PRESS RELEASE
With more than 20 feet of snow in some areas of eastern Placer County and Truckee in January, snow loads on residential propane tanks, roofs, solar panels, and decks pose serious risks.
Propane Tanks
In 2011, when similar snow loads were a concern, propane leaks in the Serene Lakes area were widespread, triggering evacuations and the disconnection of power to homes. One leak caused an explosion that completely destroyed a home.
“Snow loads on roofs and decks are a problem throughout the Sierra right now, and everyone should take care to clear those. But the loads on propane tanks are an especially serious concern,” said Placer County Office of Emergency Services Manager John McEldowney. “Residents should dig out and inspect their tanks as soon as they possibly can and call 911 if they smell any gas at all.”
In cooperation with local fire districts, Placer County has issued an emergency alert for the greater North Lake Tahoe area west to Cisco Grove using the Placer Alert system to warn residents of the risk and urge quick action to remove snow from tanks, gas lines and regulators.
Residents should contact the Placer County Department of Environmental Health office in Tahoe City at 530-581-6240 before digging into the ground. Placer County encourages all residents to sign up for the Placer Alert emergency alert system to receive the fastest possible notification of dangers locally by text, email, or phone. Sign up here.
Roofs and Solar Panels
The Town of Truckee Building Division strongly encourages residents and businesses to consider having the snow and ice cleared from roofs before the next storm cycle.
In many instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs. Older buildings, including flat and low-pitched roofs (most often found on industrial buildings, but also used in certain home designs) are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations. The town urges all to take time to clear them now as there is the potential for many more heavy storms this winter.
The Town of Truckee Building Division would also like to remind citizens to be cognizant of the dangers associated with clearing snow from solar panels (photovoltaic systems). Always consider solar panels as being energized and remember to NEVER use metal objects or tools on or in the immediate vicinity of them. Most experts strongly recommend leaving a solar panel as is.
It is highly encouraged to call the Town of Truckee Building Division at 530-582-7821 with any questions or concerns. We also encourage you to contact your local registered professional engineer who can assist with your specific design load, alternatives and recommendations.
Tips on How to Safely Remove Snow from Roofs
• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
• Keep all ladders, shovels and roof rakes away from utility wires.
• Plastic shovels are usually best. Metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
• Shovel snow from roofs, throwing the snow over the side, away from the building.
• Remove large icicles carefully if they are hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
• Protect utility meters and piping from falling snow, icicles and melting water.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores. If you choose to do the task yourself, have someone outside with you to assist.
• Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow, and keep downspouts clean at ground level.
• Do not use blow torches, open flame, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Do not try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.
• Clear snow away from all exhaust vents to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) and the potential for dangerous CO level buildup in your home or business.
• Check that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. In general, smoke alarms shall be located in each sleeping area, hallways leading to sleeping areas, and on each level. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed on each level and adjacent to hallways leading to sleeping areas.
