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Winter Weather
Winter weather, including snow, ice and extreme cold, can put you and your home at risk. Follow these preparedness tips to stay safe and warm this winter. For information in City Snow and Ice Removal, please click here.
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Stock Emergency Supplies:
Preparing ahead of the winter season will help to weather whatever hazards mother nature throws your way.
- Install battery-powered or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight with batteries
- Plenty of water and non-perishable food
- Manual can-opener
- Duct tape
- Battery-operated radio
- Personal hygiene items
- Medicine
- Portable battery and charging cords for electronic devices
- Fire Extinguisher
More Information (External Site: Red Cross)
Register Medical Equipment to Receive Power Outage Notifications:
- To be notified of planned power outages, submit an online Outage Notification Form.
- Or, complete a paper form at the City Hall Customer Service Desk to be to be added to the outage notification list. Please bring a note from your doctor.
- Be prepared: have a generator back-up and/or a back-up plan.
Prepare Your Vehicle:
Prepare for driving in rain, snow and ice, and make sure your vehicle is capable.
Check your Vehicle:
- Brakes and lights
- Fuel levels and fluids
- Battery, tire pressure and tread depth
Add to vehicle emergency supply kit:
- Windshield ice scraper, snow shovel, and chains
- Jumper cables, flares, and tool kit
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cell phone and charger
- Water, non-perishable foods (energy bars, crackers, dry cereal)
- Blanket and warm clothing
Winterize Your Home:
- Drain and insulate outdoor pipes and faucets
- Clear debris from storm drains and gutters
- Check furnace and chimney
- Check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
More Information (External Site: FEMA)
Identify a place nearby where you can safely warm up, should you lose heat in your home for an extended period-of-time.
Be cautious and keep the roads clear for snow plows.
- Stay indoors and off the roads.
- If you must drive, make sure to remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving, maintain a full tank of gas, and keep emergency supplies in your car.
Click here for more information on City Snow and Ice Removal.
General Information:
- Heat only areas of your home you are using. Close doors and curtains to retain heat.
- Dress in layers; use blankets to stay warm.
- Bring pets into a warm place and out of the storm or severe cold.
- Never use a generator, a camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline or propane heater while indoors. These items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never heat a home with a cooktop or oven.
- Limit your time outdoors and stay dry.
- Be careful shoveling snow. Do not overexert yourself.
- Be a good neighbor, check in with elderly neighbors or families with young children.
- Never touch a downed power line. If you see a downed power line, please call 360-417-4724 during business hours (7:00am-3:30pm) or 360-417-4726 after hours to report the power line and location.
- If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Be cautious and drive only if necessary.
- Be sure to remove snow and ice from your tailpipe before starting your car.
- Clean all snow and ice from your car before driving. Check vehicle regularly if idling.
- Keep emergency supplies in your car and a full tank of gas.
General Information:
- Dress in warm clothing, wear layers, stay dry, and prevent prolonged exposure to cold and wind.
- Avoid overexertion from clearing/shoveling snow. Overexertion can lead to a medical emergency.
- Monitor local news.
- Be a good neighbor, check in with elderly neighbors or families with young children.
- Never touch a downed power line. If you see one, please call 360-417-4724 during business hours (7:00am-3:30pm) or 360-417-4726 after hours to report the power line and location.
- If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.