Remember the Storm of '06?

Anyone who lived in Woodinville in December 2006 will remember the huge windstorm that blew through, downing trees and power lines all along Woodinville-Duvall Road and knocking out power and water service in some areas for more than a week.

"Power was down for days, and many people couldn't even leave their homes to get water," said Debbie Rannfeldt, public information coordinator for the Woodinville Water District.

Nasty weather conditions are inevitable, but fortunately, preparing for crisis situations is a snap. Taking precautions now may save many Woodinville residents heartache later during this harsh winter season.

Rannfeldt uses the 2006 storm as an example when she talks about preparedness.

"When I go to emergency preparedness fairs, I ask, 'Do you have your drinking water stored?' and most people I ask say no. I say, 'Do you remember this storm? The power was out for eight days and those people couldn't get out of their homes. Imagine if we had an earthquake – the underground pipes are broken, the roads are bucked … how will you get water?'" she said.

"We need people to start preparing now," said Jamie Gravelle, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency. "We urge people to get in the habit of doing one thing per pay day. An extra can of soup, or a gallon of water when they are at the store. Don't do it all at once, or it will feel like a financial strain."

ESCA serves as the emergency management agency for 10 King County cities, including Woodinville, and "serves as our 'go-to' resource when situations in Woodinville warrant some outside help," said Alexandria Miller, assistant to the city manager in Woodinville and Emergency Preparedness Commission and Public Safety Staff Liaison.

At minimum, families need to have a gallon of water a day per person, ideally for three days, Gravelle said. "From there, you can begin adding to your long term supply until you have enough for 7 to ten days," she said. "Also, this way you can replenish your supply, and always know what you have."

In addition to storing water, the ESCA recommends keeping flashlights and batteries on hand, wet wipes, and everyday items such as toilet paper and a can opener. Be mindful of special needs for family members as well.

 "If you have an infant in diapers, keep extra diapers on hand in case road conditions are too hazardous for you to get to a store," Gravelle said. "Think about the needs of elderly family members, nursing mothers, pregnant women and even pets. If you have a Great Dane, you will need more food and water obviously than if you have a Chihuahua. You can never have too much water."

Residents with septic systems should consider keeping a bucket and heavy-duty garbage bags on hand as well in the event that the power goes out, preventing them from being able to flush toilets or possibly access their own well, according to Gravelle.

"It's also a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full in your car," she said. "If you need to evacuate and road conditions are hazardous, you don't want to run out of gas."

Keeping a supply of wood or another heat source is important as well, Gravelle said. "Sometimes if there isn't a shelter set up, local churches will offer a comfort station so people can take showers and get warm. But of course, that all depends on the situation and available resources."

Gravelle indicated the most important aspect of emergency preparedness is to have a plan, and to talk with your children about that plan.

"Young children can get supplies and help," she said. "It shouldn't be a secret. Kids need to know what to do in an emergency in case their parents are able to get to them. Communication and preparation: the two go hand in hand."

During an emergency situation, Woodinville residents can stay informed or learn about emergency shelter locations by tuning to AM 1060 or calling the After-Hours Citizen information Line at (425) 877-2269.

See a detailed list of emergency supplies .