Crews making progress on power restoration; shelters remain open to help storm victims- King County

Dec. 18, 2006

Crews making progress on power restoration; shelters remain open to help storm victims

By daybreak on Monday, approximately 140,000 King County residents were without power, primarily in east and southeast King County. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has roughly 320 crews working in the region to repair the widespread damage from trees and power lines that were toppled during the storm.

PSE officials say it could be several more days before power is restored to all areas of King County. Emergency shelters for those without electricity hosted approximately 100 residents overnight, with hundreds more using the shelters as drop-in facilities for a hot shower or a cup of coffee.

Emergency management officials note that the severity of this storm highlights the need for families to prepare for all hazards – including events that could last for an extended period of time.

"We encourage residents to prepare for a minimum of three days worth of food, water, and other emergency supplies, but as this recent powerful storm has shown us, emergency supplies can be needed for a week or more," said Eric Holdeman, director of King County's Office of Emergency Management.

Carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of grills or heaters in enclosed areas remains a high concern, as dozens of people have required emergency health care. Public health officials this morning are reiterating their message to never use grills or heaters that are designed for outdoor use in enclosed areas – including carports.

King County residents can call 800-523-5044 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, until further notice, to report damage sustained during the storm. Residents are urged to document damage with photographs, as reported information will be used to assist Washington state in requesting federal disaster assistance.

Roads

As of 8 a.m. Monday, King County Road Services reports roughly 40 road closures. Many roads remain closed because trees and power lines are across the roadway.

Motorists should check the Road Alert Web page at www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert. Those without Internet access should monitor media broadcasts for information.

Special Needs Shelter

A Special Needs Shelter remains open for medically fragile residents who are still without power in their homes, especially those who are dependent on oxygen machines and other electricity-powered devices for health support.

The Special Needs Shelter is in the cafeteria of the Bellevue Community College Main Campus at 3000 Landerholm Circle SE in Bellevue. It offers a warm place to stay, food, and medical support for adults receiving medical care for chronic conditions, as well as patients of nursing homes that are experiencing power outages.

People may be referred to the Special Needs Shelter by 9-1-1, hospital emergency rooms, emergency medical services, or the Red Cross. Even without a referral, homebound medically fragile residents and their caregivers are also encouraged to use the services of the Special Needs Shelter as needed.

Public health officials also encourage residents to look out for elderly and at-risk neighbors, family, and friends who may need help getting emergency services, including shelter. Metro Access (206-205-5000) is available to transport medically fragile residents and their caregivers to the Special Needs Shelter.

Public Health – Seattle & King County requests that anyone needing the services of the Special Needs Shelter bring to the shelter:

A three-day supply of clothing and medicine

A caregiver, if possible (caregivers and family of the person needing care may also stay at the shelter)

People with new life threatening health issues should go to the emergency room, not the Special Needs Shelter. Children with health care needs should go to the hospital as the Special Needs Shelter will not be able to serve them. Otherwise healthy people who are in need of shelter should go to one of the several community or Red Cross shelters available.

Other Shelters

King County, various cities, and the Red Cross have shelters open for citizens who have been affected by the storm. Shelters are currently open at:
Mercer Island Community Center, Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No meals or night shelter.
Renton Highlands Community Center, 800 NE Edmonds Street
West Mercer Elementary School Shelter, 4141 81st Ave SE, Mercer Island EOC is coordinating agency. Call 206-236-5300.
Bellevue Community College (Special Needs Shelter), 3000 Landerholm Circle SE
Bellevue High School, 10416 SE Wolverine Way
Vashon, 10011 SW Bank Street
Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW
Masonic Retirement Center of Washington/ Landmark On The Sound, 23660 Marine View Drive S., Des Moines, 206-323-2345
Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave So,
North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave
Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle
Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle, Seattle
Carol Edwards Center, 17401 133rd Ave. NE, Woodinville
Vine Church, 16551 NE 79th St., Redmond. Call 425-861-3438.

Closed shelters

Meadowbrook Community Center, at 10517 35th Ave. NE; and
White Center Community Center.

Only officially recognized working or guide animals (seeing eye dogs) are allowed in shelters. Residents seeking up-to-date information on shelters should contact:

King County: 206-205-3764
Red Cross: 206-236-4747 or visit www.seattleredcross.org/help online
North Bend: 425-888-0486 ext. 16

Power

Approximately 140,000 Puget Sound Energy customers in King County are without power. Roughly 320 crews are working around-the-clock to restore power throughout the service area, including north and south King County, which continues to have the greatest amount of damage to the system. An additional 32 crews are coming into the area to help with the repair work. As of this morning, two thirds of the transmission lines in King County have been restored, and fewer than 20 substations remain offline.

