SVR Special Pages - Get Ready for Winter

GEt Ready for

WINTER Plan now, save worry later

Published as a supplement to the Snoqualmie Valley Record

Always be prepared, Page 10 Even dry winters can pack a punch

Winter pet safety, Page 11 How to keep your critter warm and dry

Kits for every disaster, Page 12 Take winter by storm with gear list

Keep calm and carry on, Page 14 Stayin’ alive at Carmichael’s, page 14

Prepare on a shoestring, Page 15 Thrifty ways to stay safe, gather resources

10 • October 17, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

www.valleyrecord.com

Preparing for the storm

Rowe said. “People say it only happens to faraway places. It doesn’t happen to my family.” But the reality is that disasters do happen here.

Planning, getting a kit ready, gathering supplies are vital to being ready for the possible.

“Plan to let each other know you’re safe and where you’re at,” Rowe said.

A warm coat, good set of shoes, a list of medication, are a good starting point. See our full list on pages 12-13 for kit ideas.

When it comes to winter disasters, make a plan ahead of time and avoid risky choices

See STORm, 16

By Seth Truscott

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Editor

North Bend Materials (formerly North Bend Sand and Gravel)

43300 SE North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045

Assorted gravel and sand, topsoil, and landscaping needs, railroad ties, cedar/playground chips/bark

File Photo/2012

Highway travel shut down due to downed trees during last winter’s three-day blackout in Snoqualmie. Winter storms have real consquences in the Valley. Plan and gather supplies ahead of time.

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Thinking ahead

MORE THAN JUST ROCK: IN THE RED SIDE

Williams, who lives in Fall City, went nine days without power in the 2006 storm.

“Every day, we had to get gas for the generator,” she recalls.

When a disaster happens, it’s often too late to stock up. When Williams went to the supermarket during the 2006 outage, she noticed that essentials like candles were often sold out.

“You’re competing with everybody else during these times,” she says. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by planning and shopping early. It’s important to store extra water, food, flashlights and other essentials well ahead of time.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the scale of a disaster, and the need to react. Some thinking ahead of time is well worth it.

“Think about what you’re going to need on a camping trip,” Williams advises. “These are the kinds of things you have to fall back on.”

“The biggest issue is the attitude that ‘it won’t happen to me,’”

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The last few months have seen exceptionally dry weather in the Cascade foothills. But Mother Nature often has tricks in store.

Even though this winter is predicted to be mostly mild, Bob Rowe, Snoqualmie Fire Chief, stresses that it’s important to start thinking about preparedness early.

It’s the neutral years, he says, that historically have had the really big storms.

“There’s always anomalies,” he says. This year saw odd patterns— drought in the Northwest, record numbers of tornadoes in the east.

So you can’t take an easy winter for granted, Rowe says.

“We can’t stress preparedness enough,” he added.

Whether it’s a wet winter or a dry one, there is usually at least one serious weather event every winter in Western Washington, says Josie Williams, spokeswoman for Eastside Fire and Rescue.

“Even if it’s not serious, it does put a stop to people’s activities,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just not safe to go out.”

The winter of 2012 was a doozie. During the Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend, the Valley endured a three-or-four day blackout, the result of an ice storm that shattered trees, downed power lines and closed major roads for days. It came in the wake of a snowstorm that snarled local routines days earlier.

The massive ice storm of January 2012 challenged local authorities in several ways. The city of Snoqualmie worked with the just-opened YMCA to open an emergency shelter, which posed hurdles as there was no generator there at the time.

With Snoqualmie Parkway and Highway 202 closed between Snoqualmie and Fall City, neighborhoods became more isolated.

Gas stations and stores saw lines form for essentials like gasoline.

The January storm wasn’t as bad, though, as the Election Day storm of 2006, which shut down power for some Valley residents for nearly two weeks.

Fred Seemann, Owner

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Winter safety for your pets Indoor or outdoor, pets need protection from the elements

A

s you stock up on winter supplies for yourself and your family, give a thought to any four-legged family members.

