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October marks the beginning of storm season in the Pacific Northwest. That means
wind, rain and occasionally snow. These can all cause temporary disruptions to electric
service occasionally more than a few hours. In 2006 a storm devastated the Seattle
City Light service area, and some people had to wait days before they got power back.
So best be prepared.
King County and Snohomish County have again teamed up with Seattle City Light and
Snohomish Public Utility District in the ìTake Winter by storm,î an effort to remind
people to take precautions and prepare in case of electric power loss.
The utilities have been preparing for emergencies so they can restore power as quickly
and safely as possible.
We start in late summer, we have our training and we make sure our phone lists are up
to date and that everyone have their storm go kits ready.
We want to make sure all our crews are equipped with materials
and ready to go but not only equipped but are properly dressed for the winter they
may be out there for extended periods
And it isn't just the utilities that should be preparing.
Personal preparedness begins at home, any event that can strike us during
the storm season requires that you think carefully what you yourself might need as
a person and what you're going to need with in your own household and the people
you live and work with. So there are lots of
personal preparedness kits available by retail or you can go to the take winter by storm
dot org web site and look up a check list there on how to prepare your own.
Even if a home doesn't lose power, storms can cause damage in a neighborhood.
Just be aware. In heavy winds limbs come down on wires and may not be able to
see wires in trees and stay away from wires on the ground. Anything that's on the
ground, consider it hot I've seen wires on the ground that were still hot.
The best resource for preparing your self and your family for a potential power
disruption can be found at the web site take winter by storm.org
Peter Clarke for Seattle City Light