KCTS and the Pacific Science Center are hosting a free talk on the “Great Windstorms of the Pacific Northwest” with Cliff Mass, writer if the Cliff Mass Weather Blog, at the Queen Anne Science Café on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. The discussion is being held at T.S. McHugh’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, located at 21 Mercer St.
Who says talking about the weather is boring? Dr. Cliff Mass, professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington, joins the Queen Anne Science Cafe to discuss major storms that have pummeled the Pacific Northwest, some equivalent to category 2 or 3 hurricanes.
Dr. Mass studies weather with the Mesoscale Analysis and Forecasting Group. He received his BA in physics from Cornell and his PhD in atmospheric sciences from the University of Washington. He is the author of Weather of the Pacific Northwest, and he blogs about weather at cliffmass.blogspot.com.
KCTS 9, the Pacific Science Center and Science on Tap present free monthly Science Café discussions on the first Tuesday of each month in an effort to bridge the gap between the world of science and the community in a casual, laid back, social way. See a schedule of upcoming Science Café events here.
This event perfectly coincides with our own changing weather patterns here in Seattle. Just this morning the Seattle division of the American Red Cross sent out a press release urging residents in the Pacific Northwest to prepare for strong winds and potential power outages (not uncommon here in Queen Anne). See the full press release below:
American Red Cross Urges Preparations for Strong Winds and Potential Power Outages
SEATTLE, May 3, 2010 – With a spring storm bringing wind gusts of up to 50 mph and scattered power outages throughout Western Washington today, the American Red Cross reminds individuals and families to stay safe and be prepared.
“Spring weather is unpredictable,” said Susan Pelaez, Director of Preparedness and Community Engagement. “We are seeing communities dealing with the effects of Mother Nature across the country today, and Washington is no exception. We want to help Puget Sound communities to be safe and prepared for whatever comes their way.”
Tips from the Red Cross on preparing for high winds and possible power outages:
Prepare for High Winds
- Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
- During the storm, draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
Top Safety Tips for a Power Outage
- Assemble essential supplies, including: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food.
- Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage.
- Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information – only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
- Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you know when the power comes back on.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
- If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
- Stay focused on the risks of smoke and carbon monoxide. Buy a carbon monoxide alarm if you do not already have one. They are available at most hardware stores. If you have one, check the battery to make sure it is working. If the alarm sounds: get to fresh air by going outside. Contact the fire department before you go back inside your home.
The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world. For more information about emergency preparedness or Red Cross Chapters in Washington State, please visit www.redcrosswashington.org or www.seattleredcross.org.
Beth Jusino
Interactive Communications and Outreach Coordinator
American Red Cross
Serving King & Kitsap Counties
Voice: (206) 709-4509
(360) 377-3761 x13805
Email: beth.jusino@seattleredcross.org
Web: www.seattleredcross.org