from The Seattle Times Website
More than a million GE dishwashers are being recalled due to fire hazard.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday the voluntary
recall includes about 1.3 million GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile
and Hotpoint dishwashers. The machines' heating elements can fail and
cause fires. GE has received seven reports of fires, three of which
caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The dishwashers were sold nationwide from March 2006 through August
2009 for $350 to $850. They came in black, white, bisque, stainless
steel and CleanSteel colors and finishes.
The government said people should stop using the dishwashers and
immediately disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or
circuit breaker. The government said not to return recalled dishwashers
to stores where they were purchased but that GE will provide free
repairs or rebates toward new dishwashers.
In a speech Thursday at the National Press Club, CPSC chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum urged people to respond right away.
"My message to consumers is to immediately stop using these recalled
dishwashers and disconnect the power supply to the unit," Tenenbaum
said.
Tenenbaum credited a new consumer safety law with making people
safer. The 2008 law and its implementation have "created one of the
strongest product safety systems in the world."
For more information on the dishwasher recall, people can contact GE
at (866) 918-8760 or visit GE's website at http://www.geappliances.com/recall.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2018882175_apusdishwasherrecall.html
Showing posts with label Emergencies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emergencies. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wood debris recycling events set at Russell Road Park to help Kent residents with storm clean up
If Mother Nature’s rampage during last week’s snow and ice storms left your yard with a pile of tree limbs and branches, free disposal is available! King County Executive Dow Constantine signed an Emergency Declaration making Kent eligible for the service.
Dumpsters will be available Saturday and Sunday, February 4 – 5 at Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road (across from the golf course), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to Gina Hungerford, Kent’s Conservation Coordinator, workers will be on hand to assist in unloading the materials.
“To help speed up the process, we ask that participants please lay a tarp under the material for ease of removal”, Hungerford said.
This collection is only for wood debris. Stumps, logs and limbs no longer than six feet in length will be accepted.
The following will not be accepted: brush, leaves, grass clippings, sod or soil. People bringing wood debris are reminded to cover their loads. Road litter from unsecured loads is not only unattractive, it poses a serious hazard.
For more information on what to bring to the collection event, visit KentRecycles.com or call 253-856-5549.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Temperatures rising: Cleanup underway in Kent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent, Community & Public Affairs
253-856-5709, mwilmot@KentWA.gov
KENT, Wash. – January 20, 2012 – With temperatures rising and rain falling, the city of Kent is shifting its focus to cleanup of downed trees and branches and clearing storm drains to prevent localized flooding.
Kent road crews are still working, and will continue working through the weekend, to clear roads of snow and ice, as well as downed trees and branches. Drivers are cautioned to be very careful as icy road conditions continue to exist within the city.
According to Public Works Director Tim LaPorte, residents are encouraged to clear storm drains of snow and debris to prevent and reduce flooding as the snow continues to melt.
“We’re asking residents and businesses to locate nearby storm drains in the street and — if it’s safe — to clear them of snow and debris. It’s the single most important thing people can do to protect their property and prevent standing water and creating traffic hazards,” LaPorte said.
In Kent, there are over 18,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly.
Crews are also working to remove blocking trees/limbs from roadways. LaPorte reminded residents the city cannot address trees or branches on power lines. “We know Puget Sound Energy is working to the best of their ability to clear these, as well as restore power.” Roughly 25,000 residents are without electricity.
Residents aren’t alone in dealing with power outages. LaPorte said a dozen traffic signals are also out. “A signal without power becomes an all way stop.”
LaPorte also urged residents to be extremely cautious when entering Kent’s parks due to heavily damaged trees and equipment. “Any areas of parks and trails that are closed or barricaded are done so for safety purposes as we work towards clean-up and/or repair.”
Residents with trees or branches to dispose of can place them in their green Yard and Food Waste carts. They must be trimmed to less than 4 feet in length and not exceed 4 inches in diameter. “If you have more than your cart will hold, you may place them in cardboard boxes, paper or compostable bags, or tied in bundles less than 3 ½ feet in any dimension as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 pounds,” LaPorte said.