Dogs, cats, horses and other animals need many of the same things people do in the winter, and a little more attention. Just like people, dogs and cats can be more susceptible to sickness in the winter.

Pets should limit their time outdoors, even if they are outdoor animals. A consistently wet coat can keep an animal cold, even if the temperature rises, so all pets should have a warm, dry shelter that’s out of the wind.

Whether they’re indoor

or outdoor, when an animal comes inside, gently toweldry, or even blow-dry their coats.

Also, check their feet for clumps of ice or snow between their toes, damage to their foot pads, and so on. Watch for frostbite, which appears as reddish, white or gray skin that’s flaking off.

A dirty, matted coat provides very little warmth, so keep your pets well groomed.

Brush them frequently to remove mats, and only bathe them when necessary. Bathing can remove some of the oils in the coat that help provide insulation, so should be done less often during the winter.

Also, never allow a bathed animal outside for more than a few minutes, until its coat is completely dry.

Keeping warm in colder weather takes more energy,

Fill sandbags when you need them

Snoqualmie Valley Record • October 17, 2012 • 11

Animals need shelter from winter storms, plus food and water. Never allow a bathed animal outside until its coat is dry. so pets may need extra food, especially those that stay outside.

Hydration is just as important in the winter months, so make sure fresh drinking water—not snow—is always available.

Cold floors can also give animals a chill, so make sure

they have blankets and beds to lie on.

If pets are staying in the garage, be sure to store antifreeze and other chemicals out of their reach, and clean up any spills. Antifreeze can kill dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

Also, before starting your

Fall City: Preston-Snoqualmie Trail parking lot at Lake Alice Road Southeast and Southeast 56th Place

When high water threatens, residents can protect their property with sandbags. Bags are typically made available North Bend: Public Works Shop, 1155 East North Bend during floods by several agencies in the Valley.

Way; Sandbags and sand are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 Carnation: Old Public Works Shop site, corner of Myrtle p.m. weekdays, when the city’s Emergency Operations Center is open. It is a self-service operation, and shovels Street and McKinley Avenue

car, knock on the hood or honk the horn. Cats and kittens sometimes crawl under cars to nap on the warm engine, so be sure they’re all cleared out before starting the engine. Do this for cars parked outdoors, too.

Leaving your pet alone in a car, summer or winter, is always a bad idea.

Temperatures can be extreme, and if you leave the engine running, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a risk.

Save space in your disasterpreparedness kit for the critters, too.

PAWS, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (www. paws.org), recommends the following items for each pet in your disaster kit: • Minimum of three days’ worth of food, water and medications for each pet — enough for the same number of days you planned for in your family kit.

• Food and water bowls • Can opener • Carriers for each small animal, leashes and col-

lars for each larger dog • Cat litter and litter box • Familiar blankets and towels, for bedding and to calm the animals.

• Toys and treats, also to keep pets calm • Written instructions for each animal, in case you need to leave them with someone.

A pet first-aid kit is also recommended. You can buy one at a pet supply store, or create your own, with the following: • Conforming bandage • Absorbent gauze pads • Absorbent gauze roll • Cotton tipped applicators • Antiseptic wipes • Emollient cream • Tweezers and scissors • Instant cold pack • Latex disposable gloves • Proper fitting muzzle • First aid book for cats and/or dogs.

Keep each pet collared, with identification tags. Also consider microchipping your pets for more permanent identification.

are available on site. Check in with the office before filling sandbags.

Snoqualmie: City property at Railroad Avenue Southeast

and Southeast King Street. Currently available only by request. Call Snoqualmie Public Works for an appointment to pick up sand and sandbags, (425) 831-4919.

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Plan ahead, make a kit for winter events

Important Phone Numbers

Take Winter By Storm, a casts and important roads preparedness organization and transit hotlines. for Western Washington, Share these tips with urges residents take three family, friends, neighbors, important steps to get ready and community members for severe weather. to help them get prepared, Step one: Create an emer- too. gency preparedness kit with Get prepared now so you at least a three-day supply can take winter by storm! of non-perishable food and Learn more at http:// water for your home and takewinterbystorm.org. office. Kits prepared for vehicle T CARD Basic road travel and winter weather disaster evacuation gosupplies kit kits are also advised.

