Take precautions before the bad weather strikes

Published 5:07 pm Friday, December 14, 2007

The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 126 calls in and around Edmonds the week of Dec. 3-9, which brings this year’s call volume to 4,879. Medical crews evaluated 70 patients; fire crews responded to 56 incidents.

Medical responses

Aid crews evaluated a 35-year-old with multiple scald burns. The patient had dropped frozen food into boiling water; the water splashed up and onto her hands and wrists causing pain, redness and blisters.

To prevent burn injuries while cooking, never drop food into any boiling liquid — particularly cooking oil.

Storm-related calls

Of the 56 calls that fire crews responded to in the reporting week, 33 were during the height of the stormy weather. Extreme inclement weather does not take into consideration the regular, daily call volume of firefighters, but adds to it.

Most of the calls involved interior flooding in single- and multi-family residences, businesses and schools. Other problems included arcing wires on power poles, mud slides and outdoor flooded areas such as parking lots and roads.

To prepare for heavy rains and help prevent flooding:

Check storm drains in the street near your home and business. Keep leaves and debris cleared. Clogged grates are often why streets flood during a storm.

Prior to storm season, any drain pipes that appear to be draining slower should be checked and cleared. For example, basement or gutter drainpipes may have an underground obstruction or clog.

Test and make sure your sump pump is in good working condition.

Do not dump trash or yard waste into streams. Debris can block stream flow.

Leave natural vegetation on steep slopes to prevent erosion.

During a flood:

If your home has flood potential, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Shut-off gas to submerged appliances. Keep a supply of extra old towels on-hand to stuff under doorways. Toilets can be pulled to provide another source for the water to drain.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

To find out the history of flooding in your area or for further information, visit www.fema.gov.