KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Rainy, windy weather is predicted for this weekend, and with wind comes the potential for power outages. Since it's difficult to predict what neighborhoods might lose power, and for how long, Public Health advises that everyone learn how to stay safe during a power outage.
Avoid accidental carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide gas comes from burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, oil, kerosene, natural gas, coal or wood and can cause injury or death. For a full list of carbon monoxide prevention tips in English and other languages, visit www.metrokc.gov/health/disaster/carbmono.htm
- During a power outage or at any other time, do not operate fuel-powered machinery such as a generator indoors, including the garage
- Do not cook or heat with charcoal barbeques inside your home
- Avoid combustion “space heaters” unless there is an exhaust vent.
Physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you. If you believe you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Call for medical help from a neighbor’s home. The Fire Department will tell you when it is safe to reenter the home.
Keep food safe
If the power goes out in your home, there are steps you can take to keep food safe to eat for as long as possible.
Try to keep the doors closed on your refrigerators and freezers as much as possible. This keeps the cold air inside. A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day.
If you think the power will be out for several days, try to find some ice to pack inside your refrigerator. Remember to keep your raw foods separate from your ready-to-eat foods.
Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as the power is out no more than a few hours and the refrigerator/freezer doors have been kept closed. Potentially hazardous foods should be discarded if they warm up above 41º F.
Frozen foods that remain frozen are not a risk. If potentially hazardous foods are thawed, but are still cold or have ice crystals on them, you should use them as soon as possible. If potentially hazardous foods are thawed and are warmer than 41º F, you should discard them.
When in doubt, throw it out!
For more information on keeping foods safe following a power outage, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/disaster/protectfoods.htm
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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