Residents with more limbs than will fit into Yard and Food Waste carts can save them for the next scheduled collection day, or dispose of them at the following locations, (fees may apply):
• Cedar Grove Composting in Maple Valley, 425-432-2395
• Rainier Wood Recyclers in Covington, 425-222-0008
• Pacific Topsoils in Tukwila 1-800-884-7645
Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste that was not picked up this week will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled pickup day. Missed customers will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge. Learn more at www.AlliedWasteKent.com.
Kent’s Traffic Advisory page is at www.DriveKent.com and includes real-time information on road conditions.
Visit www.KentCommunityCalendar.com for updates on city meetings and events.
Contact: Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent, Community & Public Affairs
253-856-5709, mwilmot@KentWA.gov
KENT, Wash. – January 20, 2012 – With temperatures rising and rain falling, the city of Kent is shifting its focus to cleanup of downed trees and branches and clearing storm drains to prevent localized flooding.
Kent road crews are still working, and will continue working through the weekend, to clear roads of snow and ice, as well as downed trees and branches. Drivers are cautioned to be very careful as icy road conditions continue to exist within the city.
According to Public Works Director Tim LaPorte, residents are encouraged to clear storm drains of snow and debris to prevent and reduce flooding as the snow continues to melt.
“We’re asking residents and businesses to locate nearby storm drains in the street and — if it’s safe — to clear them of snow and debris. It’s the single most important thing people can do to protect their property and prevent standing water and creating traffic hazards,” LaPorte said.
In Kent, there are over 18,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly.
Crews are also working to remove blocking trees/limbs from roadways. LaPorte reminded residents the city cannot address trees or branches on power lines. “We know Puget Sound Energy is working to the best of their ability to clear these, as well as restore power.” Roughly 25,000 residents are without electricity.
Residents aren’t alone in dealing with power outages. LaPorte said a dozen traffic signals are also out. “A signal without power becomes an all way stop.”
LaPorte also urged residents to be extremely cautious when entering Kent’s parks due to heavily damaged trees and equipment. “Any areas of parks and trails that are closed or barricaded are done so for safety purposes as we work towards clean-up and/or repair.”
Residents with trees or branches to dispose of can place them in their green Yard and Food Waste carts. They must be trimmed to less than 4 feet in length and not exceed 4 inches in diameter. “If you have more than your cart will hold, you may place them in cardboard boxes, paper or compostable bags, or tied in bundles less than 3 ½ feet in any dimension as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 pounds,” LaPorte said.
Residents with more limbs than will fit into Yard and Food Waste carts can save them for the next scheduled collection day, or dispose of them at the following locations, (fees may apply):
• Cedar Grove Composting in Maple Valley, 425-432-2395
• Rainier Wood Recyclers in Covington, 425-222-0008
• Pacific Topsoils in Tukwila 1-800-884-7645
Garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste that was not picked up this week will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled pickup day. Missed customers will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge. Learn more at www.AlliedWasteKent.com.
Kent’s Traffic Advisory page is at www.DriveKent.com and includes real-time information on road conditions.
Visit www.KentCommunityCalendar.com for updates on city meetings and events.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Severe Weather Shelter
The City of Kent will be activating the Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) at Kent Lutheran Church the evenings of Sunday January 15th, Monday January 16th, and Tuesday January 17th due to dangerously low temperature predictions and snow.
Kent Lutheran Church
336 2nd Ave South
Kent, WA 98032-5849
9PM - check in and registration
7AM - shelter closes, all must vacate
Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS is also available for unoccompanied women and men; separate sleeping space has been prepared for men, women, and for families with children. The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church and the greater Kent community.
The Kent SWS will be open at 9PM Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. All must register at the door. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of clients, staff and the broader community will apply.
For more information please contact the City of Kent, Housing & Human Services office at 253-856-5070.
Kent Lutheran Church
336 2nd Ave South
Kent, WA 98032-5849
9PM - check in and registration
7AM - shelter closes, all must vacate
Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS is also available for unoccompanied women and men; separate sleeping space has been prepared for men, women, and for families with children. The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church and the greater Kent community.
The Kent SWS will be open at 9PM Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. All must register at the door. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of clients, staff and the broader community will apply.
