Winter Weather

Winter weather can consist of snow, ice, or freezing rain, often accompanied by dangerously low temperatures. These hazards can cause power outages, make roads and walkways unsafe to navigate, and limit access to normal resources.

Prepare Now

  • Monitor local weather conditions.
  • Familiarize yourself with Kirkland snow plow routes(PDF, 2MB) and plan accordingly.
  • Prepare your home for winter with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Insulate exposed pipes and take care of any household repairs. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
  • Stock up on emergency kit items you might need in case you cannot safely leave your home or get to the store during severe winter weather.
  • Create a car emergency kit. Include jumper cables, chains, sand or kitty litter for traction, warm clothes and shoes, a blanket, food, water, and a flashlight.
  • Prepare for possible power outages.
  • Know that Waste Management (WM) may delay collection services due to inclement weather or icy road conditions. If WM isn't able to provide service on your regular collection day, on your next regularly scheduled collection day they will collect twice the regular amount of garbage, recycling, and food+yard waste. You can get daily service information by calling 1-800-592-9995 or at servicealerts.wmnorthwest.com/kirkland.

Survive During

  • Avoid driving if possible. If you become trapped in your vehicle, stay inside.
  • Limit your time outside. Dress in warm, lightweight layers if you do go outside. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning(PDF, 223KB). Never use stove tops or ovens to heat your household. Use generators, camp stoves, and charcoal barbecues outdoors in well ventilated areas.
  • Remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property as quickly as possible. Remember to take breaks when moving snow and ice to avoid overexertion. 

Resources

Kirkland Snow Response
Learn about how the City of Kirkland handles snow response.

Kirkland Snow Plow Routes(PDF, 2MB)
Kirkland Public Works follows these designated routes when plowing or sanding during a snow event.

Kirkland Weather Information
Current weather information and a 7 day forecast for the Kirkland area from the National Weather Service.

Take Winter By Storm
Regional preparedness information for severe weather.

Generator Safety
Learn how to use generators safely from FEMA's website to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

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