Weather

Clouds

Cold weather & storms

COLD WEATHER SHELTERS

Please view the list of locations typically open in Snohomish County for people to have a safe place to go when temperatures drop below 32-34 degrees. Please call or visit their websites for specific information.

Extreme cold can be dangerous. Wear layers of lightweight, warm clothing if you are outside, and be sure to cover your head and hands with a hat and gloves or mittens. Bring pets inside.

Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. Never run a generator indoors or use a gas stove to heat your home.

FLOODING

It is important to follow proper health and safety precautions when returning home or cleaning up after a flood. Food and water could be contaminated, electrical appliances are hazardous, and furniture, clothing and other items will need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly.

  • Do not drink water from a private system that has been flooded. Treat water or bring it to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using. Water for brushing teeth or washing dishes or food also should be boiled or treated.
  • Discard food that has contacted floodwater and does not have an airtight seal. Cans should be rinsed in a diluted bleach solution before opening.
  • Do not attempt to use electricity until the building's electrical system has been checked by a qualified professional.

For more tips and resources, please review our Cleaning Up After a Flood (PDF) guide.

POWER OUTAGES

Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.

  1. Before a Power Outage
  2. During a Power Outage
  3. Keep Food Safe
  • Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels—it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors.
  • Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors.
  • If you own an electric garage door opener, know how to open the door without power.
  • Make sure your disaster preparedness kit contains light sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and a wind-up clock.
  • Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.

Hot weather & Air quality

COOLING STATIONS

Please view the list of locations typically open in Snohomish County available for the public to have a safe place to cool off when the temperatures rise. Please call 425-339-8634 for specific information.

Air Quality

Extreme heat isn't the only reason people may need to get inside during the summer. Wildfire smoke - which can come from local fires or from other states or countries - may cause the air quality to become unhealthy. Breathing smoky air is bad even for otherwise healthy individuals, but it's especially dangerous for: people with existing lung or heart problems, infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults (over 65), or people with a history of heart attack or stroke.

Smoke exposure can cause:

  • Eye, throat or nose irritation
  • Wheezing and coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Worsening or triggering of existing lung or heart conditions.

Keep up to date on air quality and what level of activity is safe in current conditions by visiting the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website.