Emergency Management

Current Hazards

Winter Cold

Winter storms can range from a normal snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow lasting for several days. Many winter storms bring dangerously low temperatures and sometimes, strong winds, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. One of the main concerns is that winter weather can knock out heat, power, and communication, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can have serious effects on an entire region. Icy roadways can cause serious accidents, and sometimes people die from being in really cold temperatures for too long.

Safety Tips During Severe Winter Weather

• Stay indoors and off the roads. If you must drive, keep emergency supplies in your car.
• Close off rooms to consolidate and retain heat.
• Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm.
• Bring pets into a warm place and out of the storm or severe cold.
• NEVER use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline or propane heater indoors, as these items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• NEVER heat a home with a cooktop or oven.

For more information on winter storms visit: ready.gov website, visit the Spokane Regional Health District's webpage for extreme cold preparedness.

Free Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) Kits Available in WA

Naloxone (Narcan) can save lives during potential narcotic drug overdoses. This resource can work to reverse an overdose and provide crucial time for emergency responders to arrive and render further aid.

To learn more and order free Naloxone kits in Washington State, visit the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance website.