December 21st was the official start of winter, and winter brings plenty of hazards, including rain, snow, wind, and landslides. Being prepared for winter hazards is important, especially as we all spend more time at home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winter Hazards
The winter months bring us plenty of weather, and with that, the potential for emergencies. Click the links below to learn more about our Seattle-area winter hazards.
Being prepared for winter emergencies is as easy as understanding the hazards and planning for how you and your family will deal with them. Click here for information about creating an emergency plan for yourself, your family, and your neighborhood.
Safe Travels
COVID-19 is still a threat, and non-essential gatherings and travel continue to be discouraged under Governor Inslee’s COVID restrictions. However, if you do travel, try to do so as safely as possible:
- Check out the Seattle Department of Transportation’s winter weather response page, which includes winter weather response maps, street cameras, snow shoveling tips, and preparedness brochures available in multiple languages
- Prepare your car for winter by checking tires and having a winter emergency supply kit. Click here for helpful information about winter driving safety from WSDOT
- Check road conditions regularly and before traveling passes which can become dangerous during winter weather using the WSDOT Statewide Mountain Pass Conditions page or follow @WSDOT_Passes on Twitter
- Quarantine 14 days before and after your trip or gathering to reduce the risk of COVID transmission. Learn more about Washington travel advisories
AlertSeattle
AlertSeattle is the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert system. Residents, workers, and visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive free text, email, or phone call alerts when emergencies are happening in their area. You’ll receive alerts for things like major road closures, snow storms, high winds, and other winter hazards. This system is also used to share information during disasters like earthquake and tsunamis.
If you’re already signed up, it’s a good time to log into your account and make sure your contact and location information are up-to-date! If you’ve moved, changed phone numbers, or want to add family members to your alerts, click here to log in and update your profile.
If you’re not registered to receive alerts, signing up is quick and easy! Simply visit alerts.seattlemulti.wpengine.com/ and click the red Sign Up Now! button, or text the word SEATTLE to 67283 to instantly receive text message alerts from AlertSeattle. You can also follow AlertSeattle on Twitter and Facebook.