How to Prepare & Assist

Stay aware and prepare your home and travel plans for the unexpected. Clear your sidewalks of snow and ice. Assist those who need help.  

Prepare

Prepare your home for the unexpected.

  • Download the Winter Storm Checklist to help you prepare. Listen to the weather forecast and have a plan if severe weather strikes. 
  • Stock up before the storm. Have a family emergency plan, cell phone and portable charger, battery-operated radio, snow shovel, bag of street salt, warm clothes, extra blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, and supply of food/water/medicine for at least three days. 
  • Don’t drive if you don’t have to. If you must drive, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have winter supplies in your vehicle. Have tire chains or traction devices. Know the road conditions before you go. Clear your entire vehicle of snow. Drive slow and allow plenty of time and space between vehicles and people.  
  • Use transit. SDOT works closely with Metro Transit to ensure bus routes are passable. Check the transit snow routes.
  • Obey street closure and detours signs. These signs were placed by police for your safety.  

Assist

Be a good neighbor. Everyone is a part of the Seattle community. Your help can make all the difference especially for people who have a harder time getting around.  

Prepare

Stock up before the storm. Have a snow shovel, bag of street salt, warm clothes, extra blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, and supply of food/water/medicine for at least three days.

 

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.

 

Before it Freezes

Sprinkle rock salt (or another environmentally friendly product) on your sidewalk, walkways, and curb ramps to prevent ice from forming.

 

When it Snows – Clear Sidewalks

Clear sidewalks in front of your home or business every 12 hours before snow turns to ice.

 

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.