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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Tips for the stormy season

The Snohomish County Public Utility District reminds customers about several things they can do now to be better prepared in case Mother Nature strikes in the coming months.

Create an emergency kit: A kit should contain: flashlight, batteries, matches, bottled water, food bars, canned food, blankets, manual can opener, battery-powered radio, battery-powered clock and first aid supplies including bandages, antibiotic ointment and gauze.

Plan for special medical needs: Those using special medical equipment at home, such as respirators, should consider purchasing a backup generator and have other contingency plans in place. Set up plans with friends or relatives to get to a site with electricity and identify emergency centers at local social service agencies and churches.

Who to call: If you have specific information about a tree in a power line or a power line on the ground, call 425-783-1000 or 1-877-783-1000.

Stay warm: If your power goes out, choose a small room with few windows as your primary living area. Keep your window drapes closed as much as possible.

Turn switches off: Try to remember what was turned on at the time the power went out and turn the switches off. It’s especially important to turn off anything that has a heating element to prevent a fire when the power is restored. It’s not necessary to turn off hot water heaters.

Protect food: Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. The contents should be good for at least 24 hours if the door is kept closed. After that, dry ice helps protect food.

Other storm tips: Know what emergency plans are in place at your child’s school or day care center; during windstorms, if you’re indoors, move away from windows or other objects that could break or fall and move to lower floors in multi-story homes; if you are outdoors, move into a building and avoid downed electric power lines, poles and trees; if you are driving, pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.