At the recent meeting of the Sierra County Board of Supervisors in Downieville on Tuesday, March 5th, various department managers presented comprehensive updates regarding storm damage. Sheriff Mike Fisher informed the board about the aftermath of the storm, noting that while no emergencies were declared by the Office of Emergency Services, there were reports of significant damages to homes and instances of downed electrical lines. Fisher underscored the effective communication established with various agencies, including Public Works, PG&E, AT&T, and Liberty Utilities. He specifically highlighted an ongoing issue in Loyalton, where a city block remained without power, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to address such challenges.
Public Works Director Bryan Davey elaborated on the impact of the storm on infrastructure, mentioning road closures in Sierra City due to downed power lines. Additionally, Davey addressed a particular concern in Verdi, where a road became impassable, necessitating the outsourcing of the plowing job. Furthermore, he addressed an unexpected setback as the Sierra Brooks water system server experienced a significant failure, potentially attributed to power fluctuations. Davey assured the board that operations would be managed manually despite this setback until the server was repaired.
The Behavioral Health Director reported on the challenges faced by the Behavioral Health building in Loyalton, which was left without electricity on March 4th due to the absence of a backup generator. This disruption undoubtedly affected services provided to the community, prompting a need for contingency planning for future events.
Building and Planning Director Brandon Pangman shared insights from damage assessments conducted post-storm. Reports from the Sierra City Fire Department indicated trees down on several homes, prompting inspections that revealed significant structural damage in some cases. As a precautionary measure, three houses were posted with Do Not Occupy notices. Pangman assured the board of the department’s commitment to working closely with affected homeowners and insurance agencies to facilitate timely repairs and ensure the safety of residents.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Plumas County, the Office of Emergency Services continues its efforts to gather damage reports for a comprehensive survey aimed at potentially securing individual financial assistance through FEMA. Residents are encouraged to submit their reports via the county website or the OES Facebook page, underscoring the region’s collaborative approach to recovery efforts.