Step two: Make a plan A basic emergency supply kit preparedness sites. Fill in your emergency contact information. Carry and practice the plan with can include the following recomunication center, automobile and at your place of work or school to your family and those who mended items: depend on you.

• Water—one gallon per person Step three: Stay informed per day for at least three days, for and know the weather drinking and sanitation. approaching so you are prepared for whatever Mother • A three-day supply of nonperishable food Nature throws our way.

The Take Winter By • A battery- or crank-powered Storm website offers a radio and a NOAA Weather Radio number of resources. The with a tone alert; extra batteries site includes preparedness for both checklists, communication Name: • Flashlight and extra batteries Address: plans and emergency conHome tactPhone: cards in multiple lan- • First aid kits Work Phone: guages, plus links to fore- • Whistle to signal for help Cell Phone: Utilities (gas, electricity, water): Insurance Provider:

Healthcare Provider:

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 Ambulance: 9-1-1 or Fire: 9-1-1 or

Police: 9-1-1 or

OLD ERE

Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more valuable information on creating an emergency communications plan, putting together an emergency preparedness kit and other important preparedness information.

My Contact Information

OLD ERE

www.valleyrecord.com

Seth Truscott/Staff Photo

Marietta Modl cooks with propane during power outage in January of 2012. The Snoqualmie resident heated her home with a butane burner, and stayed entertained with an e-reader.

• Dust mask to filter contaminated aid • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Can opener for food

• Local maps • A cell phone with chargers, an inverter or a solar charger.

Additional supplies Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items: • Prescription medications and

glasses • Infant formula and diapers • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Cash or traveler’s checks and change • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof,

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Seasonal local crafts and creations from local vendors Delicious and warming concessions.

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portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) (PDF - 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from the Take Winter

By Storm website, http://takewinterbystorm.org.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a coldweather climate.

• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

• Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted at a ratio of one part bleach to nine parts water, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

• Fire extinguisher • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

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12 • October 17, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

Directions: Print out a card for every member of your household and for all of your preparedness sites. Fill in your emergency contact information. Carry this card with you and keep one in your preparedness kit, home communication center, automobile and at your place of work or school to reference in the event of an emergency.

www.valleyrecord.com

Important Phone Numbers

Utilities (gas, electricity, water): Insurance Provider: Ambulance: 9-1-1 or Fire: 9-1-1 or Police: 9-1-1 or

Courtesy image

Phone (day):

Emergency Phone (night):contact cards, like the above samAddress:be found, along with emergency kit ple, can Out-of-area Contact lists, at www.takewinterbystorm.org.

Name:

FOLD HERE

Meeting Place Information

Meeting Place Information

In any emergency, a family member Phone (day): Phone (night): or you yourself may suffer an injury. If • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as genyou have these basic first aid supplies you are Meetingeral Placedecontaminant Outside of Neighborhood better prepared to help your loved ones when Location Name: • Thermometer they are hurt.

Phone: • Prescription medications you take every day Address: Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make Other such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma a difference in an emergency. You may consider inhalers. You should periodically rotate meditaking a first aid class, but simply having the cines to account for expiration dates. following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamina• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose tion: and blood pressure monitoring equipment and • Two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves if you supplies are allergic to latex Non-prescription drugs: • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic tow• Anti-diarrhea medication elettes • Antacid • Antibiotic ointment • Laxative • Burn ointment Other first aid supplies: • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

Emergency Contacts

Name:

Police: 9-1-1 or

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 FOLD HERE

Local Contact

Getting your home ready for winter

Fire: 9-1-1 or

Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more valuable information on creating an emergency communications plan, putting together an emergency preparedness kit and other important preparedness information.

