The recent winter storm created hardships for people all across King County, but for some, the situation was dire. Public Health–Seattle & King County stepped up with emergency assistance to prevent many scenarios from becoming deadly.
Power outages increased the risk of carbon monoxide poisonings, especially among immigrants and refugees accustomed to using charcoal for heat and cooking indoors.
Public Health staff worked around the clock to send warnings about carbon monoxide. Warning flyers in 25 languages were blanketed across the community, including at community organizations, hardware stores, grocery stores, apartment buildings, and pharmacies. They were broadcast through Facebook and Twitter, community events, taxi cab dispatches, neighborhood blogs, ethnic media and webcasts, and local news media. Carbon monoxide poisonings plummeted dramatically compared to previous storms.
Every day of the storm, Public Health checked on all nursing and boarding homes in the county to make sure they had power. When any care facility lost electricity, Public Health coordinated with Puget Sound Energy to expedite restoration of power. They also ensured that affected homes received blankets, generator fuel, and other critical supplies. Individuals who needed oxygen tanks, batteries or other critical medical supplies could get support through a call center quickly assembled by Public Health.
Public Health’s response to the winter storm was greatly boosted by strong community partnerships and the dedication of Public Health Reserve Corps volunteers working together to communicate dangers and ensure that people had the medical services they needed.
Posted on January 25, 2012 by CameronKC
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