San Bernardino County Mountain Communities Finally Reached 98% Road Clearing Following Blizzard. But why are they so far behind the curve in keeping our roads cleared? After weeks of being cut off from the outside world, residents of the San Bernardino County mountain communities of Crestline and Lake Arrowhead are finally seeing 98% of roads cleared following the recent blizzard that struck the area. Despite the difficult task of clearing the snow and ice, many in the community are questioning why the county failed to properly prepare the community for the storm. The National Weather Services issued their first Blizzard Warning on February 23, 2023. The blizzard warning, the first in more than three decades, initially forecast a snowfall of about 5 feet at elevations as low as 5,000 feet. Why didn't this warning initiate an evacuation plan for moutain communities without adequate services? Without an evacuation, the blizzard left many residents stranded as the storm continued to rage. Many individuals died while many are left asking why the county failed to evacuate the community or have an emergency plan in place for natural disasters. In order to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future, many local residents are suggesting the county have an evacuation plan and emergency protocols for natural disasters of this magnatude in place. This plan must include when the county should issue an evacuation order, and how to inform the community of the impending danger. Additionally, all mountain communities(cities and unincorporated areas) should have their own evacuation plans in place, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of a natural disaster. It is also essential that communities are proactive in preparing for natural disasters. This includes stocking up on essential supplies and having an emergency plan in writing and available to the public. The recent blizzard in the San Bernardino County mountain communities of Crestline and Lake Arrowhead has shown that more preparation is needed in order to ensure the safety of those living in the area. With an evacuation plan and emergency protocols in place, the county can prevent future deaths and a similar incident from occurring in the future. To receive EMERGENCY UPDATES, download the Swift911 Public app on your mobile device.
