 Crews and vehicles from 10 fire agencies are among the resources standing at the ready to respond to the upcoming storm in San Bernardino County.
 County Public Works snowplows (above) and other snow-moving equipment (below) are staged in the mountains for quick respose.
San Bernardino County first responder agencies are positioned to respond to the current storm system, the brunt of which is expected to arrive Tuesday into Wednesday.
The County has taken the following steps to prepare:
- All County Public Works operations employees, seasonal employees, and on-call contractors have been activated for snow plowing and storm patrol to operate staged equipment on split shifts for 24-hour coverage and will remain on duty through the duration of the storm.
- Residents and businesses should be aware that plowing all county thoroughfares and roads takes time, and that priority is given to main arteries. A snowplow not being visible on your street does not mean County crews are not out in full force. They will arrive.
- County Flood Control District have been activated on split shifts for the duration of the storm. Equipment is staged at strategic sites, including the El Dorado Fire burn area as well as along the Mojave River to help manage increased runoff from the snow melt. Conditions along the Mojave River are the subject of today's storm response video. First-line-of-defense flood control basins in the foothills have been cleared and are ready to accept mud and debris flows.
- Engine crews from 10 fire agencies have been staged at a central location so they can be dispatched as needs arise throughout the county. This assembly was made possible through a request by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to the State Office of Emergency Services. The agencies represented are:
- San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
- Chino Valley Fire District
- Big Bear Fire Department
- Fort Irwin Fire Department
- San Manuel Fire Department
- Apple Valley Fire Protection District
- Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District
- Ontario Fire Department
- Redlands Fire Department
- Rialto Fire Department
- County Fire has also stationed swift-water rescue teams throughout the county, including the Mojave River. Hand crews and bulldozers have also been pre-positioned throughout the county.
- The Sheriff’s Department has added extra deputies for routine patrol for the next two weeks along with deputies assigned to address traffic-related issues and enforce anti-roadside snow play regulations.
- The County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is continuously monitoring the weather, coordinating reports, and implementing multiagency coordination calls.
- The County is prepared to activate the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to warn residents who might be in danger.
The County urges residents, especially those in the mountains and areas susceptible to flooding, to take the following precautions:
- Limit travel as much as possible. When you do have to travel, do so with caution.
- Maintain at least a two-week supply of food, water, medications, essential equipment, and fuel.
- Stay clear of moving water.
- Monitor weather reports for emergency advisories. Visit the National Weather Service, San Diego, https://www.weather.gov/sgx/ for the latest weather information impacting San Bernardino County
- The TENS system is preloaded with all landline telephone numbers in the county. However, it is updated only every six months and does not include mobile numbers. To ensure you receive TENS alerts, sign up here: http://www.sbcounty.gov/sbcfire/Tens/TensContact.aspx.
- Do what you can to prevent snow from accumulating on roofs and adjacent to your home.
- Beware of snow and ice sliding down from rooftops.
- Protect your property with sandbags if you believe you might be vulnerable to flooding.
- Use tarps to protect damaged structures.
- Check for updates and helpful information on the County’s Snow Information website, https://snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/; on the County’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoCounty/; and on Twitter and Instagram, @sbcounty.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For storm information and assistance, call the County’s information line at 909-387-3911. The line is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voicemails left after hours will be returned the following morning.
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 El Dorado and Apple Fire Burn Scars Evacuation Warning
In anticipation of a heavy incoming storm, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has issued an evacuation warning for the communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Northeast Yucaipa effective at 8:00 p.m. tonight (Monday, March 20.)
The National Weather Service expects substantial rainfall in these areas on Tuesday, March 21, creating the potential for mud and debris flows in the the El Dorado and Apple fire burn scars. Residents are advised to
Residents are advised to stay up-to-date on emergency and evacuation information by signing up for the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS.) With TENS, the San Bernardino County Sheriff and Fire Departments send high-speed mass notifications via telephone and text messages. Register for TENS here.
It's also a good idea to download the San Bernardino Ready app, which helps residents to stay prepared and protect their loved ones should an emergency occur. More information is available at sbcfire.org.
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"Crestline came together"
Higher Grounds Coffee House Manager Chad Lindsey discusses how great it is to be back in business thanks to support from the community and the County.
"We're super-excited to have all our staff back," Lindsey said. "We're really glad we're getting through this because Crestline came together."
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