Sammamish Families: Prepare Your Family for Winter Storms and Disasters

The weather turned colder this week and winter has definitely arrived. We've gathered tips from two local experts on what you can do to better prepare your family for the next natural disaster - be it snow, wind or an earthquake.

Plan ahead for ice and snow with items for your car 

Lindsey Walimaki is a Corporate Communications Program Manager for Puget Sound Energy. She says living in Sammamish can create some additional challenges during winter storms that all plateau families should prepare for.

“With many hills on the Eastside, it’s important to have chains and other preparedness items in your car in case you encounter ice or snow on the roadway. Some preparedness items include an emergency preparedness kit, flares, winter clothing for travelers, hand warmers, blankets, rain gear and safety beacons. For a complete list, view the Winter Weather Driving Checklist at takewinterbystorm.org,” Walimaki says.

What to do if you get caught near a downed power line 

Fallen trees, says Walmaki, is something to always look out for. “The Eastside is heavily treed, which contributes to the beauty of the area. However, when wind storms hit, that means we have many tree-related power outages and a higher likelihood of downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, stay as far away from it as you can and call PSE at 1-888-225-5773. Assume the power line is energized. Never touch a downed power line or anything near it. If you find yourself near a downed power line, shuffle your feet away from the power line to avoid ground shock.”

If you are driving with your family and encounter a downed power line, Walmaki says, “always assume a downed power line is energized. It’s important to stay as far away from it as possible, and never touch anything that may be close or touching the line. If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car until help arrives. If you must leave your car because of fire or other danger, jump away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle your feet away from the line to a safe location.”

She also suggests, “when winter weather driving becomes treacherous, it can be more convenient and safer to travel by public transportation." Click here for the Winter Public Transportation Checklist at takewinterbystorm.org.

Prepare for lengthy power outages with an emergency preparedness kit and a family communication plan

Falling trees often bring down our power lines, leaving plateau families in the dark and cold. Walmaki says to prepare for that possibility.

“It is important to be prepared for power outages by assembling a preparedness kit that includes at least a three-day supply of food and water, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight and extra batteries and a first-aid kit. For a complete list of preparedness items, view the Emergency Preparedness Checklist at takewinterbystorm.org. It is also important to make a family communications plan, which includes talking with your family about how to prepare and respond to emergencies, identifying an out-of-town contact and programming emergency contact numbers into your phones.”

During big storms, like the huge wind storm of 2006, it is possible for plateau families to be without power for several days and Walmaki says it's important to take caution while providing the comforts of heat, hot food and electricity from a generator for your family.

“Never use charcoal or gas grills as an indoor heating or cooking source. They can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When operating a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the operation of generators prior to a power outage, and review manufacturer recommendations on connections and fueling. Locate generators outdoors and far from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas.”

Make sure your water tank is secure before an earthquake strikes

Debbie Goetz is an Emergency Preparedness Training Specialist for the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management. She says to also think about how much water you’ll have on hand for your family members and pets should a disaster strike.

“Your water heater tank at home typically stores 30-50 gallons of good, drinkable water. Make sure it's bolted to the studs in the wall (get a $20 strapping kit available at hardware stores). This way, you've not only preserved a large water supply, you've also prevented fire, the leading secondary disaster after an earthquake. You can never store too much water."

Have adequate medication for each family member on hand in cae you are trapped at home for several days 

You'll want extra water on hand, especially if you have children, pets or family members with medical/health conditions, says Goetz.  Speaking of health conditions, Goetz says if you have family members who require daily medication, “be able to accommodate medical/health needs without refrigeration, running water or electricity. Keep at least a seven-day supply of extra prescription medication on hand. Ask your doctor for an "emergency" or "vacation" prescription. Your insurance may or may not cover it, but this way, you'll have extra medication for emergencies.”

Talk about what to do with your family should disaster strike when you are not at home

Successful planning for how your family will cope with a natural disaster doesn’t need to take lots of money, Goetz says, just some time to prepare.

“Talk to your family and discuss how and where would you reconnect if you couldn't meet at home after a disaster? Designate a family contact out of the area that everyone can check in with. Find your earthquake safe spots at home - think 'beneath, beside, between.' Tuck a pair of sturdy shoes under your bed. Raid your own home for emergency supplies. Chances are, you've got 75-80 percent of what you need in your home right now, it's just all over your home. Designate a location inside your house near a primary exit. Not that you'll be dashing out of the house with your supplies, it's so you know the essentials are in one place and accessible.”

Plan ahead with neighbors to prepare for the next natural disaster

And talk to your neighbors as well says Goetz, so you can better take care of each other.

“Know your quirks, comforts and connections. Tailor your plan for your unique situation. Whose kids are home alone after school? Who has pets or takes care of family members with health or medical conditions? Talk with neighbors and plan ahead of time on how you'd check and take care of each other if you couldn't get home.”