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Have you dialed 911 in an emergency? Did you know there are other three-digit service lines for Washington State? First implemented in 1968, 911 is an example of an N11 code, part of the North American Numbering Plan. N11s are three-digit shortcuts to reach special community services. These numbers are set aside by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and operated by the provider of the service. Let’s break down the N11 codes in our area. 9-1-1 Emergency Services In Pierce County, calling 911 will connect you to our local dispatch center, South Sound 911. What you may not know is that you can also text 911 from a cell phone or other messaging device. Primarily intended to increase accessibility to those with communication barriers, it’s also useful for times when callers cannot access regular telephone service or need to be more discreet. Sometimes a text will go through when a regular cell phone call will not. 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Implemented in July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). When this number is called or texted, the caller will be routed to one of Washington’s three mental health crisis centers. Contact 988 at any time to get help for yourself or a loved one dealing with thoughts of suicide, a substance use crisis, or any other type of emotional distress. You don’t need to give any personal data and most calls stay confidential. Fewer than 2% need to be transferred to emergency services. 2-1-1 Shelter Assistance and Community Support 211 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community. The comprehensive resource database that 211 provides connects individuals to vital services guiding them to the most appropriate assistance program (over 30,000 current listings). 8-1-1 Call Before You Dig Starting a project that involves some digging? The only way you can be sure that you are digging safely is to Call 811 Before You Dig and request a free location map of underground utilities. At least two business days before you plan on digging, call 811 or visit callbeforeyoudig.org. Be sure to provide the following information: where you're planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing. The Utility Notification Center is open 24 hours a day, every day, and accepts calls from contractors, homeowners, or anyone planning to dig in Washington. Credit: wa211.org, southsound911.org, tpchd.org, doh.wa.gov, digsafewa.com, utc.wa.gov

Contact Tanner Electric Coop to report power outages on Anderson Island by calling: (425) 888-0623 or (800) 472-0208. You can also download their Smart Hub app at www.tannerelectric.coop and report the outage with a click. Unexpected electrical power outages can last for days or longer, creating disruptions in communications, utilities, transportation, food and medicine refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment. Plan now to have what you need and to know how to stay safe. BEFORE · Pack an emergency supply kit with nonperishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Avoid using candles which can cause fires. · Keep your cell phone well-charged and consider adding a battery-powered portable charger to your emergency kit to extend the battery life of your phone. ·Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company. ·Practice opening and closing your garage door manually. ·Always keep your car’s gas tank more than half full, as gas stations may be closed during an emergency or power outage. If you own an electric vehicle, make sure you have enough charge to make it to a charging station outside of your immediate area. ·Keep bills and cash on hand (preferably in small bills) in case ATMs or card readers are unavailable. ·Consider buying a generator. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels or wall outlets—it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors. DURING · Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. · Use food supplies that do not require refrigeration. ·Turn off lights and disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that may cause damage. ·Go to a community location with power when heat or cold is extreme (if it is safe to do so). AFTER ·Stay away from downed power lines. Assume any lines that you see are live. ·Avoid sagging trees with broken limbs. ·Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Do not go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment that may have been underwater. · “When in doubt, throw it out.” Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more. Credit: safetyactioncenter.pge.com, doh.wa.gov, redcross.org, outdoors.top-best.com

Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. They also can close schools, stores, and workplaces. The Puget Sound Region typically enjoys mild weather and winters are getting warmer and shorter because of climate change. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur. We can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home. Winter weather preparedness consists of three simple steps. ​ 1) Build a kit. Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised. 2) Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you. 3) Stay informed and know the weather approaching so you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Knowing winter weather hazards and where to find resources to prepare is vital to protecting your property and those you love. Winter Storm Glossary · WIND CHILL Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body at a faster rate, driving down your body temperature and making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. · Winter Storm OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates. · Winter Storm WATCH: Winter storm conditions possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Review your winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions. · Winter Weather ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous but not life-threatening if you are cautious. Take immediate precautions if you hear these words on the news: · Winter Storm WARNING: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. · Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer. What Should You Do Before a Winter Storm? Gather Emergency Supplies Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.) Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies. Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household. You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots. Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe. Source: weather.gov Plan to Stay Warm Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Before the winter season begins, make sure you can heat your home safely. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside. Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies. Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Avoid travel if you can. If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite. Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth. Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center. Plan to Stay Connected Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Plan to monitor local weather and news. Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone. Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage. Understand the alerts you may receive: A WATCH means Be Prepared! A WARNING means Take Action! Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other. credit: redcross.org , takewinterbystorm.org, ready.gov

The Importance of a Personal Support Network Among the lessons seniors and at-risk communities can take away from the Covid pandemic, this could be the most important: When disaster strikes, isolation can be deadly. Older people who fared best during the outbreak were those with strong networks of friends and family who were there to help when help was needed. That’s good information to know if you are a senior, care for a senior or have seniors as friends and neighbors. The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several individuals who will check in on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you regularly spend time, for example at work, home, school or volunteer site. Unfortunately, members of your social support network may be affected by the same disaster. Before disasters strike, talk with your family, friends, and neighbors about the amount and type of support each of them will provide. • Create a personal support network of at least three people you can rely on during an emergency. Develop a phone call chain: You call the first person, who calls the next person, who then calls the next. • Establish a meeting place. Designate two meeting places—one near home and an alternate location—so relatives and friends know where to find you. If your location changes, notify people in your personal support network as soon as possible so they know your status. The American Red Cross recommends 7 important items to discuss and implement with a personal support network: Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance. Exchange important keys. Show them where you keep emergency supplies. Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information card. Agree on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency. Do not count on the telephones working. You and your personal support network should always notify each other when you are going out of town and when you will return. The relationship should be mutual. You have a lot to contribute! Learn about each other's needs and how to help each other in an emergency. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network. Social support is a key part of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Building disaster resistant communities starts with you! Credit: redcross.org, apa.org, recrossnw.org, ready.gov, mil.wa.gov