For more information please contact the City of Kent, Housing & Human Services office at 253-856-5070.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Update on the Howard Hanson Dam
The following information is copied from an e-mail written by Michael Mactutis with the City of Kent, Public Works/Environmental Engineering department in response to these questions: Is there any ‘news’ on the levees? When will the sandbags be removed? Have engineers sampled our levees to see if they need to be re-consructed before they can be certified?
Mike's Response:
It has been a good little test. There have been areas of minor damage that have been spotted, and we are watching those. No areas of major damage have been found on the levees.
The dam held approximately 38,000 acre feet of water at the peak (about half of the storm in Jan., 2009), and it is releasing it now. The volume in the reservoir is now down below 20,000 acre feet. I have not had any word of problems at the dam. The river in the valley rose to 11,000 cfs at its peak and is now in the low 8000’s. When the river level goes back down, King County Flood Control District Staff will perform a full inspection on the levees. King County staff are continuing patrols on the levees today. The City had patrols for several days while the level was above 10,000 cfs and the Corps also had 24-hr. patrols on the Green River through this week. Even with the eyes we have on the levees, please do not hesitate to call us or the King County Flood Warning Center if you see anything unusual on the levees.
We are in the final stages of executing contracts with consultants to examine four reaches of levees, including the reach along The Lakes. That is the longest reach, extending 2.75 miles from the SR 516 crossing downstream to the S. 231st Way Bridge. The certification reports for these four reaches will be complete and submitted to FEMA in June. Three certification reports were submitted to FEMA in 2010 for levee reaches upstream of SR 516, and we are working through those with FEMA and will be able to use those to have the other four done more quickly. Other agencies have spent several years going through the certification process with FEMA, but we are optimistic that we will be able to get it done quicker.
Shortly after the consultant contracts are executed, which for your levee should be the first week of February, there will be soil borings taken along the levees. That information will be used to determine factors of safety for freeboard, erosion, seepage, sloughing, and resistance to earthquakes. There are also studies that are already started related to biological assessments of the levee projects and historical research of the areas along the river. These things are all required by FEMA as part of the certification package.
As the consultants complete their geotechnical studies over the next few months, we will know much more about what repair or upgrade work it will take to certify the levees and how much that will cost but it still remains to be seen whether will FEMA accept the consultants’ recommendations.
We are also working very hard to get additional state and federal funding to help offset the costs. The costs of certification will likely exceed the City’s entire stormwater utility fund by several times. The work that has already been turned in to FEMA and levee segments that have gone under construction could not have been done without State funding that we were able to get two years ago. We have met with the Governor’s staff as well as our local state and federal representatives quite a few times to make sure they completely understand the impacts of the Howard Hanson Dam and the Levees on the valley businesses and residents and have all their questions answered.
I am assuming you have heard about the upcoming public meeting regarding the FEMA flood insurance maps, but in case you haven’t – the meeting in Kent is on February 7 at 6 to 8 pm at the Kent Senior Center. FEMA and the City will be having short presentations followed by an open house with tables where people can ask questions and pick up maps showing the proposed flood plain. The meeting in Auburn is at 6 pm next Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Dick Scobee School and in Renton at 6 pm at their City Hall next Thursday. Here is a link to more information. If it hasn’t already gone out, there will be a post card going out in the mail early next week to all the mailing addresses in the Kent Valley. I hope to see you there!
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken/news/114320934.html
Regarding when the bags can be removed, it will be up to the Corps of Engineers to tell us when the dam is back to full working capacity. They are working on improvements to the drainage system within the dam abutment, and that work will continue through the summer. When the completed work is tested and responds satisfactorily, the local agencies will be able to remove the bags.
Thank you Mike and the City of Kent for allowing us to share this news!
Mike's Response:
It has been a good little test. There have been areas of minor damage that have been spotted, and we are watching those. No areas of major damage have been found on the levees.
The dam held approximately 38,000 acre feet of water at the peak (about half of the storm in Jan., 2009), and it is releasing it now. The volume in the reservoir is now down below 20,000 acre feet. I have not had any word of problems at the dam. The river in the valley rose to 11,000 cfs at its peak and is now in the low 8000’s. When the river level goes back down, King County Flood Control District Staff will perform a full inspection on the levees. King County staff are continuing patrols on the levees today. The City had patrols for several days while the level was above 10,000 cfs and the Corps also had 24-hr. patrols on the Green River through this week. Even with the eyes we have on the levees, please do not hesitate to call us or the King County Flood Warning Center if you see anything unusual on the levees.
