The National Weather Service in Seattle is predicting a significant windstorm for the Puget Sound region. Starting tonight, winds gusting around 50 mph can be expected across King County, which will damage trees and power lines. A High Wind Warning is in effect from 6:00pm Thursday until 7:00am Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, an even more severe storm is forecast to hit our region with even stronger winds. The timing, strength, and duration of that storm is still uncertain at this time, so monitor local media and websites for updates.

Power outages are a strong possibility with these storms, so King County Emergency Management offers these tips if you lose electricity.

PREPARING FOR A POWER OUTAGE

• Have an emergency kit ready, including a flashlight, extra batteries, and cash. (ATMs can’t operate without electricity.)
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged.
• Have alternative charging methods for your phone and other devices.
• Install surge protectors and/or battery back-up systems for computers.
• If you have an electric garage door opener, know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it.
• Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full. (Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.)
• Consider purchasing a generator. If you a have a generator, strictly adhere to safety requirements.
• If you rely on anything that is power dependent, such as a medical device, determine a back-up plan.
• Trim trees and shrubbery, and make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs. You may also want to strategically remove branches so the wind can blow through.

IF THE POWER GOES OUT

• To report a power outage, Seattle residents can call Seattle City Light at 206-684-3000 (customer service) or 206-684-7400 (recorded hotline) or visitwww.seattle.gov/light. All other King County residents should contact Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or www.pse.com.
• Use battery-operated light sources, such as flashlights or light sticks. Do notuse candles, as they can cause fires.
• Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or propane heaters for indoor heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. These can also increase the risk of fire.
• Limit the number of times you open the refrigerator and freezer to help keep foods cold for longer.
• Turn off as many lights and other electrical items as possible (except for the refrigerator and freezer). This will help eliminate potential fire hazards and reduce the power draw when service is restored.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from power surges when service is restored.
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
• Stay informed. If available, monitor local media for updates and important safety information.
• If driving, proceed with caution and treat intersections with non-working traffic lights as a four-way stop.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY IF YOU LOSE ELECTRICITY

1. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
   • Only use a generator outdoors and far away from open windows and vents.
   • Never use a generator indoors, or in garages or carports.
   • Never cook inside on a charcoal or gas grill.
2. Avoid eating spoiled food during power failures
   • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold air inside.
   • If you have a food thermometer, throw away any food in the refrigerator or freezer that is warmer than 45°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, throw out any food that has not been in a working refrigerator for more than four hours. Foods that remain frozen are not a risk.
   • Either eat or freeze leftover foods right away, particularly meats, seafood, dairy products, cooked potatoes and rice.
   • If in doubt, throw it out. Never taste suspicious food. It may look and smell fine, but the bacteria that cause foodborne illness may have grown on the food and will make you sick.
3. If you rely on electricity for wheelchairs or other medical devices, charge up or store extra batteries if possible.

FLOOD THREAT

Heavy rain is anticipated with this series of storms. Because river and reservoir water levels are still low at this time of year, river flooding is not expected in King County. However, residents should keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris to prevent streets from flooding. Keep up to date with the latest river flood information at www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

Power outages and heavy storms can impact sewer systems, especially where storm and sewer systems are combined. Residents should fill out a sewer emergency information form before the storm begins.

EXPANDED OVERNIGHT SHELTER FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS

King County will open the lobby of the downtown Administration Building at 500 Fourth Ave. to provide additional space for overnight shelter for individuals who are homeless starting tonight through October 18. The Administration Building offers 50 shelter beds every night, and opening the lobby will double the number of beds available in response to the expected severe weather. Shelter is also available across the street at the Fourth and Jefferson Building, which has space for 50 individuals who are invited to bring in their pets. Both shelters are open from 7:00pm to 6:00am and are operated by the Salvation Army and the King County Department of Community and Human Services.