Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Here are some important considerations:

• SNOW - Residential and Commercial owners are responsible for clearing snow on the sidewalks adjacent to their property and between their driveway and the public roadway. See our Snow and Ice Policy and Snow Plow Routes for details.
  • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
  • Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
  • Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter.
  • Push the snow rather than lifting it.
  • If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
  • Don’t pick up that shovel without a doctor’s permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• RAIN - For significant flooding events, sandbags and sand are made available to residents on a first-come-first-served basis (bring your own shovel).
  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• WIND - Watch for downed power lines.
  • Assume it's energized and stay as far away as you can.
    Energized lines can charge the ground near the point of contact and may electrocute you. If you come upon a downed line of any kind, stay at least 35 feet away. Do not attempt to rescue a person or pet.
  • Call 911 or the utility serving the location. For Puget Sound Energy, call 1-888-225-5773.
    Leave everything to utility professionals and emergency personnel.
  • Do not drive over downed power lines.
    Even if they're not energized, downed wires can get entangled with your vehicle and cause further damage.
  • Stay in your car.
    If a power line falls on your vehicle while you're driving, do not exit until you know for sure that the line is de-energized.
  • If you must evacuate, jump away and land with both feet together.
    Do not touch the vehicle while stepping on the ground, as this can create a path for electricity to run through you.
  • Shuffle away to safety.
    Keep your feet together and take small, shuffling steps until you're at least 35 feet away. Taking larger steps can also create a path for electricity to run through you.