We are in the final stages of executing contracts with consultants to examine four reaches of levees, including the reach along The Lakes. That is the longest reach, extending 2.75 miles from the SR 516 crossing downstream to the S. 231st Way Bridge. The certification reports for these four reaches will be complete and submitted to FEMA in June. Three certification reports were submitted to FEMA in 2010 for levee reaches upstream of SR 516, and we are working through those with FEMA and will be able to use those to have the other four done more quickly. Other agencies have spent several years going through the certification process with FEMA, but we are optimistic that we will be able to get it done quicker.
Shortly after the consultant contracts are executed, which for your levee should be the first week of February, there will be soil borings taken along the levees. That information will be used to determine factors of safety for freeboard, erosion, seepage, sloughing, and resistance to earthquakes. There are also studies that are already started related to biological assessments of the levee projects and historical research of the areas along the river. These things are all required by FEMA as part of the certification package.
As the consultants complete their geotechnical studies over the next few months, we will know much more about what repair or upgrade work it will take to certify the levees and how much that will cost but it still remains to be seen whether will FEMA accept the consultants’ recommendations.
We are also working very hard to get additional state and federal funding to help offset the costs. The costs of certification will likely exceed the City’s entire stormwater utility fund by several times. The work that has already been turned in to FEMA and levee segments that have gone under construction could not have been done without State funding that we were able to get two years ago. We have met with the Governor’s staff as well as our local state and federal representatives quite a few times to make sure they completely understand the impacts of the Howard Hanson Dam and the Levees on the valley businesses and residents and have all their questions answered.
I am assuming you have heard about the upcoming public meeting regarding the FEMA flood insurance maps, but in case you haven’t – the meeting in Kent is on February 7 at 6 to 8 pm at the Kent Senior Center. FEMA and the City will be having short presentations followed by an open house with tables where people can ask questions and pick up maps showing the proposed flood plain. The meeting in Auburn is at 6 pm next Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Dick Scobee School and in Renton at 6 pm at their City Hall next Thursday. Here is a link to more information. If it hasn’t already gone out, there will be a post card going out in the mail early next week to all the mailing addresses in the Kent Valley. I hope to see you there!
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken/news/114320934.html
Regarding when the bags can be removed, it will be up to the Corps of Engineers to tell us when the dam is back to full working capacity. They are working on improvements to the drainage system within the dam abutment, and that work will continue through the summer. When the completed work is tested and responds satisfactorily, the local agencies will be able to remove the bags.
Thank you Mike and the City of Kent for allowing us to share this news!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Help is on the way; stay prepared this flood season!
September 3, 2010Dear Floodplain Property Owner,
I’m pleased to share good news with you – President Obama recently signed legislation that funds improvements to strengthen the Howard Hanson Dam, reducing the risk of flooding to the Green River Valley. The funding allows the dam’s operator, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to complete repairs by the 2011/2012 flood season. Once these measures are in place, the Corps believes that the dam could be operated at full flood-control capacity for decades.
Storms in January 2009 weakened the dam, causing the Corps to restrict the water level in the reservoir behind the dam and increasing the risk of flooding in the valley. Given the significant public safety and economic threat that a weakened Howard Hanson Dam would cause, the King County Flood Control District, along with the Corps, Governor Gregoire, King County and valley city elected officials, quickly came together to prepare for the potential impacts of flooding and to advocate for emergency repairs.
Our local congressional delegation responded and we are very appreciative of their efforts to secure the necessary funds to provide additional repairs. The repairs will provide critically needed protection and time for the Corps to evaluate whether additional long-term repairs are necessary. We must all continue to be diligent to protect the people, businesses and infrastructure of the Green River Valley and to minimize devastating economic impacts from potential floods.
What does this mean for you?
While last year’s temporary improvements were successful at lowering the risk of flooding in the Green River Valley, the dam will continue to operate at a limited capacity during the upcoming 2010/2011 flood season. Therefore there is still a heightened risk of flooding. It is important for you to get ready and stay ready.
