RECREATE RESPONSIBLY – WINTER TIPS -- If you’re travelling through the mountains this winter, please plan by:
- Cell phone connectivity may be limited or non-existent. Print out your directions.
- Always have a travel plan and share it with friends or family.
- Have a full tank of gas (always keep your tank above ¾). Mountain towns may be out of power or fuel.
- Research road and weather conditions prior to traveling. For updated road conditions visit road.dot.ca.gov OR call 1800-427-ROAD.
Be prepared for road closures and chain control during winter months. Know how to install and remove chains prior to travel.- Avoid shortcuts and stick to main roads during road closures. Taking side routes may lead you to unmaintained and unpopulated roadways.
- Increase your following distance, obey chain control speed limits, and slow down.
- Do not cross flooded areas/ roads.
- Carry vehicle extrication gear (snatch strap, shovel, kitty litter, etc.) and know how to use them. A tow truck may take several hours to get to you.
- Have a full tank of gas (always keep your tank above ¾). Mountain towns may be out of power or fuel.
- Cell phones towers may not be functioning during outages. Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle. Always carry a shovel, sleeping bags, food, water, medications, and sanitary items. Cell phones towers may not be functioning during outages. Grocery stores may not have power or food. Have the ability to care for yourself or others for several days.
- Avoid shortcuts and stick to main roads during road closures. Taking side routes may lead you to unmaintained and unpopulated roadways.
- Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions and snow if you plan to stay in it with the car running (Backing into a snowbank and other conditions that limit fresh air may cause asphyxia). During storms, cell phones towers may not be functioning during outages and grocery stores may not have power or food. Have the ability to care for yourself or others for several days and be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle. Always carry a shovel, sleeping bags, food, water, medications, and sanitary items.
- Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of obstructions and snow if you plan to stay in it with the car running (Backing into a snowbank and other conditions that limit fresh air may cause asphyxia).
Learn more online at www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
