Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, or fire.

• Follow directions supplied with the generator carefully.
  

• Don't overload your generator.
  

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages. Using these appliances inside can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.

• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.

• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.

• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

If the power has gone out:

• Use a thermometer to check the temperature of foods in your refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerated foods should be 41°F or colder and frozen foods should be 0°F or colder.
  

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve cold air or keep food cold with ice or dry ice. During a power outage, a full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours or about 24 hours if it is half-full. A refrigerator will keep food safe for about 4 hours.
  

• If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while they are still at safe temperatures, cook them thoroughly to ensure any harmful bacteria are destroyed.

• When in doubt, throw it out! Never taste food to "test" if it's safe. The following foods should be discarded if you aren't sure:
  

  • Meat, poultry, or seafood products

  • Soft cheeses and shredded cheeses

  • Milk, cream, yogurt, and other dairy products

  • Opened baby formula

  • Eggs and egg products

  • Dough and cooked pasta

  • Cooked or cut produce

• After the power is back on, allow time for the refrigerator and freezer to reach cold temperatures (refrigerator: 41°F or below, freezer: 0°F or below) before restocking.

Store one gallon of water per person, per day to be prepared for storms and emergencies. Don't forget to store water for your pets.

Public water systems: If there is flooding, local authorities or water system operators may recommend using only bottled, boiled, or disinfected water until regular water service is restored.

Private wells and small water systems: If your drinking water well is flooded, assume the water in your home is polluted. We recommend using bottled water that has been stored for less than six months in tightly sealed containers, or taking steps to disinfect well water (see steps below). Wells may require disinfection if flooded.

Purifying by Boiling

• If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill organisms that cause illness.

• Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Use coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.

• Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

• Let the water cool before drinking.

• Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.

Purifying with Bleach

• Treat water by adding liquid household bleach.

• Household bleach is typically between 5.25% and 8.25% chlorine. Read the label.

• Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.

• Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.

• Place the water in a clean container. Add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to one gallon of water, or one teaspoon of bleach to five gallons of water.

• Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least one hour before drinking.

Floodwater often carries pollution that can make you sick. Remember to:

• Avoid direct contact with floodwater and wear protective equipment when working around floodwater.
  

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water before preparing or eating food, or after handling contaminated items.
  

• Discard all food that has come in contact with floodwater. Canned food is safe to use, but disinfect cans by wiping them with bleach water before use.

• Do not drive through floodwater. Even a foot of water is enough to sweep away your car.

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• Inclement Weather Alerts | Kitsap County

• Kitsap Department of Emergency Management

• Severe Weather | CDC

• Preparedness Guide for Caregivers | FEMA