Woodinville is in for Some Stormy Weather

Woodinville is in for some interesting weather in the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will drop, wind will pick up, rain is coming and there is a possibility of snow. Whether or not it snows, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any weather emergency. Patch has put together a guide to being prepared for weather emergencies.

Wondering if the schools are going to be open? Both Northshore and Lake Washington School Districts suggest signing up for alerts from the Public Schools Emergency Communications System. Just go to the system’s website, www.schoolreport.org, navigate to your school district and sign up. If schools are closed the information will be listed on the website. You can also call the Northshore School District Information Line: 425-408-6001, or check the district's website, www.nsd.org, or Lake Washington School District, www.lwsd.org

King County and Puget Sound Energy have a special website with tips and checklists on being prepared for winter storms, www.takewinterbystorm.org. King County has an emergency website with all road closure and flood information, www.rpin.org.  

Other Emergency Numbers:

Puget Sound Energy: 1-888-225-5773

Woodinville Water District: 425-487-4100

City of Woodinville After Hours Emergency Line: 425-877-2269

King County Roads (unincorporated areas): 1-800-527-6237

City of Woodinville Car Emergency Kit:

• Three-day supply of food
• Emergency blankets
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares
• Jumper cables
• Compact shovel
• Work gloves
• Snow chains
• Drinking water

“Being prepared means staying informed, knowing how to get information and alerts from local, state and federal agencies and understanding the specific risks in your community and preparing against them,” said Dee Totten, emergency manager for Woodinville Fire & Rescue. “We’re taking steps as an organization to become better prepared and to help you prepare, and we urge you to take time to do the same at home, at work, for your car, and for your pets to create a more disaster resistant community.”

What should individuals and families have in an emergency supply kit? Here are some of the suggested items:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking, and 5 gallons to include sanitation needs
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and non-electric can opener, for foods that you like to eat
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio (have extra batteries for both)
• Lightsticks or flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (protection from air-borne contaminants)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Cash
• Medical information, prescription medications and extra glasses
• Local maps

Those are the basics, but some items you may also want to consider adding are:

• Infant formula and diapers and special supplies for the elderly
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Copies of important family documents (insurance policies, identification, bank records)
• First aid material
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes, additional clothes in cold-weather climates (get ready for winter)
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (In an emergency you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners)
• Fire extinguisher and know how to work one (PASS system)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencils
• Books, games, puzzles and other activities for children

Individuals and families should also consider having additional emergency kits — one full kit for home and a smaller portable kit to “grab & go” if required to leave the home quickly; one to have in the workplace; and one for all your vehicles.