Winter Storms

Flooded residential area with submerged houses, trees, and an American flag.

🧊 ISLAND COUNTY WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 🧊
Be Ready. Stay Safe. Stay Warm.

🏡 BEFORE THE STORM: PREPARE YOUR HOME

Weatherproof doors & windows
Repair roof leaks
Inspect heating systems & chimneys
Install & test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Know how to operate your generator safely
Identify backup power for medical devices
Stay informed — monitor local weather alerts

🚗 PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE

✅ Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit:

Cell phone, charger & backup power bank
Flashlight & extra batteries
Radio (battery-powered)
Warm clothes, coats, hats, gloves, blankets
Food & water
First-aid kit
Windshield scraper & shovel
Tire chains & tire repair kit
Jumper cables
Sand or cat litter (traction)
Reflectors/flares/flags
Paper road maps

🌨 DURING THE STORM: SHELTER & SAFETY

IF YOU’RE AT HOME:
✔ Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary
✔ Never use:
⛔ Gas stoves, grills, or generators indoors
✔ Check on vulnerable individuals
✔ Conserve heat: Close off unused rooms
✔ Prepare to shelter-in-place for several days

IF YOU MUST DRIVE:
✔ Clear snow/ice off vehicle completely
✔ Drive slowly — roads may be slick
✔ Tell someone your route
✔ Carry emergency kit
✔ If skidding: steer where you want to go, brake gently

🚨 IF YOU GET STUCK

🚗 Stay inside your vehicle
🔥 Run engine 10 mins/hour for heat
🪟 Crack window slightly for ventilation
🧯 Clear exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide
🎯 Signal for help:
📍 Dome light at night
📍 Red/bright cloth on antenna
📍 Raise hood after snowfall

📦 EMERGENCY SUPPLIES CHECKLIST

🗹 Food & water (3–5 days)
🗹 Flashlights & batteries
🗹 Blankets & warm clothing
🗹 Medications & hygiene items
🗹 Pet supplies
🗹 Communication devices (radio, phone, charger)
🗹 Backup power (for critical needs)

🧭 Stay Informed
✔ Sign up for Island County emergency alerts
✔ Follow road conditions and weather forecasts

Island County Department of Emergency Management
📞 360-679-7370 🌐 https://www.islandcountywa.gov
📍 Be Prepared. Be Safe. Be Informed.

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