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11-26-2009, 08:16 AM
Before a flood • Assemble a disaster-supply kit. • Make sure everyone knows the emergency phone numbers and when to call them.
Before a flood
• Assemble a disaster-supply kit.
• Make sure everyone knows the emergency phone numbers and when to call them.
• Learn evacuation routes and emergency-shelter locations.
• Make arrangements for housing should you need to evacuate.
• Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines.
If a flood is imminent
• Store valuables and electronics higher on the ground floor, on the second story or in your attic.
• Ensure underground storage tanks are sealed and secure.
• Learn how to use sandbags and where you can get them.
• Keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris.
During and after a flood
• Don't drive or walk into flooded areas and avoid contact with floodwater.
• Safely turn off electricity to flooded area.
• Stop using plumbing that drains to the sewer system.
• If you have been exposed to floodwater or wastewater, change clothing and shoes and wash affected skin.
• Evacuate damaged buildings.
• Help neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
• Monitor the radio for instructions or notifications of shelters and medical aid stations.
Preparing for a winter storm
• Assemble a disaster-supply kit.
• Have a corded telephone available: Cordless phones don't work without power.
• Have an alternative heat source.
• Consider purchasing a generator. Operate it only outside in a well-ventilated place.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic, insulate walls and attics, and apply caulk and weatherstripping to windows and doors.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could damage your home or other structures during a storm.
• Consider purchasing a pump to remove water.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
If the power goes off
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances, except for the refrigerator and freezer.
• Unplug computers to protect them from possible surges when power is restored.
• Leave one lamp on so you know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
• Never use gas ovens, barbecues or portable propane or kerosene heaters for indoor heating: They use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
• A refrigerator freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day without power. A separate, fully loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food.
King County, Seattle Times archives
see related articles: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010357804_floodprep26m.html
Before a flood
• Assemble a disaster-supply kit.
• Make sure everyone knows the emergency phone numbers and when to call them.
• Learn evacuation routes and emergency-shelter locations.
• Make arrangements for housing should you need to evacuate.
• Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines.
If a flood is imminent
• Store valuables and electronics higher on the ground floor, on the second story or in your attic.
• Ensure underground storage tanks are sealed and secure.
• Learn how to use sandbags and where you can get them.
• Keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris.
During and after a flood
• Don't drive or walk into flooded areas and avoid contact with floodwater.
• Safely turn off electricity to flooded area.
• Stop using plumbing that drains to the sewer system.
• If you have been exposed to floodwater or wastewater, change clothing and shoes and wash affected skin.
• Evacuate damaged buildings.
• Help neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
• Monitor the radio for instructions or notifications of shelters and medical aid stations.
Preparing for a winter storm
• Assemble a disaster-supply kit.
• Have a corded telephone available: Cordless phones don't work without power.
• Have an alternative heat source.
• Consider purchasing a generator. Operate it only outside in a well-ventilated place.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic, insulate walls and attics, and apply caulk and weatherstripping to windows and doors.
• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could damage your home or other structures during a storm.
• Consider purchasing a pump to remove water.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
If the power goes off
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances, except for the refrigerator and freezer.
• Unplug computers to protect them from possible surges when power is restored.
• Leave one lamp on so you know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
• Never use gas ovens, barbecues or portable propane or kerosene heaters for indoor heating: They use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
• A refrigerator freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day without power. A separate, fully loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food.
King County, Seattle Times archives
see related articles: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010357804_floodprep26m.html