During the fall and winter months, weather in Washington state can be unpredictable and dramatic. Severe weather may pose health and safety risks to people caught in its path. The following fact sheets from the Department of Health can help you prepare for the possible hazards of bad weather - before, during and after.

Power Outages (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

• Keeping food safe without power 

• Safe drinking water in emergencies (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, LARGE TYPE and graphic pamphlet)

• Using a generator safely (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

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Floods (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

• Cleaning your home after a flood or sewage spill

• Cleaning up basements after floods (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)

• Flood advice for drinking water systems

• Frequently asked questions about mold

• Animal disposal following a flood
   

• Drinking Water Updates. Many public water systems may have been affected by recent storms. Some communities must boil their water. Our map is updated as information is received.
   
• Shellfish Closures. Many beaches may have been affected by recent storms and shellfish on those beaches may be unsafe to eat. Our map is updated as information is received.

   

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USE CAUTION WITH GENERATORS AND GRILLS

Reproduced with permission from Public Health - Seattle & King County

Carbon monoxide poisoning
Information from the the Washington State Department of Health

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet:

• English (illustrated version)

• Spanish (illustrated version)

• Chinese (illustrated version)

• Korean (illustrated version)

• Russian (illustrated version)

• Vietnamese (illustrated version)

• LARGE TYPE

 

You can order printed copies of these facts sheets from the Washington State Printer's "General Store" Web site. At the Web site, follow these steps:

• Register and select a password

• Choose the option "Shop by agency"

• Select "Department of Health."

• Select "Emergency preparedness"

• Select "Carbon Monoxide Flyer" in the language you want. Languages are printed back-to-back.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide
More details on carbon monoxide poisoning from the Department of Health's Indoor Air Quality program.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Fact sheet available in 11 languages.

Carbon Monoxide Prevention Guidelines
Fact sheet available in 17 languages.

 

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Landslides and Mud Flows (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

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Windstorms (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

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Environmental Health - Additional information for drinking water systems, x-ray facilities and food establishments during floods and power outages.

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Checklist of Emergency Supplies (also available in Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

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Winter Storms (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and LARGE TYPE)

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Hypothermia (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese)

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External resources

• Washington State Emergency Management Division - tips on preparing for and surviving floods and winter storms
• Washington State Department of Transportation - includes information on the current condition of weather, traffic, mountain passes and alternate routes.