Some useful tips 'Winter Warning 1998-99'
'From:
"Chrisjh@gte.net" <chrisjh@gte.net>
17:05
Subject:
Winter Warning 1998-99
Thought you might find this notice interesting. This applies to the Puget
Sound (Seattle) area of Washington state. Just think what next year will be
like.
------------------------------
Bob Kraski, Mayor of Arlington and Chairman of the Snohomish CountyEmergency
Management, stated that the coming winter will be the
“WORST WINTER IN 40 to 50 YEARS.”
This information was clearly reinforced by meteorologist/climetologist Mike
McCallister who shared information collected over time relating to the water
temperature of the equatorial Pacific. The summary explanation is that the
warm water “depository” in the Pacific that moderates the winters of the
Northwest is gone this year. This will cause the Jet Stream to rise sharply
up the Asian coast, into the Arctic and straight down toward Washington. The
possibility of error is based on the fact that there has been 16 consecutive
months of record breaking warm weather and the fact that there is global
warming. However, Mr. McCallister stated that his prediction of extreme
winter is reliable in the 80-90% range. He reminded us that in 1916-17 and
in 1949-50 there was 6-10 feet of snow accumulation.
WHAT WE CAN EXPECT:
October - early December: Early heavy snow with a high potential for warming
= flooding.
Late December - March: High temperatures in the upper 30's/lows in the upper
20's. Frequent, heavy snow falls that will not melt, but accumulate,
potentially up to 100”.
Frequent wind storms in the 50-70 mph range.
March - April: Spring warming = flooding.
Potential for prolonged power outages. Prolonged periods (weeks or more) of
below zero temperatures.
The “Arctic express” weather regularly experienced in Whatcom County could
reach as far as Pierce County.
BE PREPARED
As the Emergency Management people say, you cannot focus on your job if you
are worried about your family and property. Before “The Big One” arrives,
get yourself prepared. There are brochures and assistance available to help
you. The following information is summarized from information handed out at
the Snohomish County Emergency Management Council meeting.
You may be stranded at home, in your car or at work. BE PREPARED.
AT HOME:
FOOD:
Stock up. Even if you are able to get out after a while and get to a store,
trucks may not have been able to get through and there could be empty
shelves to greet you. Stock up on easily prepared foods that do not require
refrigeration. Things like powdered and canned milk, non refrigerated juice,
energy bars, food that does not require cooking. Staying warm takes energy.
Think about what you and yours would need to be comfortable for the longest
time you have been stuck - then double it!
WATER:
Pipes can freeze or break. Without power, pumps won't work. Water mains can
break. Know where your shut-off valve is. Run water in a sink to help
prevent freezing pipes. You have a reservoir of water in the hot water tank.
You can fill the tub before things shut down. You can start now buying a
gallon a week and storing it. If you have been preparing for an earthquake,
you should have a gallon per person per day already stored.
POWER:
Do you have an electric garage door opener? Do you know how to open it if
the power goes out? It may be time to find the instruction manual.
Check on replenish supplies:
Batteries, Flashlights, Large pot for heating water, Sterno, Wind up clock,
Wood/Pellets, Matches, Manual can opener, Paper plates, Plastic utensils,
Radio, Candles, Camping equipment ___
Remember proper ventilation. Fumes can kill. DO NOT USE A BARBECUE as a heat
source. DO NOT LEAVE CANDLES unattended - including while sleeping.
When the power goes off, turn off/unplug everything except for one light to
signal you when the power goes back on or it could ruin your electrical
equipment.
Close off extra rooms. Maintain a small area for warmth. Keep doors and
curtains closed. Put towels or blankets across the bottoms of doors to keep
out drafts. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A fully loaded
freezer will maintain for two days without power.
Portable generator should not be hooked directly into your electric system
unless a transfer switch has been installed by a licensed electrician.
Without it, a fatal shock could be delivered to a lineman working in your
area.
Don't forget to keep prescriptions filled.
A cell phone works even when the phone lines go down.
Stock cards, board games, books for entertainment.
IN YOUR CAR:
Consider the possibility that you may become stuck. Remember the stories
last winter from the Mid-West where people got stranded for several days.
Check your antifreeze now. Make sure you have chains and know how to mount
them. Consider carrying a bag of sand or kitty litter. Carry a small
shovel. If your battery is old, now is the time to start planning to buy a
new one.
We are in for extended periods of near or below zero winter. If you have to
park outside, consider running a trouble light to leave on under the hood.
The heat from one bulb can keep the engine healthy.
Now is the time to start collecting a winter “kit”. The Red Cross suggests
you carry blankets or sleeping bag; flashlight and extra batteries; knife;
high calorie, non perishable food; extra clothing; a large empty can with
plastic cover, toilet paper and towels; a small can and water proof matches
to melt drinking water; windshield scraper; tow rope; jumper cables; water;
compass; road map. Add a cell phone!
Keep your tank full to avoid water in the fuel line.
Try not to travel alone. At least let people know where you are going and
when you expect to get there.
Looks fun huh?
Bradford Broadnax, Academic Counselor
University of Washington
Computer Science & Engineering
114 Sieg Hall, Box 352350
206.543.1695 Fax: 206.543.2969
cs.washington.edu |
