Winter weather is upon us and experts are warning that this isn’t the last time we will have the threat of lower temperatures and/or snow. In light of those anticipated weather warnings, the city of Lynnwood wants to be sure that residents are safe and prepared.

The following are some safety tips. 

It is expected that some people will search for alternative heating sources and/or try to save time by heating up their vehicles while inside and sipping that last bit of coffee or tea. It is important to spread the word on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and leaving warming vehicles running and unattended.

• During the winter months, many people warm up their cars in the morning and then leave them unattended. Don’t do this. Not only is it against the law, but a running car is also an invitation to a car thief. TIP: cover your windshield with a towel each night which will keep it clear from the burden of the frost and/or snow.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate units away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that could kill without warning.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
• If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and remain outside the location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

What to Expect & How to Help

As the cold and wet season begins, the city of Lynnwood is making every effort to prepare for storms, and you can too. Here are a few examples of what you can do to help:

• 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. Visitwww.ready.gov/build-a-kit 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, call the Public Works Department at 425-670-5200