Wind
In the event of heavy winds, roads and properties can get damaged by downed trees and power lines, debris, and more.
Before the Storm
The best thing you can do to keep your family safe before, during, and after a windstorm or emergency is to be prepared.
Safety Tips
- Have a disaster kit ready with two weeks' worth of food, water, and supplies for everyone in your home.
- Ensure you have a safe source of heat. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or propane heaters for indoor heating, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Store or secure lawn furniture and decorations.
- Know how and where to shut off your utilities.
- Keep tree branches away from the home and maintain the trees on your property.
- When possible, park away from falling hazards.
- Avoid being outside or near windows, and minimize driving as much as possible.
- Keep extra flashlights and batteries in the event of a power outage.
- Clear your gutters and any drains to ensure proper drainage and avoid flooding.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from National Weather Service and other local outlets.
A strong storm can knock over trees, destroy homes, cause flooding, and cause loss of utilities like electricity. If you see a downed powerline, never go near it or touch anything that could be in contact with it! The lines are still active and can cause electrocution. Instead, call 911 to report the downed power line.
With a loss of electricity, many decide to use a generator to provide temporary power to their home. Used improperly, generators can be incredibly dangerous. If used indoors, the generator can emit a colorless, scentless gas called carbon monoxide (CO). Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to unconsciousness and eventually death. When using a generator, keep it outside, in a well ventilated area, and away from windows.
To alert you to the potential of rising carbon monoxide levels, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and test regularly. A working carbon monoxide detector can save your life.
During a Windstorm
The most important thing to do during a windstorm is to stay safe and sheltered. Follow these safety tips:
- Avoid downed power lines, sagging trees, and broken tree limbs. If you come across a downed power line or tree over the roadway, turn around and dial 9-1-1.
- Contact Public Works to report minor flooding at 425-488-0118; Option 1. Crews will respond when it is safe to do so. Never walk, ride, or roll past road closure signs or barricades. Dial 9-1-1 to report major flooding.
- In the event of a power outage, never use grills, barbecues, propane heaters, or gas range stovetops and ovens to heat your home. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.
- Operate generators outside, a safe distance away from your home, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a generator in your garage.
- Report power outages by contacting your local utility provider: Snohomish County PUD or Puget Sound Energy. Check your local outage maps (King County / Snohomish County) for outage updates and information.
- Opt for flashlights rather than candles to prevent house fires.
Recovering from a Windstorm
Sometimes it’s difficult to see all the damage a storm has done. Be sure to check your property thoroughly to prevent further harm:
- Check your plants for exposed roots and cover them to keep them alive and keep them protected against future storms.
- Look for water and signs of moisture in your home — especially in basements, crawlspaces, and attics. Early detection can help prevent pesky and dangerous mold and mildew.
- Check gutters, downspouts, and drains again. Make sure they’re clear and undamaged for proper functionality in the future.
- Eliminate puddles of standing water to avoid slippery ice patches as weather gets colder and mosquito breeding grounds as weather gets warmer.