Contact:
Matt Phelps Fay Lim
Communications Specialist II Communications Supervisor
matt.phelps@snoco.org Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-3126 425-388-6413
Snohomish County Tools and Tips for Snow Storm Preparedness
Online Resources and Phone
Numbers for Winter Storm Emergencies
EVERETT, Wash., November 18, 2019 – With last winter’s snow events still in our
minds, Snohomish County staff is reminding commuters of some useful tools and
helpful tips should an event arrive in the coming months.
For those venturing through unincorporated Snohomish County, visit the Public Works Snow and Ice
webpage for snowplow and sander priority routes, and road closure information. The prioritization of snow and ice routes are based on traffic volume, transit and school bus routes, terrain, and knowledge of problem areas. Emergencies affecting life and property in a winter storm may change these guidelines. The prioritization does not change based on public calls – even multiple calls – requesting service.
The Public Works Road Maintenance Division is responsible for approximately
1,650 total miles of roads. Multiple snowplow passes and treatments may be
required to keep primary routes passable. All other routes will be addressed
based on priority, existing resources, and weather conditions. Anti-icer will
be used when and where it makes sense.
During snow/ice
weather events, it’s also important to:
· Know who to call and
when:
o Life-threatening
emergencies, call 911.
o Non-life
threatening emergencies: 425-407-3999
· Give snowplows and
deicers plenty of room to work. Allow for a minimum following distance of 200
feet from the plows and deicers while they are working.
· If you must pass,
take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and ice, or sand spray.
· Vehicles parked along
all major arterials and emergency routes must be moved off the street. It is
recommended for them to be moved when snow is in the forecast. Parking vehicles in the driveway and off of the road
helps the progress of snowplow operators to complete routes quicker and more
efficiently.
· Residents clearing driveways and snow
berms are advised to pile the snow to the left side as you face the house,
especially closer to the road. This prevents the snowplow blade from pushing
the material back into the driveway. Throwing snow onto the road creates
obstructions in the roadway and can be hazardous.
· Keep drainage inlets
near your home clear of leaves and debris during the winter months to help
reduce the chance of flooding.
· Try to keep garbage
bins and other obstacles out of the street when the roads are icy or covered
with snow.
· Obey road closed
signs.
· Be sure
to have vehicles mechanically prepared for cold weather. Four-wheel drive,
all-wheel drive or higher clearance vehicles reduce problems on secondary
roads; have tire chains or traction tires readily available.
· Keep food, water and medical supplies in
your home that will last up to one week. Be aware of weather reports to plan
ahead for even longer periods of time.
Follow the Department of Emergency Management and Snohomish County on Twitter and “like” Snohomish County on Facebook for the most up-to-date information during an event.
About Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads; controls and manages surface water quantity, quality, and fish habitats; and oversees the recycling and disposal of solid waste. The department’s main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For more information about Snohomish County Public Works, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks.