MONO COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO BE WINTER READY; Visit READY Mono for Resources, Information, and Updates

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (December 10, 2024) – As winter approaches, Mono County is urging residents and visitors to be prepared for potential winter weather emergencies.

“Winter in Mono County can be beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable and dangerous,” said Chris Mokracek, director of Mono County’s Office of Emergency Management. “By taking a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the harsh winter conditions.”

The County is committed to keeping residents as safe and informed as possible during winter storms. READY Mono is one of the many valuable resources to help ensure residents stay informed. By signing up for emergency alerts, residents can receive timely updates on weather conditions, road closures, and other critical information.

Five Steps to Winter Preparedness Tips:

Make a Plan: Extreme weather events and other natural disasters occur at a moment’s notice. Mono County urges residents and visitors to “Make a Plan” in advance of potential emergency situations. This plan should include being prepared for evacuation, extended periods of time without power/electricity, unplowed streets, road closures, etc. 

Ask yourself the following questions: 

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? 
2. What is my shelter plan? 
3. What is my evacuation route?

Get Alerts: Mono County utilizes a cloud-based, public alerting and residential safety tool that allows government agencies to send geo-targeted urgent alerts to subscribers. Residents and visitors are urged to sign up for alerts at READY.Mono.ca.gov. Current subscribers are encouraged to update their profile annually. 

Pack a Go Bag: Most disasters are unexpected and happen fast. Pack a “Go Bag” to be prepared to leave your home in a hurry. Be sure to pack items for each member of your household. Items to consider include: 

• Important documents
• Cash
• Map(s)
• Medication(s) 
• Water
• Non-perishable food or snacks
• Portable radio
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit

Build a Stay Box: In some disasters, you may be safer staying at home. However, damage from the disaster, or extended periods of isolation might make that uncomfortable. You may not have access to drinking water, bathing water, or the ability to flush your toilet. Electricity may be out, impacting your ability to keep perishable food fresh, or your home heated. Prepare for at least 7-10 days without power or electricity. Items to consider include:  

• Drinking Water: Up to 3 gallons per person
• Food: Set aside foods that won’t spoil and require no cooking 
• Portable radio 
• Flashlight 
• First Aid Kit

Help Friends and Neighbors: Meet with your neighbors and friends to discuss your plan and identify any areas of need/support in your community. Make sure to have contact information for each other, and check-in during winter storm events.

In addition, Mono County has an “Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Registry.” The AFN Registry and services are for those who have special needs that qualify them for early access to incident notification or evacuation. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the AFN Registry, and to ensure that their friends and neighbors with special needs are registered. 

Both Southern California Edison and Liberty Utilities offer customer assistance programs as well.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Mono County Public Works does not plow private driveways. It is important to secure a contractor or equipment in advance of the winter storm season. 
• During an emergency event, residents and visitors should be prepared to follow local evacuation and safety instructions. Be prepared to shelter-in-place and be sure to evacuate/leave when the opportunity presents itself. 

By following these tips and staying informed, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable winter season in Mono County.

For more information and to sign up for emergency alerts, please visit the READY Mono at ready.mono.ca.gov. 

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