POULSBO — Don’t travel unless you have to. Have firewood ready. Be ready for outages.

Oct. 14 will be rainy and windy, but that will be a relative lull before a potentially damaging storm this weekend, the National Weather Service reports.

As you likely know by now, a potentially damaging storm — its origins traced to Typhoon Songda in the Western Pacific — is expected to land somewhere between the Washington’s central coast and the central coast of Vancouver Island late Oct. 13.

A worst-case scenario: “A historical windstorm for nearly all of Western Washington that would long be remembered,” the National Weather Center reports.

If we’re fortunate: “The type of windstorm that would normally be expected a couple of times each storm season.”

Seas could build to 30-35 feet over Washington’s ocean coast with large and damaging waves causing beach erosion in the Ocean Shores area and tossing large debris onto the beach, the National Weather Servicde reports.

“Make preparations now for power outages, tree damage and other impacts,” the National Weather Service reports. “The weekend system has the highest potential for damages, but it also has the greatest range of possible outcomes.”

Here’s what you need to know in Kitsap County.

WHAT TO EXPECT
— The first system will bring sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 50 mph late Oct. 13 into the morning in Kitsap County. It will also bring 1-2 inches of rain during that time.

— The second system, a remnant of tropical typhoon Songda, will begin during the day Oct. 15 and will continue through morning Oct. 16. It will bring much stronger winds and a similar level of rainfall as the first system.

— The impact of storm will be amplified with leaves on the trees. Power outages are anticipated along with significant debris. Landslides are also possible.

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— To report an outage, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773. Click hereto report an outage and see an updated map of outages in the area.

— For road conditions, including downed trees and power lines, go to Kitsap County’s online Road Report.

— For Hood Canal Bridge updates, click here.

— For ferry information, go to the Washington State Ferries website. Service on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route may be suspended in the event of strong southwesterly winds, WSF reports. Central and South Sound routes are not likely to experience many impacts from the storm, though it’s possible that heavy traffic will delay service. In addition, in inclement weather boats may be “shortloaded” — not loaded to full capacity — to stabilize the vessels and keep more weight on the boat’s stern.

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DO’s AND DON’Ts
The Kitsap Department of Emergency Management advises:

— Have a battery-powered radio at hand for news updates, along with flashlights or light sticks to safely navigate in the dark. Do not use candles as they can cause fires.

— Limit the opening of your refrigerator and freezer to keep foods cold.

— Turn off most of the lights and as many electrical items as possible in order to eliminate potential fire hazards and to reduce the power draw when service is restored.

— Computers are especially vulnerable to power surges and should be unplugged when the power goes out.

— When traveling, stay away from downed power lines and treat non-working traffic lights as a four-way stop.

— Do not bring gas grills, camp stoves or generators indoors. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and increases the risk of fire.

— Take steps to safeguard against health risks that can increase after heavy rains. The Kitsap Public Health District has helpful reminders, which include drinking water and food safety.

— Clear your gutters and downspouts.

— Additional tips for storm preparedness can be found at Take Winter By Storm.

— The Port of Poulsbo recommends boaters check mooring lines and sails. Check bilges for oil or fuel, as pumps may need to discharge rain water and nobody wants a fuel spill.

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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FROM THE KITSAP PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT

DO NOT HARVEST SHELLFISH
— Shellfish should not be harvested from urban embayments during and for at least five days after heavy rainfall due to stormwater runoff that may pollute marine waters and shellfish beds.

DRINKING WATER SAFETY AND DISINFECTION
— To plan ahead for bad weather and emergencies, store one gallon of water per person, per day.

— Public water systems: If there is flooding, local authorities may recommend using only bottledwater, boiled water, or disinfected water until regular water service is restored.

— Private wells/small public water systems: If a drinking water well is flooded, Kitsap Public Health advises to use bottled water that has been stored less than six months in tightly sealed containers, or take preventive measures to sanitize the potentially contaminated water. If your drinking water well is flooded, assume that the water in your home is contaminated. Wells may require disinfection if flooded.

— Purifying by boiling: If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms. Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Filter cloudy water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute.Let the water cool before drinking.Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.

— Purifying with bleach: Treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex. Household bleach is typically between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent chlorine. Read the label. Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label. Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach. Place the water in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach recommended on the Public Health District website. Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 60 minutes before drinking.

ON-SITE SEWAGE (SEPTIC SYSTEMS)
Septic systems may not operate properly if soil in the drainfield area becomes saturated or if it is flooded.

If your drainfield is very wet or under water, reduce your indoor water use to critical uses only to prevent failure of the system. Overusing a septic system when the drainfield is flooded may cause sewage to back-up into the house or come up to the ground surface in your drainfield area.

When soil has dried sufficiently, it’s probably safe to resume normal water use. During extreme wet weather, property owners can follow several simple measures to protect their septic systems and their property investments including:

— Spread water use throughout the day and week to even out water flow to your drainfield. Refrain from using the washing machine, cut back on toilet flushes, and reduce bathing.

— Identify and repair all leaky plumbing fixtures. A running toilet or a leaky faucet can discharge many gallons of extra water each day to your drainfield.Identify and repair all leaky septic tanks, risers, etc.Divert all surface waters and downspouts away from your sewage system.

DEALING WITH FLOOD WATER
Flood waters often carry disease-causing organisms and other types of pollutants, requiring precautions to prevent illness.

Because floodwaters may be contaminated, if the home is flooded, Kitsap Public Health recommends that people:

— Wash their hands with soap and disinfected water before preparing or eating food or after handling contaminated items.

— Discard all food that has come in contact with floodwater.

— Canned food is all right, but disinfect the can by wiping it off with bleach water before opening.

FOOD SAFETY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
If the power has gone out, keep food safe by using food that spoils rapidly first. Most food-borne diseases are caused by bacteria in raw or undercooked foods of animal origin such as meat, milk, eggs, or fish. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve cold air or keep food cold with ice or dry ice.

GENERATOR USE DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution and fire.

Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Don’t overload your generator. Never use portable generators or barbecues indoors.

Additional resources are available online at www.kitsappublichealth.org, on the Kitsap County inclement weather and emergency page, and at http://www.kitsapdem.org/.