks that need to be shoveled or snow shedding off roofs, which can harm anyone below. Locals can help spread the word to visitors, including those renting neighborhood homes, so that everyone fully understands and can guard against wintertime hazards and risks.
“Now that the snow has arrived, it’s time for everyone to be proactive about winter safety,” said Truckee Fire Chief Kevin McKechnie. “This means maintaining our homes, staying alert to hazards, and looking out for one another. Small steps can prevent accidents in our beautiful but unpredictable winter landscape.”
The Truckee Fire Protection District has identified the following key safety measures to help residents and visitors stay safe:
Fire and Heating Safety:
Maintain Chimneys and Flues – Before using any fireplace or wood stove, ensure chimneys and flues are clean and functional to prevent chimney fires.
Dispose of Ashes Properly – Store ashes in a metal container and keep them away from decks or flammable materials. Never dispose of ashes in trash cans, bear bins or dumpsters – even if they seem cold. Each year, Truckee Fire responds to deck fire incidents caused by improper ash disposal.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. These devices are critical to preventing tragedies which tend to happen during the colder winter months.
Keep Propane Tanks and Gas Meters Clear of Snow – Homes in the Truckee area rely on a number of ways to stay warm, including wood stoves, gas heating systems or heat pumps. Some older homes however still utilize baseboard electric heating or propane to run their furnace. It’s critical to keep propane tanks and gas meters clear of snow and ice – not only for refilling access but also to prevent snow weight from damaging supply lines and to ensure emergency access in case of leaks. Local incidents have occurred where heavy snow loads have broken propane piping between tanks and homes, creating dangerous situations.
Snow-Related Hazards:
Stay Safe During Sledding and Outdoor Play – Monitor children playing outside and ensure sledding is done in safe areas, away from any road where vehicles or snow removal equipment travel. Do not allow children to build and play in snow caves in the berm at the edge of your property that’s adjacent to the street.
Beware of Roof Snow Shedding – Heavy snow and ice can slide off roofs without warning, especially homes with metal roofing. Avoid areas under roofs where snow sheds and teach children to always stay out of harm’s way.
Avoid Dangerous Ice Activities – Local lakes are not suitable for ice skating, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, particularly as temperatures fluctuate in the spring. Thin ice can pose life-threatening risks.
Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear:
Clear Snow from Nearby Hydrants – If there’s a fire hydrant near your home, take a few extra minutes to shovel snow away from it after storms. Clear a three-foot space around the entire hydrant and create an access path to the street. Quick access to hydrants can make the difference in protecting your property. For more information, visit truckeefire.org/adopt-a-hydrant.
“The safety and well-being of the residents and visitors to our community is our top priority, but when the snow accumulates, we need our community’s assistance,” said Ryan Ochoa, Truckee Fire battalion chief. “If people spend some extra time clearing snow from around hydrants near their home, the time we save on not having to shovel snow from a hydrant equates to that much smaller of a fire and more personnel available to put the fire out and protect your home.”
Truckee Fire urges all residents and visitors to prioritize safety and to share these tips with neighbors.
For more information on Truckee Fire, please visit TruckeeFire.org.
View the article on Sierra Sun.