With strong winds and heavy rain expected to sweep through parts of the Puget Sound this fall and winter, the American Red Cross reminds people throughout the area to prepare for the possibility of power outages and wind damage. During the past severe windstorm and power outages, many people were left unprepared. The Red Cross wants residents to be prepared and safe.

Some basic preparation and common-sense safety tips will help ensure safety during bad weather. Always have a flashlight, a battery operated radio and, of course, fresh batteries. Have some bottled water handy, as well as food items that don’t need refrigeration or cooking to prepare and make sure you have a non-electric can-opener. 

Tips from the Red Cross on preparing for high winds and possible power outages: 

Prepare for High Winds

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
• During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

Top Safety Tips for a Power Outage

• Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.
• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
• Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
• If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
• Stay focused on the risks of smoke and carbon monoxide. If you do not have one buy a carbon monoxide alarm, they are available at most hardware stores. If you have one, check the battery to make sure it is working. If the alarm sounds: get to fresh air by going outside. Contact the fire department before you go back inside your home.   

For more preparedness information visit www.seattleredcross.org or contact 206-323-2345 in King County, (360) 377-3761 in Kitsap County or www.redcrosswashington.org for links to Red Cross chapter web sites in Washington State.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world.  For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org..