Windstorm Safety
Storms in our region can occur without warning. The effects of windstorms can be felt even in urbanized areas and often citizens find themselves dealing with an emergency they did not anticipate. KCFD #2 has provided a basic list of things you should do to prepare for and be aware of in the event of a windstorm.
Quick Tips During A Storm
Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are the greatest threat during a windstorm. Downed power and utility lines pose risk of electrical shock and can cause fires to adjacent objects. Always assume that a utility line is energized and stay at least 50 feet away. Do not try to move downed lines or objects that have come in contact with downed lines under any circumstance. During a windstorm, keep in mind that surrounding trees and additional power poles or lines may fall at any time. It is best to remain indoors or to evacuate the area completely. If a vehicle or person has come in contact with a downed line, always assume the line is energized. Occupants inside of a vehicle which has come into contact with a power line must remain inside of the vehicle until the electrical hazard has been removed by a utility company. Keep in mind that surrounding structures, fences, puddles, and other nearby items also may be energized.
Power Line Emergencies
In the event that the utility pole, nearby trees, or other objects have caught on fire, call 911 immediately. If you notice utility poles or power lines that have fallen or have been damaged, call 911 and your local utility company (see numbers below).
Seattle City Light
(206) 684-3000 (between 7:30 am - 6 pm)
(206) 684-7400 (outage hotline)
Puget Sound Energy
1-888-225-5773 (24 hours)
Who Do I Call If The Power Goes Out
First check your electrical panel to see if a breaker that is normally on has been tripped to the off position. If this does not resolve the situation, call the utility company that provides service to your occupancy (see phone numbers listed above).
Staying Warm When The Power Goes Out
Use alternative heat sources safely. Do not burn anything inside without adequate ventilation. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, hibachi, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units burn up oxygen, create deadly carbon monoxide and are a likely cause of fire. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. Wear extra layers of clothes and use several layers of blankets. Don’t get wet if you can’t get dry. Be sure to eat. Food provides calories that help maintain body heat. Heat only the area of your home that you are using. Close doors or drape a blanket over the entrance to unused areas. Cover windows and doors with blankets. Close curtains, shades or drapes.
Food During Power Outages
It is best to stock up on non-perishable food products a few days before a storm is predicted. In the event the power goes out, use foods that can spoil rapidly first. Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers shut and minimize the number of times you open them. Use an ice chest packed with ice or dry ice to keep food cold. It is most important to keep meat, seafood and dairy products cold. "If in doubt, throw it out." This includes all foods, fresh or frozen, that have not been properly refrigerated. Food in undamaged cans is safe to use.
Generator Use During Power Outages
Use portable generators only as independent sources of power. Do not connect generators to your home’s main service panels. This may result in serious injury or death to utility workers trying to restore power. Make sure generators are used outdoors and away from building fresh-air ventilation intakes.
Quick Tips During A Storm
- Stay inside and away from windows.
- Listen to your local news for emergency advice.
- If your heating system stops working, use a safe alternative.
- If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
- Minimize driving to conserve fuel. Gas station pumps do not work during power outages.
- Do not attempt to move downed power lines.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are the greatest threat during a windstorm. Downed power and utility lines pose risk of electrical shock and can cause fires to adjacent objects. Always assume that a utility line is energized and stay at least 50 feet away. Do not try to move downed lines or objects that have come in contact with downed lines under any circumstance. During a windstorm, keep in mind that surrounding trees and additional power poles or lines may fall at any time. It is best to remain indoors or to evacuate the area completely. If a vehicle or person has come in contact with a downed line, always assume the line is energized. Occupants inside of a vehicle which has come into contact with a power line must remain inside of the vehicle until the electrical hazard has been removed by a utility company. Keep in mind that surrounding structures, fences, puddles, and other nearby items also may be energized.
Power Line Emergencies
In the event that the utility pole, nearby trees, or other objects have caught on fire, call 911 immediately. If you notice utility poles or power lines that have fallen or have been damaged, call 911 and your local utility company (see numbers below).
Seattle City Light
(206) 684-3000 (between 7:30 am - 6 pm)
(206) 684-7400 (outage hotline)
Puget Sound Energy
1-888-225-5773 (24 hours)
Who Do I Call If The Power Goes Out
First check your electrical panel to see if a breaker that is normally on has been tripped to the off position. If this does not resolve the situation, call the utility company that provides service to your occupancy (see phone numbers listed above).
Staying Warm When The Power Goes Out
Use alternative heat sources safely. Do not burn anything inside without adequate ventilation. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, hibachi, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units burn up oxygen, create deadly carbon monoxide and are a likely cause of fire. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. Wear extra layers of clothes and use several layers of blankets. Don’t get wet if you can’t get dry. Be sure to eat. Food provides calories that help maintain body heat. Heat only the area of your home that you are using. Close doors or drape a blanket over the entrance to unused areas. Cover windows and doors with blankets. Close curtains, shades or drapes.
Food During Power Outages
It is best to stock up on non-perishable food products a few days before a storm is predicted. In the event the power goes out, use foods that can spoil rapidly first. Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers shut and minimize the number of times you open them. Use an ice chest packed with ice or dry ice to keep food cold. It is most important to keep meat, seafood and dairy products cold. "If in doubt, throw it out." This includes all foods, fresh or frozen, that have not been properly refrigerated. Food in undamaged cans is safe to use.
Generator Use During Power Outages
Use portable generators only as independent sources of power. Do not connect generators to your home’s main service panels. This may result in serious injury or death to utility workers trying to restore power. Make sure generators are used outdoors and away from building fresh-air ventilation intakes.
Preparing In Advance For A Storm
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Basic List of Emergency Supplies
The following is a basic list of emergency supplies:
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