Northshore Emergency Management Coalition offers tips for winter preparedness
Following the effects of November's Bomb Cyclone weather that knocked out power for as many and 900,00 people in King and Snohomish Counties, the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition is urging northshore residents to get ready for more winter weather.
Storms during the winter can range from moderate rain and wind to a snowfall lasting multiple days with many storms being accompanied by freezing rain, sleet, ice, and very low temperatures. A big concern during winter storms is power outages and trouble traveling, essentially immobilizing entire regions.
Here are some tips for being ready for winter's storms:
Make sure you have snow shovels and other necessary equipment to remove snow. It is also a good idea to keep an adequate amount of rock salt on hand to melt ice on steps, walkways, and driveways.
Home preparation
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
Know how to communicate and who you will communicate with during severe weather or any disaster. Learn where to obtain severe weather and disaster information for home, work, school, and car. Listening to a battery operated NOAA Weather Radio receiver
Each family member, including your pets, should have an individual "GO KIT" at home, work, and school.
Car preparations
Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include road flares, jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks.
Keep fuel level at half or above.
Check your tires and spare tire (including inflation) and know how to use the car jack.
Be sure you have water for 2-3 days in your vehicle (for each person and pet).
Check that your flashlights are operational, and be sure you have extra batteries.
Be sure you have sand and two blocks of wood for traction.
Portable power stations to quickly charge batteries and inflate tires
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