Jan. 9, 2007
County prepares for more winter weather
Citizens urged to be ready
Preparations underway
King County’s Transportation Department will have crews on duty around the clock as part of the county’s preparation for the storm now battering the region, staff are preparing for the potential of downed trees, landslides, and icy road conditions. Metro Transit is preparing to put chains on its entire fleet in anticipation of significant snowfall overnight.
The National Weather Service is predicting a significant storm to pass through the Puget Sound area tonight accompanied by 30-45mph winds and rain, followed by snow and colder temperatures in the days ahead.
With up to four inches of snow predicted in King County during the early morning hours, the decision has been made to place all road crews on 24-hour operations. That means more than 240 workers will be divided into two 12-hour shifts beginning at midnight tonight.
County officials also urge citizens to prepare themselves for the next round of storms by following the below tips:
- Never operate a generator or an outdoor barbecue indoors. Carbon monoxide generated from the devices is poisonous. Please visit www.metrokc.gov/prepare for a list of generator safety tips.
- Fill your vehicle with gas and have plenty of gas to operate generators.
- Make sure you have a minimum of 3 days, preferably 7 days, supply of water, food, flashlights, warm clothing, blankets, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medications, food/water for your pets, and any special needs items.
- Contact family members and advise them to take precautions and have an emergency communications plan.
- Do not, under any circumstances, go near downed power lines. Be aware that the ground near downed power lines may also be electrified.
- Do not, use outdoor cooking equipment (BBQs) inside the home and do not leave children and/or pets unattended with propane heaters, candles, or other open flames.
- Only call 9-1-1 in a life threatening emergency when an immediate police, fire, or medical response is needed. All non-life threatening calls should be made to the appropriate agency using their direct phone numbers.
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/
- 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 appropriate ventilation.
- 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.
Related information
- Prepare for emergencies
- Regional Public Information Center alerts
- Transit information
- Avoid accidental carbon monoxide poisoning