High wind warning in effect

By CRAIG NORTHRUP

Staff Writer

Mother Nature is about to show North Idaho her nasty side.

The National Weather Service has issued a High wind warning from this morning through this evening. Northeast winds from 45 to 50 mph are expected in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden and Worley areas, with possible gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Winds of this speed and severity often lead to downed lines and power outages, and with a forecast calling for Thursday night lows into the low teens — or even single digits — officials warn these weather issues could impact more than just Thursday’s turkey dinner and a blackout of the Bears-Lions football game.

“One of the biggest things people should consider during these storms is if they have an alternate heat source available,” Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management preparedness coordinator Tiffany Westbrook told The Press on Tuesday. “If possible, prepare your wood-burning stove or get out your generator. If you don’t have those, call friends or family in advance to see if you can stay with them until power has been restored, if needed.”

A Tuesday statement from Avista said the power company is ready to address any power outages.

“At this time, Avista crews are ready with fueled and stocked fleet vehicles,” the statement read. “Warehouse supplies are in place in Spokane and outer offices, assessment teams are standing by along with wire guard teams to help ensure public safety near downed power lines, tree crews are prepared, and employees are moving from their typical day-to-day responsibilities to assist in storm-related activities.”

Customers who experience a power outage can notify Avista through their mobile device at www.myavista.com/outage or by calling 800-227-9187. Residents can also monitor for updates through the power company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Avista went on to recommend the following steps during a power outage:

- Turn off all the appliances that were on before the power went out.

- Unplug electronic equipment, including computers.

- Leave a light or radio on as an alert when power has been restored.

- Help Avista crews working in a neighborhood know which homes have power by turning on the front porch light.

- Do not wire an emergency generator into a home’s electrical system, unless there is a disconnect switch to separate generated power from Avista’s distribution system. Backfeed into power lines could injure or kill a lineman working to get electricity restored.

- Use a generator only to run specific appliances and locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide fumes do not enter the home.

Westbrook said having a few weeks of supplies is ideal, but that having a 72-hour go-bag is a good start. That go-bag — a basic survival kit of supplies — should include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, snacks, water, gloves, boots and a first-aid kit, among other necessities. She added that prepardness is something that can’t be realized in hindsight.

“It’s important to gather blankets, candles, coats, non-perishables, spare water,” she said, “whatever you need to at least get you through. Whatever you can do to prepare yourself ahead of time is recommended right now. For a lot of people, preparedness can sometimes end up on the back burner, and I know people can get busy this time of year, but it’s important to prepare for emergencies.”

Because Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally the busiest travel time of the year, a release from the Office of Emergency Management said travelers should remain equally prepared, with supplies in your trunk and your eyes on the road.

“Plan for strong crosswinds when driving,” the Kootenai County statement said, “and keep two hands on the wheel. Winter weather can cause extremely dangerous driving conditions; by planning ahead and being prepared, you are working to ensure your safety and the safety of others out on the roadways.”