Before the first flake falls, prepare for the worst with free snow equipment
Sep 19, 2023, 1:12 PM | Updated: 3:47 pm
Even though the Puget Sound-area doesn't get much snow in the lowlands, there's still a need for shovels. (Photo: Bill Kaczaraba/My Northwest)
(Photo: Bill Kaczaraba/My Northwest)
The City of Seattle is going to help the community shovel their snow this year with a free shovel.
In partnership with other departments, the Seattle Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a pilot program to help provide snow shoveling volunteers with equipment.
Don’t get cold feet, Seattle.
Sign up to get a free snow shovel and ice melt before September 30th with the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Snow Shoveling Program.
Here’s the info: https://t.co/GVsBcUYX4o pic.twitter.com/7FwioUJZ9z
— Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) September 8, 2023
From Feliks Banel: How one of Seattle’s first landmarks was nearly destroyed in Big Snow of 1916
The city will be providing free shovels and ice melt while supplies last.
According to the Seattle Weather Blog, Seattle averages just 6.3 inches of snow a winter, although several winters — especially during the 1950s and 60s — have seen much more. The blog also reports Seattle’s official snowfall records were taken at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from 1945 through the winter of 1995-96, and again from the winter of 2004-05 onward.
“The city’s proximity to Puget Sound, which remains relatively warm during the winter, is part of what inoculates Seattle from the blizzard-like conditions,” Chris Burke, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told The Seattle Times.
Nonetheless, the Seattle area is on an uptick in how much snow we get in the winter, especially in the convergence zone areas.
Tips to prep for winter in Washington
To register for the Neighbor Helping Neighbor program, contact the captain of your neighborhood Block Watch. If you don’t know who your Block Watch Captain is, go to the Block Watch page of the Seattle Police Department’s website and contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator (CPC) for your area.
If your street doesn’t have a Block Watch Captain, send your request for snow shoveling equipment to 684-Road@seattle.gov.
More on winter in Seattle: The ‘Big Snow of 1880’ is still the biggest the city has ever seen
There is also a winter storm checklist to help you prepare.
Another suggestion: Consider listening to the weather forecast and have a plan if severe weather strikes.
The city also recommends stocking up before a storm. The list should also include having a family emergency plan, a cell phone and portable charger, a battery-operated radio, a snow shovel, a bag of street salt, warm clothes, extra blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit and a supply of food, water and medicine for at least three days.
