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Washington
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Leadership - Reliability
- Excellence
Fostering Effective Service to People Affected by Disaster
Through Cooperation, Coordination, Communication and Collaboration
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Preparations
for Strong Wind and Potential Power Outages
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
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Make
trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs.
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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.
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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
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Assemble
essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable
radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.
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Only
use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk
of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Avoid
opening the refrigerator and freezer.
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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.
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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..
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