The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. – William Arthur Ward

We recently experienced a “Bomb Cyclone.” I thought the term “bomb cyclone” was some new-fangled term designed to procure ratings. In truth, the term was first used in the 1940s. In simple terms, a bomb cyclone (bombogenesis in meteorological terms) is a storm that undergoes rapid strengthening over 24 hours.

The bomb cyclone that hit our area killed at least two people and caused the loss of power to nearly 300,000 homes and businesses. I have lived in the PNW long enough to have witnessed similar storms. Here are a few tips I have learned over the years.

• Secure outdoor items: Yard furniture, BBQ covers, canopies, and temporary patio covers become kite-like under strong gusts. Hot tub covers can be very vulnerable and ripped clean off the spa during high winds.
• Key Numbers list: This should include family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance, as well as those you can rely on for help, and at-risk utilities such as electricity and gas.
• Emergency Kit: Update your emergency kit by including enough non-perishable food and water to last three days for each person in your household.
• Have a Safe Room: Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
• Check your batteries and off-the-grid power: Make sure your flashlights and lanterns have new batteries and spares. Make sure your phone power packs are charged. If you have a generator, ensure you can start it quickly and that your fuel supply is full.
• Consider a generator: While full-scale generators can be expensive, there are cost-effective options to get started. A manual transfer switch costs around $300 and a gas generator can be purchased for about $1,000 (plus the electrician's fee). Investing in these can help you avoid cold nights, hours without electricity, and the loss of hundreds of dollars worth of spoiled food. Keep in mind that a gas generator, if running continuously, typically consumes 10 to 20 gallons of fuel per day. If you decide to install a full-home natural gas generator, you should expect to pay between $4,000 and $25,000.

Generator Saftey

• Test your generator to make sure it works.
• If you have a gas or propane generator, ensure your fuel tanks are full.
• Store gas reserves in an open-air space.
• Research and understand the capabilities of your generator.
• Use new high-capacity extension cords.
• Never run a generator indoors, including in a garage area.
• Keep the generator away from structures.
• Be mindful of the exhaust direction. Make sure the exhaust pipe is pointed away from any structures.

The Red Cross provides more information on safe generator use: American Red Cross Safe Generator Use

• Tree Health: Healthy trees are less likely to lose branches or topple during a storm. Placing mulch or arborist chips around tree zones encourages tree health.
• Inspect: Inspect and remove any dead trees and branches.
• Maintain: Practice regular pruning. Regular pruning helps maintain a strong and balanced tree structure and improves air circulation reducing the the chances of fungal diseases. Monitor your trees for pests and diseases that can weaken them and make them more susceptible to storm damage.
• Consult a Professional: An arborist can assess the overall health of your trees and recommend necessary treatments or care. They can also help develop a storm preparedness plan and provide emergency tree care and removal in case of storm-related damage.

• Stay downstairs or in your "Safe Room."
• Keep flashlights, lanterns, and blankets handy.
• Make sure a fully charged battery pack is available to charge your phone.

• Check to see if family, friends, and neighbors need help.
• Do not go near downed power lines and report them immediately. Electricity can run through the ground. You don't need to touch the downed line to be electrocuted. Stay at least 30 feet away. Read more safety tips from PUD here: Fallen Power Lines
• Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard. Contact a tree service company to remove fallen and damaged trees safely.

For more windstorm safety information, the Washington State official website may be helpful: Be prepared to be safe during a windstorm.

I hope these tips help keep you safe and comfortable during a high-wind event.

Jim Reynolds
Founder

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