The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office OES (Office of Emergency Services) has coordinated with DOT and County Fire for sand and sandbags at the previously listed Fire Stations, to now include Station 72 in Cool. The County Fire Stations are fully stocked and we have plenty of inventory.

DOT (County Department of Transportation) will have increased staffing through life of the storm. The have people and equipment ready to go.

The local American Red Cross is prepared and on standby.

Health and Human Services has increased staffing and are ready to assist and are monitoring “fragile” county residents (elderly, etc).

JPA (ambulances) has increased their staffing and equipment levels through the life of storm.

The Sheriff’s Office EOC (Emergency Operations Center) has initiated a Level 1 activation effective today through life of storm (24 hr monitoring and coordinating with CAL OES and County Collaborators). We are prepared to go to Level 2. Shelter locations have already been identified and are ready.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) have been placed on stand-by.

PG&E has pre-staged equipment and has extra crews ready to go.

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The best prevention is to be self reliant for a few days. Make sure your rain gutters are clear and downspouts open. Secure garbage cans and Christmas decorations to keep them from becoming airborne causing injury, damage and/or obstructions. Know where your utility shut-offs are for water, electricity and gas. Have tools ready in case you need to close the valves.

Have a secondary source of heat, light, and a fully charged cellular telephone if the power and phone lines are disconnected. Make sure you have plenty of extra batteries for your phone, flashlights and lanterns.

Have a supply of water, food, toiletries, medicine, and first aid supplies for several days. A battery powered radio can be handy. Have weather proof clothing and plenty of warm dry bedding available.

Fill your vehicles with fuel and have extra available for a generator or a chainsaw. Provide shelter for any outdoor pets.

During the storm, if you can, please avoid driving. Do not go sightseeing. Watch for emergency vehicles and utility vehicles and crews. Stay away from downed trees and powerlines. Avoid flooding and/or mudslides. Do not try to drive through deep or fast moving water. Keep friends and family advised of your location, timetables, and destination(s).

Above all, please stay safe and call 911 for any emergency needs. Our non-emergency number is (530) 621-6600.

Lt. Tom Murdoch
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
Operations / OES

El Dorado County Fire Station #17
6430 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines

El Dorado County Fire Station #21
4040 Carson Rd., Camino, CA 95709

El Dorado County Fire Station #28
3860 Ponderosa Rd., Shingle Springs CA 95682

Pioneer Fire Station #38
7061 Mt Aukum Rd, Somerset, CA 95684

Garden Valley Fire Station #51
4860 Marshall Rd., Garden Valley, CA 9563

Rescue Fire Station #83
5221 Deer Valley Road, Rescue CA 95672

El Dorado Hills Fire Station #85
1050 Wilson Blvd. El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills Station #86
3670 Bass Lake Rd., El Dorado Hills CA 95762

Cameron Park Fire Station #89
3200 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682

Latrobe Fire Station #91
7660 S Shingle Rd., Shingle Springs, CA 95682

During the holiday season, most people are thinking of last-minute shopping and getting together with family and friends. However, not everyone considers the holidays a time to celebrate, but rather an opportunity to commit crimes. Busy parking lots and hurried shoppers are just two factors working in favor of criminals. Often times, we make their “job” easier by our own complacency and not being prepared. Take steps in reducing your risk of becoming a victim by following some guidelines:

• Do not leave wrapped presents or new purchases clearly visible in your parked car while shopping. Avoid doing all your shopping at once.
• If possible, do your shopping during the day and avoid peak shopping times.
• Only carry a small purse or wallet, instead of a large bag.
• After opening your presents, do not pile up empty gift boxes from your new computer, DVD, TV etc., on the street for trash pickup. Break boxes down or cut them up to conceal the items.
• Drop off mail at your closest Post Office if you are mailing money, checks, or gift cards. Pick up your mail promptly and report any suspicious activity immediately to the Sheriff Office or your local Police Department.
• Suspend your mail and paper delivery or have a neighbor pick up these items and ask them to watch your house while you are gone. If you live in the county, contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s STARS at (530) 621-7545 and schedule vacation house checks any time of the year. If you live within the City of Placerville, you can contact Placerville Police SHIELD at (530) 642-5210.
• Lock your doors and windows when you leave your house.
• Be prepared for winter weather at home and while driving.
• Do Not Drink And Drive!

Online safety tips:

• Never use your credit card online on a website that doesn’t have an SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption.
• No one needs your social security number or birth date for a transaction.
• Check your online bank statements regularly – don’t wait until the end of the month. If you see something suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
• Never give anyone your credit card information via email and ensure your computer is up-to-date with current firewalls, updates and anti-virus software.
• Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

The holiday season can also be a time of loneliness and depression for some. If you are having difficulty and need to talk with someone, please call El Dorado County Mental Health at (530) 622-3345.

On behalf of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Happy Holidays!