• Stay out of flooding basements to avoid the possibility of drowning.
• Never drive into standing water or around road-closure signs.
• Keep storm drains clear to avoid flooding of streets and personal property.
• Report flooding drains and streets asap.

• Get battery powered radio and flashlights.
• Have extra batteries to power both.
• Keep charcoal and gas grills, heaters and generators outside and away from open windows and vents to prevent CO poisoning.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

• When there’s snow on the ground, don’t drive unless you have to, and stay on the main roads.
• Know your bus snow route and check to see if it is operating.
• During periods of ice or snow, Metro Transit service may be rerouted, cancelled, or delayed. Know your bus snow route and check King County Metro Transit Reroutes and Service Exceptions to see if it’s operating, or call 206-553-3000.
• Pack cold weather clothing. It’s a good idea to keep cold weather clothing in your trunk for road emergencies.

• Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets at hand to stay warm during power outages.
• Keep charcoal and gas grills, heaters and generators outside and away from windows and vents to prevent CO poisoning.
• Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding indoors.

• Check in with family and friends to make sure they are OK. When a weather related disaster strikes, first ensure your own safety. Then check in with family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are OK.
• Keep a minimum of three days of food and water on hand. Plan ahead for winter storm season: Have emergency supplies, food, and water stored at home, work and in your car – enough to last a minimum of three days. Don't forget supplies for your pets too.

Do Not Use Candles or Camping Lanterns –
Flashlights are the safest form of alternate lighting to use. Candles are frequently forgotten, and when they burn down or if they are placed too close to combustibles, they can cause a fire. Camping lanterns are designed for use in very well ventilated areas only. They produce large amounts of Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, tasteless gas that kills quickly and silently.

Take Control in Restoring Power to Your Home –
Electrical fires sometimes occur when there is a power surge upon restoration of electrical service to the home. Turn off all electrical appliances and devices that were on before the power went off, including television sets, washers, dryers, space heaters and lighting. Leave one lamp on so you know when the power is restored.

Never Use a Portable Generator Indoors –
Generators produce poisonous Carbon Monoxide (CO) build-up. Also do not use generators in garages, basements or crawl spaces. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup.

Be Cautious with Portable and Space Heaters –
Place heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets, and people. Never leave portable or other space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to bed.

Never Use Cooking Equipment for Heat –
Stoves and ovens are designed for cooking, not heating a home. Fires and deaths have occurred in winter months from people using cooking equipment to heat a home. This is a dangerous fire hazard, and should not be done.

Do Not Open the Refrigerator or Freezer –
Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours, otherwise throw it away. A freezer that is half full will hold up for 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours, otherwise throw it away.

For more information, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 425-556-2276 visit us online at www.redmond.gov/disasterprep.