Montlake Emergency Hub News
Tip of the month
Montlake Emergency Hub is sharing tips from the Emergency Management Division of Washington, www.DisasterReadyWashington.com, to help you prepare for natural disasters. Spend one hour each month to make progress on this essential goal.
This month we will focus on Utility Safety
After an earthquake, be sure to check your utilities. Many post shaking fires are the result of gas leak. Sparks from damaged electrical wiring can also start fires. Inspect and shut down any utilities that appear damaged after a natural disaster.
Natural Gas
Signs of a gas leak are the smell rotten eggs, a hissing sound or the meter spinning more rapidly than normal.
If you suspect a gas leak, get everyone away from the house immediately, open windows and doors for ventilation, and shut off the gas at the meter.
Steps to shut off the gas:
Locate the shut-off valve.
Using a crescent wrench, turn the valve to the right 90 degrees so that it crosses the pipe.
Some find it useful to hang a crescent wrench adjusted to fit the valve behind the meter in preparation for an emergency in which shut-off is necessary.
Electricity
Inspect electrical system
Check appliance cords, outlets, and connectors for sparks, frayed or damaged cords, broken plugs, or cracked housings. Cords should not be under rugs/carpets, located in high traffic areas, nor stapled to walls or floors.
Steps to turn off electricity
Locate the main breaker.
Shut off individual circuits of breaker box before shutting down main circuit breaker. Shut off from the bottom to the top. When turning on, turn on from top to bottom.
Shut off main circuit breaker.
Propane
Propane tanks are extremely flammable. They should not be stored in an enclosed space and the valve should always be in the Off position when stored.
Never use a tank indoors.
Only use tanks in open areas.
Events:
Hub 101 Workshop– Our next event in Montlake will be Tuesday, October 6th at the Montlake Community Center 6-8pm. It is for everyone – a training session to help neighbors better understand how the Hub works and how all members of the community can help in the event of a disaster. We will practice basic roles and run through scenarios in small groups so you will be better prepared to support your household and neighborhood should disaster strike.
Emergency Hub Presentation – During the Montlake Community Club’s Community Meeting at the community center on Saturday, October 17 between 1-2pm
Meetings:
Attention! For September and October, we are having irregular schedules for our meetings: September- Wednesday, September 9 (NOT our usual first Wednesday of the month) 7:00pm- 8:30pm @ Boyer Children’s Clinic 1850 Boyer Ave E.
October - TBD (no meeting on the first Wednesday). Please come to the community center for the Hub 101 on Tuesday October 6 and the presentation at the Montlake Community Club’s Community Meeting on Saturday October 17.
It is a training session for all - to help neighbors better understand how the Hub works and how all members of the community can help in the event of a disaster.
In the event of a major disaster, the Montlake Emergency Hub will activate at the Montlake Library and help the community organize and support our neighbors in meeting their basic needs until help can arrive from outside the impacted area. You can find out more about the Hub at our MCC website - https://www.montlake.net/emergency-hub
Monthly meetings usually held at every 1st Wednesday night – 7:00pm-8:30pm @ Boyer Children’s Clinic – however, we may change dates (like this September and October, so please contact us if you are interested in coming!) MontlakeEmergencyHub@Montlake.net
Get Involved!
Please consider volunteering with the Montlake Emergency Hub. “How can I get involved?” Is it a serious commitment with lots of hours? There are so many ways that you can participate. We need more neighbors in Montlake get trained ready to jump in when we open our hub. Please contact us at MontlakeEmergencyHub@Montlake.net if you have any questions or you are interested.