Customers who have power back can help those who are still out by conserving electricity. Please use only the lights you need and minimize appliance use. This will prevent additional outages due to circuit overloads as work continues to rebuild the electrical system. Resident are also warned to stay away from downed, electrified power lines – and don't ever assume that a downed line is NOT energized.

Safety

Public Health – Seattle & King County urges residents keep heaters or grills that give off carbon monoxide or other toxic fumes outdoors and to keep them out of enclosed areas - even carports. These include barbecues, propane lamps and stoves, gas generators, and other combustion-based systems. Use flashlights rather than candles, and never leaving a candle unattended.

Also, consumers should be wary of food that may spoil in refrigerators and freezers without electricity. For more information on safety tips, visit the Public Health – Seattle & King County Web site, www.metrokc.gov/health/news/06121401.htm.

Phone Service

Telephone service is quickly being restored to many areas, but phones lines are still down for about 5,000 King County residents who are customers of Qwest, Verizon, and CenturyTel.

Citizens who need emergency assistance and cannot get through to 9-1-1 should use cell phones to call 9-1-1 if possible. If cell phone service is not available, people should try driving a mile or two to see if coverage improves, or find a pay phone or land line in a public place.

Finding information and reporting problems:

For damage to or tree removal from King County roads, call the King County Roads Hotline, at 206-296-8100. For Seattle roads, contact the Seattle Department of Transportation at 206-684-7623. For other city roads, residents should contact their jurisdiction's road-maintenance staff.

For Seattle drainage, hydrant, or sewer problems, Seattle residents should call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.

For King County power-line issues, call Puget Sound Energy, at 888-225-5773. For Seattle power-line issues, call Seattle City Light, 206-684-3000.

To recycle debris such as stumps, tree limbs and brush, visit the Solid Waste Division Web site, www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd, and select the "What Do I Do With...?" option. Select either "Business" or "Resident," or "All landscaping/landclearing" and click the "Search" button to generate a list of recycling processors. In many cases these recycling options are significantly less expensive than disposal.

