The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds early Friday morning. Winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 50 miles per hour will occur from 1 AM to as late as 10 AM over Western Washington. This would include impacts associated with downed trees and tree branches including isolated power outages. Public Health – Seattle & King County would like to highlight risks associated with power outages.
How to stay healthy if you lose electricity:
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Only use a generator outdoors and far away from open windows and vents.
- NEVER use a generator indoors, in garages, or in carports.
- NEVER cook inside on a charcoal or gas grill.
- More on risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/carbon-monoxide.aspx
Translated carbon monoxide information for communities with Limited English Proficiency
- City of Seattle – basic home fire safety in multiple languages: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/languages/default.htm
- King County – carbon monoxide, English and translated information: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/carbon-monoxide.aspx
- Carbon monoxide – video in Somali: http://youtu.be/TCFhY_hZGM0?list=UUVPnW7kPMd5NSUNDvuUytYA
- Carbon monoxide – video in English: http://youtu.be/zcJkM60q7M4
Avoid eating spoiled food during power failures
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold air inside.
- Refrigerated foods should be safe if the doors are kept closed and the power is only out for a few hours. Foods that remain frozen are not a risk.
- Some foods that have spoiled may still look and smell fine. When in doubt, throw it out!
- More on food safety during power outages: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/protect-food.aspx
Medical needs at home
- If possible, charge or store extra batteries (check with your medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source such as a battery or generator) for medical equipment.
- Call 911 or visit an emergency department if a medical emergency arises.
