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Storm Information
Gov. Gregoire, federal delegation tour areas with severe storm damage
Sens. Murray and Cantwell, U.S. transportation secretary visit Orting, Chehalis
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today toured hard-hit areas in Pierce and Lewis counties with U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 10 Acting Director Dennis Hinsinger and state officials to assess conditions following this week’s severe weather.
Prepare Your Home and Family for Winds, Rain and Floods
“A few preparedness steps now can make a big difference in protecting your home and family,” said Jim Mullen, director, Washington Emergency Management Division, Washington Military Department.
Mullen said one huge preparedness step home and business-owners can take is to clean out gutters and street drains which could clog with leaves and create urban flooding problems.
Other preparedness tips:
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Listen to your radio or television for winter storm forecasts and other information.
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Check on your disaster preparedness kit to ensure it contains food, light sticks, water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and a wind-up clock.
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Know how to safely use a generator so it will not create a dangerous indoor carbon monoxide buildup.
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Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors or in carport.
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Stay away from downed power lines.Â
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Call 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Dial 2-1-1 for other information.
Preparing to drive in heavy rains:
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Equip your vehicle with all-season tires.
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Fill your gas tank before stormy weather hits.
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Dress to keep warm and dry if you become stranded and have to walk.
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Allow extra time to reach your destination.
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Take routes that avoid low-lying roads that may be underwater.
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Follow official emergency evacuation routes.
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Do not go around “Road Closed” barriers.
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Do not drive or walk through standing water.
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If you vehicle stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Additional preparedness information can be found at the Washington Emergency Management Division’s (WEMD) Web site at http://emd.wa.gov. You also may contact Rosanne Garrand, WEMD public education program coordinator, 253-512-7419.