Ambulance: 9-1-1 or

Healthcare Provider:

Cell Phone:

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Work Phone:

Healthcare Provider:

Home Phone:

Remember the unique needs of your family members, including growing children, when making your emergency supply kit and family Name: emergency plan.

Address: For Baby: Home Phone: Work Phone: Formula Cell Phone: Diapers Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more valuable information on creating an emergency Bottles communications plan, putting together an emergency preparedness kit and other Powdered milk important preparedness information.

Local Contact Medications Name: Moist towelettes Phone (day): Phone (night): Diaper rash ointment Address: Out-of-area For more Contact information about the care and feedName: ing of infants and young children during an Phone (day): emergency, visit the California Dept. of Public Phone (night): Health website.

Meeting Place Outside of Neighborhood For Adults: Location Name: Denture Phone: needs Address: Contact lenses and supplies Other Extra eye glasses Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including a jacket or coat, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Source: FEMA

My Contact Information

Address:

Insurance Provider:

FOLD HERE

Name:

Utilities (gas, electricity, water):

Supplies for unique needs

Emergency Contacts

First aid kit

• Scissors • Tweezers • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

My Contact Information

This includes items necessary to maintain your car in an emergency, or the number of people who can fit in your car if you are stuck.

• Oil • Transmission fluid • Windshield wiper fluid • Gas can • De-icer • Flares • Panty hose, for use as a spare belt • Spare keys • Copy of auto insurance documents • Tent • Sleeping bag

Important Phone Numbers

Car auto kit

Snoqualmie Valley Record • October 17, 2012 • 13

Your house is more than just an investment: It’s your home. So naturally, you’ll want to take good care of it.

Take the time to prepare your home prior to the oncoming cold weather. Ready everything for the cold months ahead.

• Create and follow a weatherization/risk management plan for your home or property to minimize storm impacts and follow each year at the beginning of storm season.

• Conduct annual reviews of your property insurance to understand and address coverage needs. Ask about flood insurance or coverage for sewer/storm drain back-up.

• Complete a detailed home inventory of your possessions and keep in a safe place away from your home (like a safe deposit box). You can find a downloadable form at TakeWinterByStorm.org.

Roof, Attic and Gutters • Check your roof for loose, missing, worn, or damaged shingles and make sure flashing is secure around vents and chimneys to eliminate flying debris and reduce the chance of possible water damage.

• Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawl space. Seal areas around recessed lights, the attic hatch, and plumbing vents that may be allowing warm air from the living space below to enter the attic.

• Gutters should be clean, properly aligned, and securely attached.

Inspect gutters a few times during the fall and winter months, especially if there are many trees around your house. Gutters and downspouts should direct water away from the foundation, as well as away from walkways and driveways, so that they do not become slippery or icy.

Outside Walls, Framing and Foundation • Check soffits, siding, brick walls, trim, and flashing for damage, looseness, warping, and decay.

• Look for termite damage and signs of other insects or rodents.

• Check foundations for signs of settling, such as bulging or shifting.

Have a professional inspect cracks more than 1/8-inch wide.

• Learn more at takewinterbystorm.org.

Hubbard to lead King County Office of Emergency Management Walt Hubbard is the newly named director of the King County Office of Emergency Management, selected through a highly-competitive nationwide search. Hubbard was the emergency preparedness manager for King County Department of Transportation. While there, he worked to improve all-hazard response, with a focus on Green River flooding, winter storms, and long-term recovery.

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he cities and towns of the Snoqualmie Valley have had a rich and colorful history.

Many of our local businesses and organizations have been an integral part of the community for decades . . . some have even been so for generations.

Our second annual ‘Then and Now’ is a snapshot profile of the many great Valley businesses, organizations, fraternities, families or the buildings they inhabit that have been providing products and services for our daily lives, while also lending character and a strong sense of history, culture and place to our individual communities and to our Valley.

Contact us for more information: William Shaw • wshaw@valleyrecord.com David Hamilton • dhamilton@valleyrecord.com RUN DATE: Weds. October 24, 2012 as a ‘pull-out’ of the Snoqualmie Valley Record

425.888.2311

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: Thursday, October 18 @5pm

VALLEY RECORD SNOQUALMIE

www.valleyrecord.com

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.

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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.

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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

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14 • October 17, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

www.valleyrecord.com

Gear up for seasonal needs

Preparedness on a budget

ACE Hardware ready to help when winter strikes Don’t let the long stretch of summer fool you into thinking winter isn’t coming. The abrupt change into fall is here.

Staff at North Bend ACE Hardware are ready, awaiting customers’ needs as severe weather approaches. They have prepared a winter preparedness and emergency kit list and are ready to help customers.

In case of bad storms or weather-related disasters, homeowners should be thinking ahead about how to stay mobile, warm and safe.

“You want to be prepared for the worst,” said ACE Store Manager Chris McCartney, a veteran of 20 Valley winters, including snow storms, floods and prolonged power outages.

Storms often mean a run on the store, so smart shoppers will stock up ahead on everything from de-icer to emergency lamps.

When gear and supplies are organized and stored in a safe, dry place, homeowners can be ready for Mother Nature.

Get together with your family and make a list, ACE staff say.

Find a place in the pantry or back of the garage, and safely store needed goods. Water is a must. Some neighborhoods are on electric wells. When the power goes down, so does the water supply.

Besides ‘people food,’ ACE staff emphasized putting aside extra pet food to ensure animals don’t go hungry during outages or other disasters that may cause disruption in supply chains.

The store’s emergency car kit list includes items that save time and trouble during winter travel. An extra bag of cat litter can also be the ticket (out/home) when your car gets stuck in a snowy ditch.

Chemical heating pads and glow sticks can provide light and heat without batteries.

Also, make sure to use camp stoves and grills safely. Residents should never use coal- or gas-powered items inside the home, as the carbon monoxide they give off is deadly.

ACE also recommends foam faucet covers and heat tape to prevent frozen pipes and water leaks. Don’t forget about pipes from well houses to the home, as well.

Snoqualmie Valley Record • October 17, 2012 • 15

North Bend ACE assistant manager Niel shows part of the selection of winter auto care items.

Winterization should also include treatments to gasoline engines in the boat or RV to prevent cold damage.

Outdoor fun Winter brings opportunity for adventure. ACE carries a full selection of sporting goods for families’ camping, hunting and fishing needs.

Camping goods can also come in handy during storms and power outages.

Old and new products, from emergency thermal blankets and Sterno cans to lamps and hatchets, make roughing it a bit easier.

Some customers swear by oil lamps over battery-powered lamps. Oil burns brightly and lasts longer.

The store also carries a hand-cranked LED lamp that lasts for up to 12 hours after a firm cranking.

ACE makes an extra effort to stay staffed and stock inventory during big winter events.

“We make an extra effort to make sure everybody’s here,” McCartney said. “We’ve got committed people. They understand we’ll be here, we’ll keep operations running.”

At need, a regional warehouse keeps supplies running.

“I tell them what we need, they make it happen,” McCartney said. “ACE is the helpful place. That’s what we’re here for— everybody at the ACE warehouse also understands and supports that whole philosophy.”

• North Bend ACE Hardware is located at 330 Main Ave S. Call the store at (425) 888-1242.

You don’t have to break the budget to prepare for the types of natural disasters that can happen in your area. The following are easy ways to get ready for nature’s events in a thrifty manner.

Create your own personalized list. You may not need everything included in “ready-made” kits and there may be additional items you need based on your personal situation.

For example, if you have pets, you may need special items.

Don’t forget to have supplies in your car and at work.

Look around your home first for items you can place in your kit using the personalized list you create. You may be surprised how many items you already have around your home that just need to be pulled together.

Budget emergency preparedness items as a “normal” expense. Even $20 a month can go a long way to helping you be ready.

Buy one preparedness item each time you go to the grocery store.

