Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain Forecast for Several Days
Possible Power Outages; Be Prepared
A series of early season strong Pacific storm systems will affect the region tonight through the weekend. These systems have the potential to bring very strong winds and heavy rainfall to Western Washington. The second system will affect the area Saturday and Sunday and looks to be the stronger of the two. It is possible that several of our congregations will be out of power on Sunday. As clergy, we can prepare by recognizing how that may impact our worship services. Can you hold services in the dark and in cool weather?
In the case of a police, fire, or medical emergency, please call 911.
Church Preparations – Planning for an outage
Plan for an outage this weekend – Some tips:
- How’s your “Welcome to the Episcopal Church” sign? If it’s hanging by one hook, please anchor it down. Otherwise it could be a metal projectile!
- Store or remove all outdoor things like furniture, hanging plants & flower pots that adorned your entry to the church this summer. Secure garbage cans, etc.
- Do you have a phone tree to contact members of your congregation? How about your most vulnerable parishioners? As clergy, can you get in touch with your Vestry or Bishop’s Committee?
- If you have a portable generator, does it work? Do you have gas? Remember, if you run it keep it outside.
- Charge your electronic devices & perhaps purchase a car charger.
- Download a weather app for your smartphone or computer
- Storm
- Weather Underground
- A local news station’s weather link
- If you are on Social Media, stay connected with Twitter (local news & weather), Facebook (news, and members of your congregation), etc.
- Share the following page with members of your congregation
Planning for the Storms this weekend – BE SAFE, BE PREPARED
Today – Please Clear Storm Drains of Leaves and Debris
Please take the time today to rake any leaves or debris out of the storm drains near your home or business. The combination of rainfall and wind increases the possibility of clogged storm drains and street flooding. Grass clippings, leaves, branches, and trash can accumulate and plug storm drains and channels, which contributes to pooling and driving hazards.
Today – Gather and Store Emergency Supplies
Please be prepared for power outages with supplies to last at least 72 hours. Have an ice chest available to store needed medications or special foods that must remain cold. Have “blue Ice” freezer packs ready for the ice chest to keep your medication cold. Don’t forget water, batteries & flashlights, baby formula, and pet supplies.
Also
- Charge your electronic devices & perhaps purchase a car charger.
- Download a weather app for your smartphone or computer
- Storm
- Weather Underground
- A local news station’s weather link
- If you are on Social Media, stay connected with Twitter (local news & weather), Facebook (news, and members of your congregation), etc.
- There are many sources online for preparing an emergency kit such as the following. Some are more localized to King County, but your local authorities will have similar information.
- Take Winter by Storm – Multiple resources and checklists in many languages.
- PSE website or 1-888-225-5773– Emergency preparation list and video.
- Ready.gov – Build-A-Kit for emergencies and disasters.
- King County Metro Transit Alerts or 206-553-3000
- King County River Flooding Information or 206-477-4899
- Comcast Storm Preparations
- National Weather Service Info for Snoqualmie (type in your own zip code for local info)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Use Generators Safely; Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers
If you own a standby or portable generator, be sure you know how to operate it safely. Improper use may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or fire. Buy gasoline, but don’t store it in the generator until you need it. Keep it locked up in a separate area in a specifically designated red container. DO NOT BRING IT INSIDE! More information about generator use and safety is on the PSE website. If you have generator safety questions, call PSE at 1-888-225-5773. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, call 911 immediately.
