Prepare for Winter Weather
Before Snow and Ice
Prepare
Stock up before the storm. Have a snow shovel, bag of street rock salt, warm clothes, extra blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, and supply of food/water/medicine for at least three days.
Before it Freezes
Sprinkle rock salt (or another environmentally friendly product) on your sidewalk, walkways, and curb ramps to prevent ice from forming.
Winter Storm Checklist
Minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your vehicle:
- Warm clothes and blanket in trunk
- Chains or other traction devices in trunk
- Full gas tank, antifreeze, and booster cables
- Snacks and water
- Sand/shovel in trunk
- Windshield scraper
- Flares, flashlight in trunk
- Family emergency plan
- Familiarity with school and daycare plans
- Alternative shelter plans
- Cell phone and portable charger
- Emergency distress flag
- Paper map
Things to have on hand:
- Battery-operated radio/flashlights
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
- Food and water
- Necessary medications and first-aid kit
- Family emergency plan
Remember! Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors. The fumes are deadly.
When it Snows - Clear the Sidewalks
Did you know it’s required that you keep the sidewalks in front of your home or business clear when it snows? Seattle has over 2,400 miles of sidewalks so we all need to do our part to help everyone travel safely during and after a storm.
Our crews focus on keeping the most critical streets open and clearing sidewalks that aren’t located near private businesses or homes. We rely on you to keep the sidewalks in front of your home or business clear. Prepare before the storm by getting a bag of rock salt, and a snow shovel. Before a freeze, sprinkle rock salt on your sidewalk, walkways, and curb ramps to prevent ice from forming. It is best to clear sidewalks in front of your home or business every 12 hours before snow turns to ice.
Don't Snow Us In!
We teamed up with Rooted in Rights to create a video to educate people on the importance of clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their homes, businesses, and job sites. This information makes it easier and safer for everyone to get around after a winter storm!
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips
- Avoid injury! Make sure you remove snow and ice safely with these resources:
- Winter Weather - Hazards/Precautions | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
- Tips for safe snow shoveling - Mayo Clinic Health System
- Snow Shovel Safety - National Safety Council (nsc.org)
- Digging Out: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Health to Shovel Snow | Blogs | CDC
Warning: The City is not responsible for property damage or injuries that result from shoveling snow on sidewalks.
Check on Your Neighbor
Check in with your neighbor if you know they could use your help. Work together and come up with a plan to ensure your block of sidewalk, storm drains, and corner curb ramps are clear of snow and ice.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Interested in volunteering to shovel snow in your community? You can share your contact information with SDOT Customer Care by emailing 684-Road@seattle.gov or calling (206) 684-7623. We may provide your information with a neighbor in need, like a senior or someone with mobility challenges. Thanks for your interest.
Need help shoveling your sidewalks? You can also contact 684-Road@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-7623. We’ll do our best to connect you with a local volunteer before winter weather arrives, if possible.
Quick Tips
Prepare
Stock up before the storm. Have a snow shovel, bag of rock salt, warm clothes, extra blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, and a supply of food/water/medicine for at least three days.
When it Snows – Clear Sidewalks
Clear sidewalks in front of your home or business every 12 hours before snow turns to ice.
Before it Freezes
Sprinkle rock salt (or another environmentally friendly product) on your sidewalk, walkways, and curb ramps to prevent ice from forming.
Check on your Neighbor
Check in with your neighbor if you know they could use your help. Work together and come up with a plan to ensure your block of sidewalk, storm drains, and corner curb ramps are clear of snow/ice.