How To Survive A Winter Storm – What I Learned From The Seattle Area Snowstorm of 2012

 

If you are reading this today, then you are one of the lucky ones to have your power in the greater Seattle region.

It appears that we are finally warming up from one of the regions most powerful winter storms in decades. Were you prepared for the storm? I thought I was but found that some important things had been overlooked. After all, we really don’t see this sort of winter blast very often, especially with an ice storm to top it off. So, I thought I would put together a list of what I found to be the most important ways to weather a winter storm.

Preparation Before A Storm Hits:

• Have your emergency supplies in an easily accessible location. When was the last time you checked the expiration date on the batteries you may have to depend on? How about food you have in your kit – how old is it? Check your supplies every season of the year to make certain your supplies are good. Throw away anything that has expired and replace. In addition to your normal disaster survival kit (linked), it is important to be prepared for power outages as many in the Pacific Northwest are learning as I write. I will discuss further below.
• Make sure that you fill your autos with gas, have gas cans filled for generators, start your generator before a storm hits to make certain it is in proper working condition.
• Stock extra groceries that will be easy to prepare in case of a power outage. Have plenty of drinking water.
• Make sure your prescriptions are full.
• Walk your property and clean up any loose branches that could fall, put away items that could topple over, clear storm drains and gutters of leaves and debris.
• If you have an auto garage door, make sure you know how to open it manually in case of a power outage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do In A Winter Power Outage:

Items To Have On Hand:

• Flashlight- have a couple of different sizes. I think the best flashlight is the type that you wind up or shake and that has no need of batteries at all.

• A hand crank radio so that you know what is happening. Battery operated will work too, but again, you will be dependent on batteries.

• Oil lamps for long term outages. Include matches.

• A hard wired telephone, not just a cordless. A cordless will not work without electricity. A cell phone is good to have as well but depending on the weather there could be problems with that.

• If you depend on electricity to get your water (such as with a well) then be sure you have extra drinking water on hand.

• A back up generator is a blessing if you can afford it. Be sure to have everything you need for it to run.

• Warm clothing. This sounds silly but in our modern times we don;t dress for warmth because we move from heated houses to heated cars to heated workplaces. In case of a cold weather power outage, you will want thermal underwear (long johns) for each family member as well as layers of clothing and warm socks. Be sure there are hats, gloves, scarves, and coats in case you need to get away from the house to seek shelter elsewhere.

• It is good to have a fireplace or wood-burning stove for warmth. Make sure you have a stock of wood in case you need it. Try to close off the room that the fireplace is in to keep the warmth in it. You can use blankets over the doorways if you need to.

• If there is someone at your house on some type of life support that depends on power then make sure you know what to do in case of an outage and that you have the items you need. Talk to your health care provider.

• Use your hot water sparingly. It will stay hot for a couple of days in the hot water heater if you don’t waste it.

• Blankets. Have extra. Down filled comforters are great.

• Have some games and things you can do to pass the time. Make it fun.  Fun Things To Do During A Power Outage

Additional Things:

• If there are lines down near you stay away from them even if you don’t think they are live.

• If you have elderly neighbors check on them. If you get no answer at their door don’t be afraid to go inside. It could be the difference between life and death for them.

• Animals need warmth too. When it is going to be cold make sure you have plenty of hay for your livestock, straw in the barn, a good shelter for your animals. Put an extra few layers of straw or litter on the hen-house floor, add straw to the outside dog house. Better yet, bring pets inside. Be sure that ice is broken on watering dishes and areas. Heat up water and give your animals warm water to help them maintain their body heat (not hot water!)

• Turn on your faucets slightly. Running water won’t freeze so easily.

• Stay away from trees that are heavy with snow and ice. Large branches can break and fall on you. The entire tree can fall and kill you as we have already tragically seen during this storm.

 

In Your Car: You can get stranded in a car in winter and if you don’t have a few things prepared you can easily die of hypothermia. Keep the following things in a tub in the car (or trunk).

• First-aid kit

• A can and waterproof matches

• Windshield scraper

• Booster cables

• A cell phone and car charger

• Tool kit

• A bag of sand or cat litter

• Tow rope

• Tire chains

• Shovel

• Container of water and high-calorie foods (gorp, nuts, etc)

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair)

• Brightly colored cloth or plastic flags for attracting attention;flares

• rain poncho, water proof tarp

 

Winter Flooding: Now that the snow is starting to melt, the runoff has to go somewhere and that means flooding potential. As many as 14 rivers are expected to reach flood stage over the weekend. What should you do to prepare?

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has been a whopper of a storm and many may be out of power for days. With the new long term forecast showing that we may be in for an eventful winter, it is best to be as prepared as we can be. Remember to help your neighbors and even strangers. We all need to stick together in times like these. Remember that you can get lots of information on your smart phone as well so make sure that you keep it charged, even if that means charging it in your car. KOMO streams live news coverage as well as finding local weather information and alerts on many sites.

I hope that everyone makes it through this winter blast safe and sound and without too much damage to homes and businesses. Be safe!