Save by shopping sales. Make use of coupons and shop at stores with camping supplies and used goods.

Test your emergency preparedness kit every 6 months.

Only replace and cycle through those items that have a shelf life (such as water, food, batteries).

You may want to test the radio and flashlight at the same time to make sure they are in working order. Use Daylight Savings dates as your preparedness test reminder dates.

Store water in safe containers. You don’t have to buy more expensive bottled water, but make sure any containers you use for water storage are safe and disinfected.

Request preparedness items as gifts. We all receive gift we don’t need or use. What if your friends and family members gave you gifts that could save your life? Don’t forget to protect them by sending preparedness gifts their way, too.

Think ahead. You are more likely to save money if you can take your time with focused and strategic shopping. It’s when everyone is at the store right before a storm hits that you might buy things in urgency. Use a list to avoid duplicating items when you are stressed or panicked.

Trade one night out to fund your family emergency preparedness kit. For example, taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80-$100. Just one night of sacrifice could fund a family emergency preparedness kit.

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16 • October 17, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

www.valleyrecord.com

STORm FROM 10

Reverse 911 test begins soon The city of Snoqualmie operates its own Reverse 911 community notification system, that is tested citywide each fall.

This year testing is scheduled for October 22-25. During one of those evenings, all phone numbers in Snoqualmie that are registered in the city’s Reverse 911 community notification system should receive a call. The recorded voice will identify the call as a test from the city of Snoqualmie Emergency Operations Center.

Reverse 911 calls let citizens know when there is an emergency happening. Learn more at www.cityofsnoqualmie.org.

After last year’s multiple-day power-outage, EFR stresses the need to be careful about carbon monoxide. If people are using kerosene heaters or stoves, they need to ensure they are used in a well-ventilated area.

EFR is concerned that people who keep extra gasoline may end up inadvertently creating fire dangers.

The same warning goes for families who rely on candles during outages. If you need to leave the room, put out the candle; don’t leave it burning unattended, as that could lead to a fire.

During a disaster It’s important to pay attention to the emergency announcements, evacuation orders and signs that say when roads are

closed. When floods come, firefighters have to put themselves in harm’s way to help people who underestimate the danger.

You should never try to drive or walk through flooded areas.

There’s a chance that hidden pitfalls await below what looks like shallow waters.

Driving past a flood barricade is a poor choice, there’s a chance you may not get back—or that someone else may not get back

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because they have to come save you.

Rowe stresses the acronym, TADD: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

“We rescue numerous people off the tops of their cars,” Rowe said. “Because they do an illegal maneuver, I have to put my crew in harm’s way.”

It’s much better for everyone if you park your car on high ground and wait for floodwaters to recede.

The firefighters can’t force anyone to evacuate in a flood, and it’s common for some experienced residents to try to ride them out. But if they experience a medical issue or need rescuing, that also becomes a dangerous situation. Rowe asks residents to raise fuel and chemicals out of harm’s way as well.

Both the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie broadcast travel restrictions on the local emergency radio channel, AM 1650.

The Snoqualmie Emergency Operations Center (EOC@ ci.snoqualmie.wa.us or (425) 888-5911) is open during local emergencies and disasters to provide information to the public as needed or requested.

Citizens may contact the EOC to request specific information or find out about community resources that may be available during an emergency.

However, for personal emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1.

TASTE YOUR WAY TO A FREE CRUISE!

FREE TASTING EVENT!

On Saturday, October 27 from 11am5pm Choose Your Destination as you go on a “Food Cruise” around the Casino showcasing the best we have to offer! Pick up your free passport at the Preferred Players Club and collect stamps as you sample each “destination.”

Once your book is full, return it to the Preferred Players Club to be entered into a drawing to win a FREE cruise* for two on Norwegian Cruise Line. *Airfare not included. Passengers are responsible for NCF’s and government taxes. Promotion subject to change without notice.

Management reserves all rights.

RG PASSPORT 10-17 and 10-19.indd 1

10/12/2012 3:46:27 PM