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Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Introduction
	Steps to Take
	Educational Materials
	Retrofitting Your Home
	Training for Residents - SPAN
	Training for Businesses
	Response Plans

Extreme Weather Response
	Phone Numbers/Websites
	Rain/Flooding
	Snow/Ice
	Wind/Power Outages
	Storm Debris/Garbage Collection

Emergency Preparedness Volunteers
	Eastside Amateur Radio Support (EARS)

Snow/Ice

Snowplows clear Bellevue streets. Snow, ice and extreme cold can play havoc with a city's transportation system and have an impact on residents' homes. However, a bit of planning before the extreme weather, or following common-sense tips once a storm has hit, can limit problems. To learn more about preparation and response to snow and ice in Bellevue, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions. A short ice and snow video provides additional information and a longer video provides even more. Visit the "Take Winter By Storm" website to find out how you can prepare for extreme weather conditions.

City's Snow Response
The Utilities Department begins preparing early for the snow season by getting snow equipment ready, stockpiling supplies, training staff for emergency response and updating the snow response priorities map.

During a snow storm, city crews work around the clock. Designated citywide and neighborhood priority routes are cleared first to accommodate fire, medical and police response, as well as transit, school buses and commuter traffic. If snowfall is continuous, those arterials may require repeated plowing and sanding before crews can work to clear neighborhood streets.

To report hazardous road conditions, call Utilities Operations and Maintenance at any time at 425-452-7840. To report power outages or downed power lines, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.

Driving on Ice and Snow
Ice and snow, combined with Bellevue's steep hills, can make for hazardous driving conditions. The city has joined a state and national campaign, "Ice and Snow, Take it Slow," to raise awareness about winter driving. The campaign reminds drivers of safe driving tactics in winter conditions, including slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking. A summary of the following winter driving tips is also available.

Check conditions: When you see snow or ice forecast, plan ahead. Talk to your employer, local school or day-care center. How will they provide you information? The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) offers reports on highway conditions with online Statewide Traveler Information. If conditions appear hazardous, don't leave home unless you have to.
Extra time: Give yourself extra time. It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
Chaining up: A short how-to video by WSDOT, posted on YouTube, shows the basic steps for putting chains on your car.
Before leaving home: Pack winter safety equipment and a breakdown kit in your vehicle. Prepare your vehicle by packing a shovel, flashlight, blankets and chains or cables for the tires along with a breakdown kit (winter driving checklist).
Driving tips: The faster you're going, the longer it will take to stop. When accelerating on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping. When braking, do so slowly and never slam the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press on the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.
Black ice: Roads that seem dry or just wet may actually be slippery with black ice. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas; all are hot spots for black ice.
Snowplows: Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.

Home Safety
Severe cold can freeze the water in your pipes, causing them to burst. Be cautious with alternative ways of heating your home. If freezing temperatures are in the forecast, take the following steps:

Drip warm water from the indoor faucet farthest from where water enters the house.
Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces with newspaper, rags or other insulating material. Cover with plastic and secure with string or wire. It's okay to insulate the outside of your meter box, but please don’t put materials such as Styrofoam peanuts inside, as this makes it difficult for city workers to access.
If a water pipe breaks, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve and/or water meter to control flooding and water damage. Then call a plumber. The main water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement, garage or outdoors by the foundation. If there is no main shut-off valve, there is a valve in the meter box that you can use in an emergency. Turn clockwise with an adjustable wrench.
If you use a kerosene heater, make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Keep heaters away from curtains and clothing, and make sure heaters are turned off before going to bed. Do not leave children or pets alone with a portable heater.

Contact Information

Utilities Operations and Maintenance & 24-Hour Emergency Response
Bellevue, WA 98009
Phone: 425-452-7840
E-mail: OMSupport@bellevuewa.gov?cc=whairfield@bellevuewa.gov