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Keep calm and carry on How Carmichael’s True Value Hardware helps you weather the storm (and stay safe and sane) By Wendy Thomas
T
hose of you who have lived here for a while have seen a few pretty significant floods and power outages. We’ve been through the last 10 years’ worth of them with you at the store. We like to think we’re getting better at the emergency event rodeo (although it would be just fine not having another ride any time soon). We thought we might give you a retailers perspective. Don’t get the wrong idea, we love to help folks, and yes, sales are good. But emergencies are hard on everyone, especially if you’re scrambling. If the power goes out, we close the store temporarily until we can establish emergency operating procedures. Then we round up all the male cord ends and put them behind the counter (back feeding your panel is dangerous and illegal). Next we put up the “Carbon Monoxide and Backfeeding Kills” sign with the skull and cross bones on it. Now we are more or less ready for the onslaught of folks shopping for their unscheduled camping trip.
North Bend Auto Parts 1120 East North Bend Way - North Bend, WA
®
Promote your EVENT across the entire state!
689974
Please call us for your automotive, farm and industrial needs!
Contributing Writer
425-888-1112 M-F 7am-6pm Sat. 8am-6pm Sun. 10am-4pm
Easy peasy.
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Levels of preparation vary greatly. Some folks are pretty much set. They have laid in the necessary systems and or supplies, have done some planning, and are in “Keep Calm and Carry On” mode. On the other end of the preparedness scale are those who are in “Now Panic and Freak Out” mode. They have little to nothing for the situation, and haven’t spent much time thinking about it. In a perfect world everyone would have a fully functional backup power source. The reality is that many do not. They are expensive and require diligent maintenance to remain operational. There are many far more economical items that can make your life manageable until power is restored. The key is to have them on hand. You can find great emergency preparedness information on many sites. As prepared retailers, we always try to have a deep supply of emergency event “greatest hits” items. However, they are gone quickly. Reordering is difficult to impossible. Ordering systems may not be functional, and all stores in a region are pulling from the same distribution warehouses. Supplies are gone quickly, transportation is limited, and routes may not be open. If you’ve ever been in search of these items during a weather event or outage, you’ve had lots of company. Yes, there can be certain level of camaraderie, but tempers also flare. In big, lengthy events things sometimes get downright nasty. So do yourself, your family and friends, your community emergency personnel, and yes your local retailers a favor. Be prepared! Wendy’s hot power outage (and just plain don’t like to be cold) tip. A hot water bottle in bed at night (make sure it is in good shape or you’ll be soaked) makes an amazing difference in staying warm and toasty. Try it! • Carmichael’s is at 8150 Falls Ave., Snoqualmie.
MT. SI
MINI STORAGE
3 Sizes Available
(425) 888-1319 NORTH BEND
mt. si board & skate
WE’RE READY FOR WINTER!! ARE YOU?
sales - service - rentals
WE HAVE FAUCET COVERS AND PIPE
(SEASONAL
SKI
&
HEAT TAPE; WEATHER STRIPING, CAULK, AND
SNOWBOARD)
INSULATION; ICE MELT, SAND,
Consignment of your slightly used gear no more than 3-4 years old (including winter jackets, pants, snowboards, snowboard boots, snowboard bindings, skis, ski boots, ski poles, backpacks, etc.)
(425) 888 - 3932
mtsiboardandskate.com
STOVE PIPE, FITTINGS AND GASKETS; FIREPLACE SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES; MITTENS, GLOVES, HATS AND SLEDS; BOARD GAMES, PUZZLES AND CRAFTS TOO! EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR WINTER’S DRIPS, DRAFTS, AND DOLDRUMS.
North Bend premium outlets EXIT #31 OFF INTERSTATE 90 MTSIBOARDANDSKATE@YAHOO.COM
AND SNOW SHOVELS;
691301
43 Seasonal Rentals still available until we are sold out for the year. CALL FOR PRICING.
15.5 years strong, and YES, I am still the owner!! Robin
682005
Seth Truscott/Staff Photo
Q: What’s the number one thing that Carmichael’s True Value owner Wendy Thomas sells during winter storms? A: Coffee makers that don’t need electricity to brew the morning’s vital caffeinated beverage.
STAY DRY, BE WARM, GET COZY! 425.888.1107 Located in Historic Downtown Snoqualmie
690362
14 • October 17, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record