Tuesday’s bomb cyclone hit our community hard. First, I want to extend my sympathy and condolences to the loved ones of the two women who lost their lives due to the storm, including one right here on the Eastside.
I know many of us are still feeling the impacts—my power is still out, as it is for many on the Eastside. With the weather becoming colder and the uncertainty around when power might be restored, I know this is distressing and a serious safety issue.
Cities are working to open facilities as warming and charging centers, although which facilities are open and the hours may shift day-by-day. North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE, Kirkland) and Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Ave, Kirkland) are open today until 8:00 pm and tomorrow, Friday, November 22 from 8:00 am-8:00 pm as charging centers.
The following facilities are open until further notice as charging and warming centers:
Bellevue
- Crossroads Community Center (16000 NE 10th St, Bellevue), 10:00 am-8:00 pm
- Highland Community Center (14224 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue), 9:00 am-8:00 pm
- North Bellevue Community Center (4063 148th Ave NE, Bellevue), 9:00 am-6:00 pm
- Northwest Arts Center (9825 NE 24th St, Bellevue), 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- South Bellevue Community Center (14509 SE Newport Way, Bellevue), 8:30 am-6:00 pm
Mercer Island
- Mercer Island Community and Event Center (8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island), 7:00 am-8:00 pm
Redmond
- Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th St, Redmond), 8:00 am-5:00 pm
- Redmond Senior & Community Center (8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond) 8:00 am-9:00 pm
- Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village (6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond), 8:00 am-8:00 pm
I understand how frustrating it is to have no power and no clear time when it will be restored, especially as we approach the holidays. I have been monitoring the power outage situation and am in close contact with Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The high winds and resulting tree damage not only downed the smaller, local power lines, but also damaged the larger transmission lines that bring power into communities. In many locations, downed trees are also blocking access to restoring power. Crews are beginning to bring transmission lines back online, which need to be brought back into service before crews can focus on the local distribution system.
PSE is estimating time of restoration as 12:00 pm on Saturday, although some customers may see power return sooner than that. They are initially focusing on restoring power to essential services, such as hospitals, water and wastewater systems, and transportation.
Power outages, downed trees, and downed power lines pose a variety of safety hazards. Here are some tips to navigate those hazards:
- If you see a downed power line, stay as far away as possible. Aways assume downed power lines are live and pose a serious safety risk. Call 911 or report it to Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.
- Use generators safely. Always operate generators outside with proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use a gas stove for heat or a grill indoors.
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed. A full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours unopened. A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours. Monitor temperatures and throw away anything that spoils. When it doubt, throw it out.
- When you come to a dark traffic signal, treat it as an all-way stop. Drive cautiously and stay alert.
This is a stressful time for our community. Please stay safe, check on your neighbors and loved ones, and share information widely to help us all get through this.
On Wednesday, November 27, the Eastgate Public Health Center, in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest, will hold their inaugural blood drive. This is a wonderful, concrete way to help your community and help save lives. Schedule an appointment between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm and help spread the word!
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