• Buy flood insurance, if you have not already done so;
• Establish or update an emergency plan for your family, business, pets or livestock; and
• Have emergency supplies on hand.
Please help us spread the word about the continued risk of flooding during the 2010/2011 flood season and the importance of being prepared. Share this information with your family, neighbors, friends and coworkers.
For more flood preparedness information, please go to www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans. If you have questions or comments please contact info@kingcountyfloodcontrol.org. For information about the King County Flood Control District please go to www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.
Sincerely,
Julia Patterson, Chair
Board of Supervisors
King County Flood Control District
The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County. The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Information is available at www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Letter to the Lakes at Kent Regarding Flood Levies
Reprinted with permission from the City of Kent.
July 14, 2010
Dear Lakes Community Resident:
The City of Kent has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the King County Flood Control District on rebuilding the Green River levees in Kent. We have successfully partnered with these agencies to repair two significant levees in the last two years. One, the Riverbend Golf Course Levee, protects the Lakes Community.
Another levee that we planned to rebuild with the Corps is the Upper Russell Road Levee (URRL). It is the north extension of the Golf Course Levee and is located along the west side of the Lakes Community. The URRL project was included in the federal Green Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Program, which has restoration of fish and wildlife habitat as its primary objective. A major challenge in funding the URRL through the federal program has been planning and designing the project to meet the program’s wildlife habitat objective while also complying with federal levee safety standards.
The federal levee safety standards require the areas around the levee to be devoid of all vegetation except grass, while habitat restoration goals include the placement of large numbers of native trees and plantings. The types of rock and soil materials built into the levee also differ between levee safety standards and ecosystem restoration goals. These design challenges are being dealt with nationwide, but have an immediate real impact here in Kent to our public safety, economic stability and environmental health.
The City is working with the Corps to resolve the conflict. However, the federal funding that was in place for the Ecosystem Restoration Project required the URRL to be under construction by the end of September, 2010. Due to the inability to resolve the vegetation conflict prior to that deadline, the Corps has returned the project funding to its headquarters, and new funding will need to be acquired to restart this project as a partnership.
Due to these developments, while we intend to keep working with the Corps, the City is now planning and designing its own project to repair this levee to federally certifiable standards. I want to assure you that the City’s flood protection is of the highest priority, and we will continue to pursue every avenue to improve your protection. We will keep you apprised of any new developments through your Neighborhood Council.
Questions or comments? Please direct questions or comments to Patricia Graesser, Public Information Officer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
206-764-3760 or email patricia.graesser@us.army.mil
For questions about the City’s planned levee improvements, feel free to contact Mike Mactutis, Environmental Engineering Manager:
253-856-5520 or email mmactutis@ci.kent.wa.us
Sincerely,
Suzette Cooke
Mayor
July 14, 2010
Dear Lakes Community Resident:
The City of Kent has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the King County Flood Control District on rebuilding the Green River levees in Kent. We have successfully partnered with these agencies to repair two significant levees in the last two years. One, the Riverbend Golf Course Levee, protects the Lakes Community.
Another levee that we planned to rebuild with the Corps is the Upper Russell Road Levee (URRL). It is the north extension of the Golf Course Levee and is located along the west side of the Lakes Community. The URRL project was included in the federal Green Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Program, which has restoration of fish and wildlife habitat as its primary objective. A major challenge in funding the URRL through the federal program has been planning and designing the project to meet the program’s wildlife habitat objective while also complying with federal levee safety standards.
The federal levee safety standards require the areas around the levee to be devoid of all vegetation except grass, while habitat restoration goals include the placement of large numbers of native trees and plantings. The types of rock and soil materials built into the levee also differ between levee safety standards and ecosystem restoration goals. These design challenges are being dealt with nationwide, but have an immediate real impact here in Kent to our public safety, economic stability and environmental health.
The City is working with the Corps to resolve the conflict. However, the federal funding that was in place for the Ecosystem Restoration Project required the URRL to be under construction by the end of September, 2010. Due to the inability to resolve the vegetation conflict prior to that deadline, the Corps has returned the project funding to its headquarters, and new funding will need to be acquired to restart this project as a partnership.
