Both the Seattle Emergency Operations Center and the Fremont Emergency Preparation desk have forwarded a message from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn to take care and prepare for a forecast of heavy snow for our area.
So far, Fremont has been left out of the current ‘snow event,’ but that does not mean that transportation outside our area, or shifting weather patterns, won’t require that Fremonsters take care and consider their options. According to the Seattle Emergency Management Public Education Team, significant accumulations of snow are possible over January 17th & 18th. Visit the National Weather Service site for more timely, and accurate, forecasts.
“With the possibility of significant snowfall, we are urging residents to be prepared,” said Mayor McGinn. The City of Seattle recommends that residents consider the following measures:
- Consider options for travel now, staying off the roads when possible. (Check the METRO Alerts/Adverse Weather Center for bus information.)
- Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal and avoid collisions.
- Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Be careful about heating or lighting your home. Open flames and unattended candles are dangerous. Do not bring open stoves or gas grills inside as the fumes can be poisonous and deadly.
- Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets prepared for ways to stay warm during possible power outages.
- Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding inside homes, and turn indoor faucets to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Find and clear street storm drains. Snow followed by rain can clog drains and cause flooding.
- Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
Businesses and residents are asked to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.
For more information, check the City of Seattle website, or Take Winter By Storm.org. To receive e-mail notices from the Fremont Emergency Preparedness desk, send a message to fremergencyprep@historyhouse.org
Take care out there!