Emergency Preparedness and Response

If your power goes out, use food that spoils rapidly first. Most foodborne diseases are caused by bacteria in raw or undercooked foods of animal origin such as meat, milk, eggs, fish or shellfish. Proper storage and cooking of these foods can help prevent illness.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve cold air, or keep cold food cold with ice, dry ice or snow. It is most important to keep meat, seafood and dairy products cold. If food is cold to touch, it is probably safe to keep, use, or re-freeze. Discard food you would normally refrigerate if it is not cold to the touch, or if it shows obvious signs of spoilage. Use the table below to make decisions about food safety. When in doubt, throw it out!

Cold Food Temperature and Holding Time Guidelines

Additional Resources

• Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
• Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency (FoodSafety.gov)
• Food Supplies and Safety (Ready.gov) English | Spanish

During a flood or other emergency, your usual water supply may be unavailable or contaminated. Plan to have enough safe water on hand for everyone in your household.

Before an Emergency

Plan for at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing. Keep several days’ worth of water stored for each person in your household.

Store water in clean glass or plastic containers. Stainless steel containers specifically designed for drinking water may also be used. Avoid other metal containers, which can corrode and affect the taste of the water.

Finding Water During an Emergency

If your regular water supply is unavailable, you may be able to collect water from sources inside or outside your home.

Water sources inside your home:

• Melted ice cubes.
• Water in your home's pipes: Shut off the main water supply. Open a faucet at the highest point in your home, then collect water from a faucet at the lowest point.
• Water heater: Turn off the power or fuel supply to the water heater and allow the water to cool. Place a container under the drain valve and open it to collect the water. Do not turn the water heater back on until regular water service has been restored.

Water sources outside your home:

• Rain water and spring water.
• Water from streams, river, lakes, and coiled garden hoses can be used after it is purified. 

Important: Water that looks clear can still contain bacteria, viruses or other organisms that can make you sick. Water from an emergency source should be treated before drinking.

How to Purify Water

• First, strain water containing sediment or floating material through a cloth or paper filter before beginning the purification process.
• Second, either heat disinfect (boil water for one full minute) or chemically disinfect (using chlorine/bleach or iodine tablets):
  • Chemical disinfection: put 20 drops (approximately ¼ teaspoon) of household 5.25% bleach per gallon of filtered water then let stand for 60 minutes.
  • For disinfection using iodine tablets, follow instructions on the package.

Store water in clean glass or plastic containers. Stainless steel containers specifically designed for drinking water may also be used. Avoid other metal containers, which can corrode and affect the taste of the water.

Flooded Wells

Floodwater can contaminate wells with bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms. If your well has been flooded, do not drink the water until it has been determined to be safe.

You have two options:

1. Test the water for coliform bacteria. Water samples can be submitted to an accredited laboratory, such as Edge Analytical in Burlington at (360) 757-1400.
2. Disinfect the well, then test the water. After disinfecting the well, collect a water sample and have it tested by an accredited laboratory before using the water for drinking.

Disinfecting a Flooded Well

Follow the Washington State Department of Health guidance for disinfecting an individual drinking water well. For additional information about how to disinfect wells after an emergency, visit CDC's webpage.

Flooding can damage septic systems and prevent them from properly treating wastewater. If your septic tank, pump tank or drainfield is affected by floodwater, take steps to protect your household and prevent sewage from backing up or contaminating the environment.

Before a Flood

Prepare your septic system before flooding occurs:

• Minimize water use if flooding is expected.
• Make sure septic tanks and pump tanks are watertight.
• Check that tank lids and risers are secure.

During a Flood

If floodwater has covered your septic tank, pump tank or drainfield, stop using your septic system until floodwater recedes and wastewater is draining normally. Flooding can raise groundwater levels and saturate the drainfield, preventing it from properly treating or absorbing wastewater.

If you remain in your home during and after the flood, you can use the toilet, but do not flush and minimize toilet paper use. Use as little water as possible. If necessary, use a portable toilet or a bucket lined with kitty litter.

After a Flood

Continue to minimize water use until floodwater has completely receded and your septic system is functioning properly. If your toilets do not flush or sinks and drains do not drain after flooding, your septic system may be:

• Overfull
• Affected by a full or damaged pump tank
• Experiencing a pump failure
• Connected to a drainfield that is still saturated

Do not use the septic system until wastewater is draining normally again. Use a portable toilet or other appropriate temporary sanitation option if needed.

If you have continued problems after flood waters recede, contact a certified septic Operations and Maintenance (O&M) provider. You can also contact Skagit County Public Health for guidance.

Floods and other disasters can create large amounts of garbage, hazardous materials, and other waste. Properly containing and disposing of these items can reduce your exposure to hazardous substances and help protect people, animals, and drinking water. Regular services may be disrupted, so follow local guidance for cleanup and disposal.

Before and During a Flood or Other Disaster

• Secure hazardous chemicals. Keep pesticides, paints, oil, fuel, propane and other hazardous materials in sealed, leak-proof containers. Keep chemicals away from floodwaters and, when possible, store them above the expected high-water mark. Secure containers so they cannot float away. Never mix incompatible chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.
  
  
• Contain garbage and food waste. Place garbage and other waste in sturdy plastic bags or covered, animal-resistant containers. Secure food from refrigerators and freezers to prevent attracting rodents and other pests.
  
  
• Contain damaged materials. Place moldy or water-damaged materials in sealed bags or containers and remove them from living areas. Demolition debris, such as broken glass and metal, should be contained safely. Bag loose insulation and keep debris away from children.

After a Flood or Other Disaster

• Dispose of waste as soon as it is safe to do so. Bag garbage and flood-contaminated food and place it in sturdy, rodent-resistant containers. Remove flood-damaged carpeting, furniture and other debris that could provide shelter for rodents and pests.
  
  
• Handle chemicals carefully. If a chemical has leaked, avoid direct contact and contain the affected material if it can be done safely. Do not mix chemicals or place incompatible materials together. Follow guidance from Skagit County Emergency Management, Public Works, or Public Health for disposal. When regular services are available, household hazardous waste can be taken to an appropriate collection facility.
  
  
• Dispose of animal carcasses promptly. Keep carcasses away from drinking water sources, streams, and lakes. Contact a dead animal disposal company to pick up the carcasses as soon as possible after the emergency or bury them at least two feet below the ground surface at least 100 feet away from drinking water wells, streams, or lakes.
  
  
• Follow local cleanup guidance. Disposal options may change during an emergency. Check with Skagit County Emergency Management, Public Works, or Public Health for current information about temporary disposal sites, cleanup events, and other disposal options.

The Skagit County Transfer Station and Sauk Transfer Site may be used for solid waste disposal during and after a flood, depending on current operating conditions. The Skagit County Transfer Station also has a Household Hazardous Waste Facility for certain chemical and hazardous wastes.

Wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but some people are more sensitive to its health effects. Plan ahead and know how to protect yourself when smoke affects air quality.

Plan ahead. Create a household smoke plan before wildfire smoke arrives. Make sure you have any medications you may need, supplies for children and pets, and a plan for staying in a location with cleaner indoor air if needed.

Check air quality. Air quality can change quickly. Check the current and forecast Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending time outdoors and adjust your activities as needed. WA Smoke Blog and Northwest Clean Air Agency are great sources for information. Learn what the AQI levels mean, how they can affect your health, and what you can do to reduce your exposure using Washington's Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution. 

Stay indoors when air quality is unhealthy. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, exercise and other activities that increase your breathing rate when smoke levels are high.

Keep indoor air clean.

• Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor.
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner or a properly made DIY box fan filter.
• If you have air conditioning, set it to recirculate and replace filters as needed.
• Avoid activities that add particles to indoor air, such as smoking, burning candles, vacuuming, frying and broiling.