Due to these developments, while we intend to keep working with the Corps, the City is now planning and designing its own project to repair this levee to federally certifiable standards. I want to assure you that the City’s flood protection is of the highest priority, and we will continue to pursue every avenue to improve your protection. We will keep you apprised of any new developments through your Neighborhood Council.
Questions or comments? Please direct questions or comments to Patricia Graesser, Public Information Officer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
206-764-3760 or email patricia.graesser@us.army.mil
For questions about the City’s planned levee improvements, feel free to contact Mike Mactutis, Environmental Engineering Manager:
253-856-5520 or email mmactutis@ci.kent.wa.us
Sincerely,
Suzette Cooke
Mayor
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Interesting Article in NW REporter
Here's some very helpful information about winter storms courtesy of NW REporter
http://www.nwmls.com/discover/nwreporter.cfm?SectionListsID=25&PageID=5382
Here's a list of essentials that they recommend to keep in your emergency kit:
* Water: one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
* Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to protect shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
* Cell phone with chargers (car charger recommended in the event of power outages)
They also include some of Puget Sound Energy's tips for better energy efficiency this winter:
PSE's energy-efficiency tips to prepare for winter
1. Seal up leaky drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping, caulking, and door sweeps. Also seal up any leaks or gaps in furnace ducts that extend through unheated basements or crawl spaces.
2. Reduce air leaks by repairing broken windows and using inexpensive weather-stripping around entry doors.
3. Insulate attics, outside walls, and floors over crawlspaces.
4. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
5. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season.
6. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable. For most homes, the heating bill drops by about 2 percent for every one degree the thermostat is lowered.
7. Lower the thermostat at bedroom or while away during the day. Setting the thermostat to 58 degrees while asleep can cut a natural-gas bill by up to 7 percent.
http://www.nwmls.com/discover/nwreporter.cfm?SectionListsID=25&PageID=5382
Here's a list of essentials that they recommend to keep in your emergency kit:
* Water: one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
* Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to protect shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
* Cell phone with chargers (car charger recommended in the event of power outages)
They also include some of Puget Sound Energy's tips for better energy efficiency this winter:
PSE's energy-efficiency tips to prepare for winter
1. Seal up leaky drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping, caulking, and door sweeps. Also seal up any leaks or gaps in furnace ducts that extend through unheated basements or crawl spaces.
2. Reduce air leaks by repairing broken windows and using inexpensive weather-stripping around entry doors.
3. Insulate attics, outside walls, and floors over crawlspaces.
4. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
5. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season.
6. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable. For most homes, the heating bill drops by about 2 percent for every one degree the thermostat is lowered.
7. Lower the thermostat at bedroom or while away during the day. Setting the thermostat to 58 degrees while asleep can cut a natural-gas bill by up to 7 percent.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Emergency Alert Systems
Below are links to some of the emergency alert systems that cities have set up in case of a flood or other natural disaster. Yes, we have really been pushing this information out there, but the safety of our clients is very important to us. We would rather everyone be too aware, as opposed to being caught off guard. If you live in one of these cities, we would highly encourage you to sign up for the notifications.
Auburn –
You can choose to register with a phone number, e-mail address or both
http://www.auburnwa.gov/Emergency/disaster/Auburn_Alert.asp
https://login.coderedweb.com/codereddataentry/Default.aspx?groupid=mVFKb0hY42JF%2fX8guYN%2bFw%3d%3d
https://login.coderedweb.com/codereddataentry/Default.aspx?groupid=BUFNQQoaaVLxfc85XAXZjA%3d%3d
Tukwila – E-mail Alerts
http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/listserv/hhdam_elist.html
Have a safe and happy winter!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Kent will set up sandbag stations should flooding occur this winter
This is from the Kent Reporter Website (http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken/news/59753052.html)
By STEVE HUNTER
Kent city workers plan to set up as many as five sandbag stations at sites on the East Hill and West Hill, where residents will be able to fill sandbags for free to take to their property.
The stations would be set up as soon as four or five days before a predicted heavy rain.
