Region gets jump on plans for storm response

Last December's Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm left valuable lessons for the region's roads, utility and emergency-service workers who have vowed to be better organized should another storm strike this winter.

"We were tested as never before," said King County Executive Ron Sims, who unveiled new storm strategies Tuesday. "We can't handle disasters by sitting comfortably in our silos."

More than a dozen people died, eight from carbon-monoxide poisoning, in the worst winter windstorm in more than a decade.

In all, 1.5 million utility customers lost their power, some for up to 10 days. One of the most visible changes will be carbon-monoxide warnings in 14 different languages that will be posted in community centers, health clinics and other places where people whose primary language isn't English congregate.

In addition to the deaths, more than 300 people were treated for carbon-monoxide poisoning last winter. Mary Robinson, with Puget Sound Energy, said the utility spends $10 million a year trimming trees to keep them away from transmission lines, and has added $2 million this year.

She said the utility and the region's road agencies have formed a Utility Road Clearing Task Force to deal with damage caused by future storms.

Over the next several months, public-service announcements will air on radio stations around the region reminding residents to prepare for winter weather.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com