City of Shoreline advisory: Prepare for winter weather in Shoreline

From the Office of the City Manager

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting a colder and wetter than average winter for the Pacific Northwest. This means more rain, wind, ice and snow in Shoreline. Throughout the year, the City prepares for winter weather. The City asks residents to do the same.

Snow Removal

City road crews prepare months in advance to make sure equipment is ready to take on winter weather. When it snows, City plows will concentrate their efforts on main roads (primary routes) first to accommodate fire, medical and police response, as well as Metro transit, school buses and commuter traffic. Primary routes include roads such as Aurora, 15th Avenue NE, N 155th, N 175th, N 185th and N 205th Streets. As long as it continues to snow, the City will only plow primary routes.

Once the snow has stopped and all primary routes are clear, plows will move to secondary roads. Once the secondary roads are cleared, plows will move into neighborhoods.

If at any time it starts snowing again while plows are clearing secondary or neighborhood streets, the plows will return to the primary routes and the process of clearing streets will start over.

While the City will eventually get to all streets, it is possible that it might take several days after the final snow event before residents may see a plow on their street. Snow plowing route maps are available to view at shorelinewa.gov.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Shoreline homeowners and business/property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice off driveways and sidewalks near their property, including the ridge of snow left along the edge of driveways by the snow plow. The City will not plow driveways.

Homeowners and business/property owners that plow snow or have it removed from their property shall not place the snow in the public right-of-way. This is not permitted and can lead to hazardous conditions for the traveling public. Homeowners and business/property owners must accommodate removed snow on their own property or make arrangements to have the snow removed to another location.

Homeowners and business/property owners should also help clear catch basins to make way for runoff from melting snow and avoid pooling water.

The City encourages residents to stay home during a heavy snow storm event unless there is an emergency. If residents must travel, the City asks that they use public transportation whenever possible.

Garbage and Recycling Pick-up

If icy streets keep garbage and recycling trucks from collecting materials on your scheduled day, they will be collected the following week. If yard waste is missed, it will be picked up sometime during the following seven (7) days. Please protect your materials from blowing away by making sure bins are closed. Call CleanScapes, the City's garbage and recycling provider, at (206) 763-4444 with any questions and to check schedules.

Flood Preparedness

Many parts of King County flood every year, including areas that have no history of floods. Flooding most commonly occurs from November through February during periods of heavy rainfall. Preparing in advance will save residents time and reduce risks families and their property.

One of the most important things that residents can do to help prevent flooding is to ensure storm drains remain clear in their neighborhoods. Clearing leaves and debris from storm drains will reduce the risk of drainage problems.

Another way to protect your home is to purchase flood insurance. A standard homeowner insurance policy will not cover flood damage; however, all Shoreline residents are eligible for flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent or learn more about flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov.

Information

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, go to www.shorelinewa.gov.