The sites include the old Panther Lake Elementary School, 20831 108th Ave. S.E.; the Fred Meyer store, 10201 S.E. 240th St.; Meadow Ridge Elementary School, 27710 108th Ave S.E.; Mill Creek Earthworks Park, 742 E. Titus St.; and Grandview Park, 3600 S. 228th St., in SeaTac.
City workers plan to give residents tips on how to fill sandbags at public meetings on flood preparation on Oct. 3 (9-11 a.m.) and Oct. 8 (6-8 p.m.) at the ShoWare Center.
By STEVE HUNTER
Kent city workers plan to set up as many as five sandbag stations at sites on the East Hill and West Hill, where residents will be able to fill sandbags for free to take to their property.
The stations would be set up as soon as four or five days before a predicted heavy rain.
The sites include the old Panther Lake Elementary School, 20831 108th Ave. S.E.; the Fred Meyer store, 10201 S.E. 240th St.; Meadow Ridge Elementary School, 27710 108th Ave S.E.; Mill Creek Earthworks Park, 742 E. Titus St.; and Grandview Park, 3600 S. 228th St., in SeaTac.
City workers plan to give residents tips on how to fill sandbags at public meetings on flood preparation on Oct. 3 (9-11 a.m.) and Oct. 8 (6-8 p.m.) at the ShoWare Center.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Kent's CodeRED Emergency Notification System Operational
KENT, Wash. - September 23, 2009 - The City of Kent announces its new "reverse 9-1-1" emergency notification system is now operational. Residents and business owners within Kent's city limits are urged to enter their contact information online at www.kentCodeRED.com.
Called "CodeRED", the system gives City officials the ability to deliver urgent pre-recorded telephone, cell phone, email or text messages to targeted areas, or the entire community, at a rate of up to 60,000 per hour.
Kent's Emergency Manager, Dominic Marzano said the system is a great way to notify residents during emergencies. "It will be especially useful should we have flooding this winter." Messages could be sent for emergencies including hazardous material spills, illness outbreaks or other urgent situations such as a missing person.
All messages will begin with "This is an emergency CodeRED message from the City of Kent." If a phone is not answered, the system will try again, up to three times, leaving a message on the final attempt.
Marzano said the system is capable of sending messages in a text format to hearing- impaired individuals using TTY/TDD equipment. "It also allows the ability to record more than one message to accommodate multiple languages."
Marzano cautioned that the system is only as good as the database supporting it. "While CodeRED begins with an existing database of telephone numbers, no one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included. "If your information is not in the database, you will not be contacted."
The following individuals are urged to add their information to the database.
Called "CodeRED", the system gives City officials the ability to deliver urgent pre-recorded telephone, cell phone, email or text messages to targeted areas, or the entire community, at a rate of up to 60,000 per hour.
Kent's Emergency Manager, Dominic Marzano said the system is a great way to notify residents during emergencies. "It will be especially useful should we have flooding this winter." Messages could be sent for emergencies including hazardous material spills, illness outbreaks or other urgent situations such as a missing person.
All messages will begin with "This is an emergency CodeRED message from the City of Kent." If a phone is not answered, the system will try again, up to three times, leaving a message on the final attempt.
Marzano said the system is capable of sending messages in a text format to hearing- impaired individuals using TTY/TDD equipment. "It also allows the ability to record more than one message to accommodate multiple languages."
Marzano cautioned that the system is only as good as the database supporting it. "While CodeRED begins with an existing database of telephone numbers, no one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included. "If your information is not in the database, you will not be contacted."
The following individuals are urged to add their information to the database.
- All businesses
- Residents with unlisted phone numbers
- Residents who have changed their phone number or address within the last year
- Residents who use a cellular phone as their primary phone
- Residents who have recently moved, but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number
- Residents who wish to receive text and/or email messages in addition to telephone calls·
- Residents who receive their phone service over the Internet
CodeRED is a geographically-based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in a specific emergency. An associated street address is needed for cell phone numbers. Requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address-no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone numbers and additional phone numbers and email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also choose to receive text or email messages about emergencies, in addition to telephone calls.
CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so, and the information will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the system entirely if they so choose.
Those without Internet access may contact Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a registration form by mail.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Are YOU Flood Ready?