Consider a respirator. A properly fitted, NIOSH-approved N95 respirator can reduce exposure to fine particles in wildfire smoke. Cloth masks, surgical masks and bandanas do not provide the same protection. Staying indoors and reducing exposure to smoke are the most effective ways to protect your health.

Watch for symptoms. Wildfire smoke can cause coughing, sore throat, irritated eyes, headaches, difficulty breathing and chest pain. If you have serious symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Check on others. People with heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, pregnant people and others who are sensitive to smoke may need additional precautions. Check on family, friends and neighbors who may need help during smoky conditions.

Additional Resources:

• Northwest Clean Air Agency
• Washington State Smoke Blog
• National Weather Service, Seattle
• Protect Yourself and Others-Smoke from Fires (WA Dept. of Health)
• Wildfire Smoke Information (WA Dept. of Ecology)
• Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke (CDC)
• Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events/Activities & Closing Schools (WA Dept. of Health & Ecology)

Mold Prevention & Cleanup

Floodwaters can create conditions for mold to grow quickly. Take these steps to reduce mold growth and protect your health:

• Remove standing water from floors, carpets, clothing and other materials as soon as possible.
• Remove wet materials that cannot be cleaned and thoroughly dried within 48 hours.
• Pump flooded basements slowly. Once surrounding floodwaters have receded, remove no more than one-third of the water each day to help prevent structural damage.
• Dry the inside of your home. Open windows, doors, closets, attic spaces, eaves and other vents to increase airflow. If it is safe to use your heating system, keep the house at least 15 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature while opening windows to let moisture escape.
• Dry inside walls. If safe, remove baseboards and make small openings about 2 inches above the floor to allow air to circulate.
• Remove soaked porous materials. Floodwater-contaminated drywall, insulation and other porous materials should be removed and discarded. Drying these materials does not remove bacterial or chemical contamination from floodwater.

For more tips on protecting yourself from mold after a disaster, visit CDC's webpage.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Power outages and emergencies can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up quickly when fuel-burning devices are used indoors or in enclosed spaces. CO poisoning can cause serious illness or death.

Use carbon monoxide detectors. Install CO detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace batteries and detectors according to the manufacturer's instructions. If a CO alarm sounds, leave the building immediately and move to fresh air. Call 911 or your local fire department and do not re-enter until emergency responders say it is safe.

Never use these indoors or in enclosed spaces:

• Gasoline-powered generators or other small engines.
• Charcoal grills or hibachis.
• Camp stoves or lanterns designed for outdoor use.
• Vehicles or other gasoline-powered engines.
• Keep generators and engines away from your home. Never run a generator, vehicle or other gasoline-powered engine in a garage, basement or enclosed area, or near an open window, door or vent.
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.

Know the Signs of CO Poisoning

Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. People who are sleeping or have been drinking alcohol may not notice symptoms before becoming seriously ill. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.

Gas Leak Safety

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing sound:

• Leave the building immediately. Do not use electrical switches, phones or anything that could create a spark.
• If you can safely do so, turn off the gas at the outside main valve.
• Call your gas company from a neighbor's home or another safe location.
• If the gas has been turned off, do not turn it back on yourself. A qualified professional must restore service.

Pets are an important member of your family! Plan ahead to keep your pets safe during an emergency.

• Make sure your pets can be identified. Keep collars and identification tags current, and include your cell phone number. Microchipping your pets can provide an additional way to identify them if they become separated from you.
• Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, medical records, a leash or carrier and other essential supplies.
• Plan where your pets will go. Don't assume emergency shelters will accept pets. Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and friends or family who can shelter your pets.
• If you evacuate, take your pets with you. If it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for your pets.
• If you stay home, keep pets indoors and secure. Don't allow them to roam loose, as unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells may cause them to become frightened or disoriented.
• Plan for all your animals. Make arrangements for farm animals, livestock, and outdoor pets before an emergency.
• Be patient after a disaster. Stress can cause changes in your pet's behavior. If unusual behavior continues, contact your veterinarian.

If you use a pet-sitting service, ask whether they provide emergency assistance and include their contact information in your emergency plan.