Woodinville, Are You Prepared for the Big Snow?

With a possibility of 2-8 inches of snow falling on Woodinville Wednesday (according to the National Weather Service, it may be a good idea to make sure you have enough supplies to get you through an emergency.

“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 said in November. “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.”

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

From Auto Clubs of America:

• Cell phone and charger for making emergency calls.
• Warning devices (flares, triangles or other visual alerts).
• First aid kit.
• Flashlight with new batteries.
• Non-perishable food and water.
• Blankets and warm clothing including hat and gloves.
• Jumper cables.
• Abrasive material (sand or cat litter) or traction mats and a small shovel.
• Ice/snow scraper for clearing car and windows.
• Tire chains.

From King County:

Before the weather turns bad, make sure your family, home, and vehicle are ready for whatever Mother Nature sends. The following guidelines can help you prepare:

Family

• Listen to weather forecasts regularly and heed any warnings.
• Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.
• Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child's school and your work.
• Check your emergency supplies and restock outdated items. Be sure to include plenty of water and non-perishable food, first aid supplies, a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both. A checklist can be found at www.TakeWinterByStorm.org.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.
• Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.
• Monitor the weather forecast and adjust your travel plans if necessary. Know the snow routing for school buses and public transit.
• Check on neighbors, especially anyone who might need help.
• Subscribe to free regional alerts and news bulletins at www.rpin.org.

Home

• Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel for emergency equipment in case the electricity is cut off (such as a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove).
• Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Test the batteries each month, and replace them twice a year.
• Take steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or in carports. Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home. Avoid combustion "space heaters" unless there is an exhaust vent.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
• Learn more tips for preparing your home at www.TakeWinterByStorm.org.

Vehicle

• Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained. Ensure the electrical systems, brakes, batteries, lights, windshield wipers, antifreeze and heating and cooling systems are in good shape. Check fluid levels – antifreeze, windshield washer, and oil.
• Keep tires properly inflated and make sure they have adequate tread. Replace any worn tires.
• Build, or restock, a vehicle emergency kit, including flares, flashlight, extra batteries, ice scraper, tire chains, a blanket and warm clothing, sturdy shoes, first-aid supplies, water, and non-perishable food. You can find a detailed list at www.TakeWinterByStorm.org.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full; the extra gas helps reduce condensation that can plug your fuel line with ice and stall your engine in cooler weather. It also helps you avoid running out of gas if you experience long traffic delays.
• When driving in snow, stick to major arterials. Register for road alerts atwww.kingcounty.gov/roadalert and transit alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/transit. 

If snow piles up and roads become hazardous, postpone your trip if possible. Staying home will keep you and others safe. If you must travel, be aware of ice hazards, especially on shaded roadways, bridges, or in high elevation areas prone to freezing. 

Hypothermia is a common problem during cold winter weather, especially with young children and older adults who are most vulnerable. Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, slow or unclear speech, extreme tiredness, stumbling, confusion, semi-consciousness, or unconsciousness. If a person becomes unconscious, get medical help immediately. To prevent hypothermia, wear warm, multi-layered clothing with good head, hand, and foot protection. Avoid overly constricting wrist bands, socks, or shoes.