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Storm Resources: Where to charge your phone and where to find warming centers in the Sierra

As tens of thousands grapple with cold, snowy weather and power outages, there are some resources that residents in the Sierra should know about.
Credit: AP
While snowfall was picturesque in places such as along Broad Street in Nevada City, Calif., it was dangerous for many others who were without electricity or stuck in the snow. (Elias Funez/The Union via AP)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Late December storms have led way to a record-breaking and dangerous situation for residents in several foothill communities. Those living in El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer Counties have been hit hard receiving feet of snowfall leading to power outages, traffic accidents, and road closures. Here is what you need to know if you are looking for help in those counties:

El Dorado County

Go-Bag distribution - PG&E will be distributing go-bags at the Garden Valley Grange Hall in Garden Valley (4940 Marshall Rd, Garden Valley, CA) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The go-bags include a blanket, battery charger, snacks and water. 

Community Resource Centers - Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center at Pioneer Park will close permanently at 6 p.m. Wednesday as power has been restored to the area, according to a tweet by El Dorado County.

El Dorado County declared a local emergency on Dec. 29, citing danger to life and infrastructure.

Some people in El Dorado County may be eligible for hotel vouchers via the county's Severe Weather Energy Assistance and Transportation Services (S.W.E.A.T.S) program. Call 530-621-6328 for information. 

The FREED Center for Independent Living is also helping qualified El Dorado County residents with vouchers for hotel rooms, food, and fuel for generators. The FREED Center can be reached at (530) 742-4474.

Nevada County

Firewood Pick-up

There are firewood pick-up locations across Nevada City and Grass Valley so residents without power can get firewood to heat their homes.

  • Eric Rood Center: 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City
  • First Baptist Church (Overnight Shelter): 1866 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley
  • North San Juan Fire Station 3: 13200 Tyler Foote Rd, Nevada City
  • Peardale Chicago Park Fire Station 57: 18934 Colfax Hwy, Grass Valley
  • Cascade Shores: next to General Store at 16552 Pasquale Rd, Nevada City
  • Town of Washington Fire Station: 15406 Washington Rd, Washington
  • Alta Sierra Fire Station 89: 11833 Tammy Way, Grass Valley 

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services wrote in a Facebook post that people should only take enough firewood for three days of home heating.

Community Resource Center and Warming Shelter - One daytime warming center is open in Nevada County which has access to Wi-Fi and device charging stations. This center is at:

This center will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This center will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Nevada Food Bank

Anyone in Nevada County who lost food because of a power outage can pick up food replacements while supplies last.

Additional information - Residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for more information about where a 4x4 service is being offered. In some cases, the county will also pay for residents to stay in hotels. County officials say they are also relaying information to local radio stations over the air. More up-to-date information is available on the county website

Placer County

Community Resource Center - Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At the center, community members can find blankets, snacks, water, air conditioning/ heating, device charging, restrooms, and WFi. 

Road Conditions - An interactive dashboard has been created by Placer County to monitor real-time road conditions.

Regional Transit - Tahoe-Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) and Placer County Transit (PCT) are reducing services. County officials encourage the public to check their websites to stay up to date on route changes. 

Emergencies and additional information - Placer County officials are asking residents to only use 9-1-1 for active emergencies. Additional information can be gathered by calling 2-1-1. The Public can also follow the Placer County Sheriff's Office on Facebook and use Placer County's Twitter lists for a feed of pertinent information.

Sierra County

Community Resource Center - Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Electricity

View PG&E's outage map for the latest update:

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Watch more from ABC10: The extremes of California weather and what the future looks like

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