City of Seattle Ed Murray, Mayor

NEWS ADVISORY

SUBJECT: Mayor urges public to prepare for next major winter storms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

1/16/2012 5:39:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Emergency Operations Center,

Tel (206) 233-5072

Mayor urges public to prepare for next major winter storms

Significant accumulations of snow possible in next 48 hours

SEATTLE – With weather forecasts predicting significant accumulations of snow in Seattle, Mayor Mike McGinn urged residents to be prepared for a series of winter storms over the next few days. The National Weather Service predicts lowland areas, including Seattle, could get three to seven inches of snow through Tuesday morning. They are also forecasting the possibility of another six to 12 inches of snow over the lowlands on Wednesday.

“With the possibility of significant snowfall, we are urging residents to be prepared,” said McGinn. “The Seattle Department of Transportation is treating major streets around the clock, our Emergency Operations Center is activated and other city departments are taking readiness steps. The public should get ready as well, making sure they have needed supplies in the event we do get a lot of snow.”

The City of Seattle also recommends that residents:

Consider options now for travel, staying off the roads if possible.

Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal.

Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.

Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding inside homes.

Turn faucets to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

Be careful how they choose to heat or light their homes. Open flames and unattended candles are dangerous. Do not bring open stoves or gas grills inside as the fumes can be poisonous and deadly.

Find and clear street storm drains. Snow followed by rain can clog drains and cause flooding.

Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets at hand to stay warm during possible power outages.

Bring pets indoors.

Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.

For SDOT-specific media inquiries before 9:00 AM contact Marybeth Turner: (206) 255-9363

For all other media inquiries related to this activation contact EOC Media line: (206) 233-5072

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