King County Executive, Ron Sims County news Executive initiatives Excellence in Government Executive offices Biography Contact information King County Executive Office Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT King County Executive, Ron Sims King County Executive You're in: King County Executive, Ron Sims print Dec. 18, 2006 Crews making progress on power restoration; shelters remain open to help storm victims By daybreak on Monday, approximately 140,000 King County residents were without power, primarily in east and southeast King County. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has roughly 320 crews working in the region to repair the widespread damage from trees and power lines that were toppled during the storm. PSE officials say it could be several more days before power is restored to all areas of King County. Emergency shelters for those without electricity hosted approximately 100 residents overnight, with hundreds more using the shelters as drop-in facilities for a hot shower or a cup of coffee. Emergency management officials note that the severity of this storm highlights the need for families to prepare for all hazards – including events that could last for an extended period of time. "We encourage residents to prepare for a minimum of three days worth of food, water, and other emergency supplies, but as this recent powerful storm has shown us, emergency supplies can be needed for a week or more," said Eric Holdeman, director of King County's Office of Emergency Management. Carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of grills or heaters in enclosed areas remains a high concern, as dozens of people have required emergency health care. Public health officials this morning are reiterating their message to never use grills or heaters that are designed for outdoor use in enclosed areas – including carports. King County residents can call 800-523-5044 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, until further notice, to report damage sustained during the storm. Residents are urged to document damage with photographs, as reported information will be used to assist Washington state in requesting federal disaster assistance. Roads As of 8 a.m. Monday, King County Road Services reports roughly 40 road closures. Many roads remain closed because trees and power lines are across the roadway. Motorists should check the Road Alert Web page at www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert. Those without Internet access should monitor media broadcasts for information. Special Needs Shelter A Special Needs Shelter remains open for medically fragile residents who are still without power in their homes, especially those who are dependent on oxygen machines and other electricity-powered devices for health support. The Special Needs Shelter is in the cafeteria of the Bellevue Community College Main Campus at 3000 Landerholm Circle SE in Bellevue. It offers a warm place to stay, food, and medical support for adults receiving medical care for chronic conditions, as well as patients of nursing homes that are experiencing power outages. People may be referred to the Special Needs Shelter by 9-1-1, hospital emergency rooms, emergency medical services, or the Red Cross. Even without a referral, homebound medically fragile residents and their caregivers are also encouraged to use the services of the Special Needs Shelter as needed. Public health officials also encourage residents to look out for elderly and at-risk neighbors, family, and friends who may need help getting emergency services, including shelter. Metro Access (206-205-5000) is available to transport medically fragile residents and their caregivers to the Special Needs Shelter. Public Health – Seattle & King County requests that anyone needing the services of the Special Needs Shelter bring to the shelter: A three-day supply of clothing and medicine A caregiver, if possible (caregivers and family of the person needing care may also stay at the shelter) People with new life threatening health issues should go to the emergency room, not the Special Needs Shelter. Children with health care needs should go to the hospital as the Special Needs Shelter will not be able to serve them. Otherwise healthy people who are in need of shelter should go to one of the several community or Red Cross shelters available. Other Shelters King County, various cities, and the Red Cross have shelters open for citizens who have been affected by the storm. Shelters are currently open at: Mercer Island Community Center, Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No meals or night shelter. Renton Highlands Community Center, 800 NE Edmonds Street West Mercer Elementary School Shelter, 4141 81st Ave SE, Mercer Island EOC is coordinating agency. Call 206-236-5300. Bellevue Community College (Special Needs Shelter), 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue High School, 10416 SE Wolverine Way Vashon, 10011 SW Bank Street Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW Masonic Retirement Center of Washington/ Landmark On The Sound, 23660 Marine View Drive S., Des Moines, 206-323-2345 Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave So, North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle, Seattle Carol Edwards Center, 17401 133rd Ave. NE, Woodinville Vine Church, 16551 NE 79th St., Redmond. Call 425-861-3438. Closed shelters Meadowbrook Community Center, at 10517 35th Ave. NE; and White Center Community Center. Only officially recognized working or guide animals (seeing eye dogs) are allowed in shelters. Residents seeking up-to-date information on shelters should contact: King County: 206-205-3764 Red Cross: 206-236-4747 or visit www.seattleredcross.org/help online North Bend: 425-888-0486 ext. 16 Power Approximately 140,000 Puget Sound Energy customers in King County are without power. Roughly 320 crews are working around-the-clock to restore power throughout the service area, including north and south King County, which continues to have the greatest amount of damage to the system. An additional 32 crews are coming into the area to help with the repair work. As of this morning, two thirds of the transmission lines in King County have been restored, and fewer than 20 substations remain offline. Customers who have power back can help those who are still out by conserving electricity. Please use only the lights you need and minimize appliance use. This will prevent additional outages due to circuit overloads as work continues to rebuild the electrical system. Resident are also warned to stay away from downed, electrified power lines – and don't ever assume that a downed line is NOT energized. Safety Public Health – Seattle & King County urges residents keep heaters or grills that give off carbon monoxide or other toxic fumes outdoors and to keep them out of enclosed areas - even carports. These include barbecues, propane lamps and stoves, gas generators, and other combustion-based systems. Use flashlights rather than candles, and never leaving a candle unattended. Also, consumers should be wary of food that may spoil in refrigerators and freezers without electricity. For more information on safety tips, visit the Public Health – Seattle & King County Web site, www.metrokc.gov/health/news/06121401.htm. Phone Service Telephone service is quickly being restored to many areas, but phones lines are still down for about 5,000 King County residents who are customers of Qwest, Verizon, and CenturyTel. Citizens who need emergency assistance and cannot get through to 9-1-1 should use cell phones to call 9-1-1 if possible. If cell phone service is not available, people should try driving a mile or two to see if coverage improves, or find a pay phone or land line in a public place. Finding information and reporting problems: For damage to or tree removal from King County roads, call the King County Roads Hotline, at 206-296-8100. For Seattle roads, contact the Seattle Department of Transportation at 206-684-7623. For other city roads, residents should contact their jurisdiction's road-maintenance staff. For Seattle drainage, hydrant, or sewer problems, Seattle residents should call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800. For King County power-line issues, call Puget Sound Energy, at 888-225-5773. For Seattle power-line issues, call Seattle City Light, 206-684-3000. To recycle debris such as stumps, tree limbs and brush, visit the Solid Waste Division Web site, www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd, and select the "What Do I Do With...?" option. Select either "Business" or "Resident," or "All landscaping/landclearing" and click the "Search" button to generate a list of recycling processors. In many cases these recycling options are significantly less expensive than disposal.
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	Updated: Dec. 20, 2006