Community News 12/19/08
Officials emphasize precautions in cold conditions
By Craig Howard
News Editor

As temperatures plummeted throughout Spokane County over the past week, officials continued to emphasize the importance of safety when combating cold and icy conditions.

While much of the wind chill had subsided by mid-week, the daytime thermometer was still registering in the single digits, at least 20 degrees below the average for December in the Inland Northwest. As the snow and ice accumulated, road crews with Spokane County plowed around 3,000 miles of roadway over the weekend.

On Sunday morning, over 2,000 customers in east Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake lost power for close to an hour, according to a report from Avista. Weather-related issues also led to a loss of electricity in Deer Park, Colville and south Spokane.

On Wednesday, there were half-a-dozen reports of cars sliding off the road during the morning commute, including one at Eighth and Sullivan in Spokane Valley. Police continued to urge motorists to slow down and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Officials with Spokane County, the Spokane Health District and other area agencies are reminding residents of the dangers associated with generators and other gas-powered devices during the winter season.

Such devices should never be used indoors because they produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can cause serious injury or death.

Last November, three residents of Grant County died after exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators found a gas-powered generator inside the home. Police believe the generator was moved inside to power a space heater.

In addition to gas-powered generators, carbon monoxide is found in charcoal grills. Fire officials recommend that residents who have propane heaters and furnaces have them regularly maintained and inspected at least once a year. Such heating sources can produce carbon monoxide if they are running improperly.

Fire officials also advise residents to affix a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home.

Bill Clifford, a spokesman with the Spokane Valley Fire Department, warned residents to keep a healthy distance – a minimum of 36 inches – between heating appliances and any type of flammable material, including Christmas trees and gifts. Last November, local firefighters responded to a house fire on McCabe Road in Spokane Valley. Investigators later determined that a space heater had been placed too close to window treatments, causing the blaze.
Clifford added that space heaters should be turned off at night – something that might be overlooked since many operate on timed intervals.

“Check and make sure it’s off,” Clifford said. “It’s just like a candle – don’t leave it burning.”

Crystal Alderman works with the Spokane Mental Health Homeless Outreach Team to help those who may be without adequate housing when winter storms arrive. Last week, the city of Spokane announced that two downtown shelters, House of Charity and the Salvation Army Center had been activated at warming centers – places where the homeless can stay when the temperature drops to 15 degrees and below. There are currently no such sites in the Spokane Valley area.

Alderman, who works with outreach team members to patrol panhandling sites throughout the greater Spokane area, including Spokane Valley, said people out on the street sometimes are unaware of the dangers – hypothermia, frostbite, pneumonia – that accompany cold weather.

“It’s a real safety issue,” she said. “People will be out in this weather and not realize how dangerous it is.”

Officials with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services sent out reminders last week that animals should be kept inside when temperatures drop below freezing. Outside shelters should include protection from the elements, blankets or dry straw and water bowls that do not freeze over. 

At the office of Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels last Friday, volunteer drivers loaded their vehicles with blankets, hats and scarves for homebound residents. The items, donated through Project Warm Up, were provided along with the regular delivery of hot meals.

Pam Almeida, director of Meals on Wheels, said the agency is ready to add new clients to the meal routes throughout the winter and beyond.

“For many elderly and disabled persons, the cold weather and icy conditions make it difficult to get to the store to buy groceries,” Almeida said. “We can bring them a hot meal and check on their well-being.”