The Auburn, Kent, Renton and SW King County Chambers of Commerce are hosting an Emergency Preparedness Symposium to talk about the flood threat from the Howard Hanson Dam.
Agenda for the evening includes presentations from the Army Corps of Engineers, Puget Sound Energy, FEMA, and WA State Business Continuity Planning with Breakout Sessions for the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila. Flood maps will be available for viewing and you can meet with FEMA Certified Flood Insurers.
Contact Nancy Wyatt, President, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce at 253-833-0700 or Nancy@AuburnAreaWA.org, to make your reservation for this important event.
Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 from 5-7pm
at the ShoWare Center in Kent (625 W James St)
Agenda for the evening includes presentations from the Army Corps of Engineers, Puget Sound Energy, FEMA, and WA State Business Continuity Planning with Breakout Sessions for the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila. Flood maps will be available for viewing and you can meet with FEMA Certified Flood Insurers.
Contact Nancy Wyatt, President, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce at 253-833-0700 or Nancy@AuburnAreaWA.org, to make your reservation for this important event.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Flooding in the Auburn Area
On Thursday the 23rd, our Maintenance Coordinator, Maria Garcia, and property manager, Kasey Medina, attended an apartment manager’s meeting at Auburn City Hall. We had the opportunity to hear from a gal with the Emergency Preparedness Department about flood insurance and flood risk posed by the Howard Hanson Damn. I vaguely recalled this being in the news last winter, but it really hit home when we were handed a map of the flood zone on which are a few of the properties managed by Bell-Anderson.
While the Army Corps of Engineers is working on the damn and are seeing promising results, there is still an elevated risk that a few areas of Northern Auburn will be affected by the flood this coming winter. Here’s the good news: IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET FLOOD INSURANCE. I asked the person speaking if flood insurance would be very expensive since a flood is predicted for the area. The response was more good news: when applying for flood insurance, the insurance company has to go off of FEMA’s map of areas likely to flood and not what the news is predicting. The North Auburn area is considered a low flood risk area to FEMA, so flood insurance is fairly inexpensive. I know one owner of ours was able to purchase insurance for a small multi-family building at about $400 per year.
Not only to owners need flood insurance, but City of Auburn is recommending that tenants purchase flood insurance as well. As with the owners’ policies, this insurance should be very inexpensive. If you would like more information, I’ve provided a few links to the City of Auburn website:
http://www.auburnwa.gov/Emergency/disaster/Green_River_and_Howard_Hanson_Dam_Information.asp
http://www.auburnwa.gov/government/News/2009_News_Stories/Green_River_Valley_Residents_Urged_To_Buy_Flood_Insurance.asp
From the City of Auburn website: ” To learn about preparing for floods, or purchasing flood insurance, and the benefits of protecting homes, business and property against flooding, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 (TTY 1-800-427-5593).”
Thank you to the City of Auburn for this very important information!
While the Army Corps of Engineers is working on the damn and are seeing promising results, there is still an elevated risk that a few areas of Northern Auburn will be affected by the flood this coming winter. Here’s the good news: IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET FLOOD INSURANCE. I asked the person speaking if flood insurance would be very expensive since a flood is predicted for the area. The response was more good news: when applying for flood insurance, the insurance company has to go off of FEMA’s map of areas likely to flood and not what the news is predicting. The North Auburn area is considered a low flood risk area to FEMA, so flood insurance is fairly inexpensive. I know one owner of ours was able to purchase insurance for a small multi-family building at about $400 per year.
Not only to owners need flood insurance, but City of Auburn is recommending that tenants purchase flood insurance as well. As with the owners’ policies, this insurance should be very inexpensive. If you would like more information, I’ve provided a few links to the City of Auburn website:
http://www.auburnwa.gov/Emergency/disaster/Green_River_and_Howard_Hanson_Dam_Information.asp
http://www.auburnwa.gov/government/News/2009_News_Stories/Green_River_Valley_Residents_Urged_To_Buy_Flood_Insurance.asp
From the City of Auburn website: ” To learn about preparing for floods, or purchasing flood insurance, and the benefits of protecting homes, business and property against flooding, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 (TTY 1-800-427-5593).”
Thank you to the City of Auburn for this very important information!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
