Tag Archives: winter weather

Severe Winter Weather Warning

January 16, 2024 WaMedia

Washington State has a severe weather warning in place from now, January 16th, until around 1 AM, January 17th, with heavy snow in some areas, as well as heavy rainfall and ice predictions. This weather will affect Thurston County, among other locations within the state. While Thurston County is not expected to get as much snow as other regions, it’s still important to be cautious and prepared for the possible snow accumulation, as well as the likely ice buildup.

If possible, it is best to avoid driving during the weather tonight and to exercise extreme caution on the roads tomorrow due to the ice. We’ve seen some intense lows in the last few days which has already caused some ice hazards intermittently, so expect more of the same in the days to come. Luckily, the temperature predictions for the coming days aren’t as low as the ones we’ve seen recently, so the ice and snow shouldn’t linger for long, though with the rain that is predicted to follow drivers should still be cautious of slick roads and possible refreezing.

Stay tuned to social media and weather pages, as these winter weather predictions can change suddenly, and you don’t want to become stranded because of an unexpected snow storm or freezing rain.

Perform a Care Safety Check NOW to Stay Safe LATER

January 11, 2024 WaMedia

We just saw some of our first snow this winter in Thurston County, and with it came frigid temperatures and icy roads. As much as we’d like to assume we won’t face any conflicts while driving, being prepared for them can make the difference between an emergency and a controlled situation. If you take the time now to do a safety check on your vehicle, you could avoid being stranded or injured later while driving in severe winter conditions.

Check these five things to make sure your vehicle is ready for the worst:

Check your vehicle’s fluids

It’s recommended that you check fluids like oil, coolant, and others in your vehicle regularly, especially right before a long trip or severe weather. This is because it is harder to find and change these fluids if you end up stranded in rural areas or in bad weather. You should also get an oil change if your vehicle hasn’t had one in a while.

Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full

Even if you’re only driving short distances the majority of the time, it’s best to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank above the 3/4 mark in case you need to make an emergency long-distance drive or can’t find access to fuel for an extended period of time.

Check your vehicle’s tire pressures

Make sure you’re familiar with the suggested pressure for your vehicle’s tires, and ensure they are always kept at that level. Under pressured or overpressured tires can reduce the control you have over your vehicle during hazardous weather, as well as increasing the risk of getting a flat.

Clean your windshields and windows

Every so often you should thoroughly clean your front and back windshields, as well as your vehicle’s windows in order to keep a clear field of view while in bad road conditions. Grimy or foggy windows can significantly reduce your vision, especially in fog or at night, so keeping them clean can help you see potential dangers before it’s too late. You should also check your windshield wipers while you’re at this step, and make sure they don’t leave streaks on the glass.

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

No matter where you live or what you drive, you should always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should have some emergency food and water, spare clothing, heat packs, navigation gear, and repair tools, in case you end up lost or break down.

The Danger of Downed Power Lines

November 27, 2023 WaMedia

With more rain and heavier winds in the Winter months, natural hazards such as tree fall become more common. When a natural hazard combines with an urban hazard, such as electricity, there can be disastrous results.

It is not uncommon for regions to lose power for short or long periods of time due to things such as downed power lines, but these events pose more danger than just a lack of electricity. When a tree is knocked over or has limbs broken loose by high winds, they can sometimes impact and even knock down power lines, which can create a severe electrical hazard. These power lines could still be charged after being knocked down, and contact with them could be lethal.

First, downed power lines can pose a serious electrocution and fire hazard. High amounts of power can arc from the lines to people or objects nearby, causing serious harm.
Second, downed power lines can sometimes be concealed by vegetation, sometimes even the very tree limbs that knocked them down in the first place. Especially at night, this makes the power lines very hard to see.
Third, if there is rain to accompany the harsh wind, a wet surface can conduct electricity from a downed power line. While many factors would have to line up perfectly for this to occur, the dangers of standing in electrified water are too great to take a chance on.

What should you do if you see a downed power line?

Do NOT approach the area. If there is standing water nearby, it could be electrified, and contacting it could be harmful or lethal.
Call 911 immediately and report the hazard.
Stay at least 30 feet away from the line, and warn others to do the same.
If you are in your vehicle, stay inside to avoid electrical contact.
Do not drive or walk over the downed power line.

What should you do if a power line falls on your vehicle?

As unlikely as this scenario is, it could happen in the right circumstances.

Call 911 right away.
If possible, slowly drive out from under the wire, but do not continue if the line is caught on your vehicle.
Stay inside your vehicle unless there is an immediate threat. If you must leave your vehicle, do so very carefully, by jumping from your vehicle to the ground. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time, as you may ground the wire if it is live.
Warn others to stay at least 30 feet away from the vehicle.
If you see a vehicle with a power line on it, do not approach it, as you may end up in danger of electrocution. Advise the person inside to follow these steps.

What should you do if you see a fire as a result of a downed power line?

Call 911 immediately to report the fire.
Do not approach to investigate or attempt to put out the fire, as the power line could still be live.
Stay far away from the power line and the fire.

While there are numerous safety measures taken to ensure the safety of everyone when it comes to power lines, they still pose a serious threat if electrified. Even a wire that looks inactive could be charged, so always treat every case with caution.

MONTH	FIRE/EMS CALLS
JANUARY	329
FEBRUARY	298
MARCH	361
APRIL	316