As the cold and wet season is upon us, the City of Lynnwood offers some suggestions of things residents can do to prepare for winter:

• Remove debris such as leaves and packed snow from storm drains to help drainage problems along roadways and help prevent melted snow from refreezing.
• Move vehicles from the side of the road for snow plows to get by. When vehicles are off the road, snow plows have an easier time clearing the streets for your safety. It also prevents the possibility of your vehicle getting trapped behind or high centering on a snow bank.
• Cover and wrap hose bibs in the front and back of your house to prevent freezing pipes. This helps keep the cold from creeping into the pipes in your house and reduces the risk of freezing and breaking.
• Prepare a three-day emergency kit. Now is the time to gather emergency items such as enough food and water for your family for three days, flashlights and batteries, first-aid, and other essential comfort items. Prepare a kit for both your home and your car. Visit www.ready.gov/america/getakit/ for more info and ideas.
• Property owners: it is your responsibility to clear driveways and sidewalks. Many children still walk to school or to bus stops in bad weather. You can help keep them safe by clearing a path for them in front of your home or business.
• Be safe and drive carefully. Use extreme caution while driving in inclement weather of any kind. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination and always yield to service vehicles such as plows, sanders, and transit buses. Stay at least 50 feet back when following sanding or deicing trucks.

If you have any questions, or have suggestions on how the City can help improve community safety, please call the Public Works Department at 425-670-5200.

You can view Snow Plow Priority Maps by visiting the Snow Plow Route Priorities page.