Heavy Rain, Windy Conditions Expected Early this Week

With high winds predicted this week for the Puget Sound area, the American Red Cross reminds residents to prepare.

Sammamish and surrounding areas are in for heavy rains this week and windy conditions tonight through tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service

Expect rain most of the week, and winds of 15 to 26 miles an hour, with the potential for gusts up to 40 miles an hour through Tuesday. Temperatures likely will remain above freezing, however. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips for handling wind storms safely:

Wind Storms

• 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.
•  Wind storms may lead to power outages. 

Prepare accordingly for possible power outages:

• Assemble essential supplies, including a flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water per person per day and a small supply of food.  For more information about building or purchasing a disaster kit, visit www.seattleredcross.org.
• 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.
• Never use charcoal or gas grills as an indoor heating or cooking source.
• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
• 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.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.