City of Kenmore: Severe weather predicted through Thursday

The following is a release from the city of Kenmore:

The National Weather Service and local weather forecast channels are predicting heavy rain and high wind through Thursday. The city of Kenmore encourages residents and businesses to prepare for severe weather. See tips below.

City crews work to keep storm drains clear but with over 4,000 drains in Kenmore, we could use residents’ help.

How residents can phelp

Check storm drain grates frequently to make sure they are free of leaves and debris;
Rake leaves away from storm drains near your house or business;
Do not remove the grate from the storm drain opening; and
Dispose of leaves in yard waste container or compost bin, please don’t blow or rake them into the roadway.

Sandbag depots

Consider using sand and sandbags to prevent flood damage. The city has deployed sandbags at four designated locations for use during the flood season. Please notify the city prior to taking sandbags by calling 425-398-8900. This will allow the city to track the number of sandbags used and to refill the locations. Make sure to know how to properly place the sandbags.

Locations:

Near Kenmore Elementary, Northeast 192nd Street and 73rd Avenue Northeast

Rhododendron Park, 6910 Northeast 170th Street

Log Boom Park, 60th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 175th Street

Arrowhead Drive, 67th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 155th Street

Downed power lines

High wind and heavy rainfall can cause trees to fall and possible power outages. As a reminder, stay far away from it and call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773. Assume it is live. Never touch a downed power line or anything near it. In addition, do not drive over downed power lines. Should a power line fall on a car, stay in the car until help arrives. If a person or pet comes in contact with a power line, stay clear and call 911 immediately. Do not touch the victim or the wire.

If there’s a power outage, remember to use alternative heat sources safely and wisely. Follow manufacturers’ instructions. Adequately vent fueled space heaters (e.g., kerosene, propane, alcohol) to avoid fatal carbon monoxide gas buildup. Also, do not use outdoor grills or camp stoves indoors as they may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. To report a power outage, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.

Additional preparedness tips:

Call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies.
Have flashlights ready and cell phone charged.
Do not walk or wade in flooded areas.
Do not attempt to drive through standing water as the vehicle may stall.
Watch for “Street Closed” signs. They are placed by crews for residents’ safety.
Listen to radio or television for storm forecasts and other information.
If caught in a building by rapidly rising waters, call 911 for help. Then move to a higher floor or to the roof. Take weatherproof clothing, a flashlight, a cell phone, and a portable radio.
Have a disaster preparedness kit that contains food, light sticks, water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and a wind-up clock.
Be a good neighbor. Find out if neighbors need any assistance with clearing storm drains or with any additional tasks.
Read general flood information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For Assistance and Info

City of Kenmore website: www.kenmorewa.gov/preparedness

Visit the city of Kenmore website for individual and business preparedness brochures, snow and ice removal plan, and additional information. “Like Us” on Facebook, www.facebook.com/kenmorewa or “Follow Us” on Twitter,www.twitter.com/kenmorewa.

Kenmore residents: To report severe flooding

If localized flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the drain, please call Kenmore City Hall at 425-398-8900 during business hours or after hours call 206-296-8100

Kenmore residents: To report hazardous road conditions

To report hazardous road conditions during business hours call Kenmore City Hall at 425-398-8900 or after hours call King County Dispatch at 206-296-8100.