The Big Bear Hospital is establishing a temporary Emergency Room in their Emergency Room parking lot utilizing an AMR mobile unit that has 3 patient beds and a small waiting area. In order to have adequate coverage for emergency medical services, AMR is providing additional advance life support units in the area. The Big Bear Hospital will be fully operational by midnight on Sunday.Currently, utilities and sanitation services are working in these areas. However, it is recommended that all residents take flashlights, portable radios, batteries, and drinking water with them to their houses. No open flame sources for light or heat should be used due to the inherent fire danger associated with these items. Charcoal barbeques are not to be used as a heat source due to the lethal amounts of carbon monoxide that can build up inside a home. Each resident needs to be prepared for winter driving conditions, so have snow chains, blankets, and water inside each vehicle.
When returning to your home, check all utilities for leaks and report them to your utility company. For information regarding the proper disposal of food in your refrigerator/freezer contact San Bernardino County Health at (909) 387-4608.
The area is still experiencing some mild fire activity in the mountain communities. Weather forecasts have change and there are no expected Santa Ana wind conditions for next week.
For those communities still under evacuation there are still a number of unsafe conditions that are being addressed. This includes downed power lines, unsafe roads due to debris and guardrails that are out. Utility companies, Cal Trans, County Roads, and other agencies are working to ensure that these areas are free of any life safety issues. State Highway 18 and State Highway 138 have experienced damage from the fire and crews are working to provide safe access. Remember when returning to your communities to drive at safe speeds and watch for crews repairing the highways.