Snowplow practice run taking place this week – Here’s how you can prepare for winter too

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Quick link: Jump down to additional winter weather resources on the web.

We're prepared to respond to winter storms. This week, on November 18 and 19, we're holding a snowplow training exercise to test equipment and ensure our snowplow drivers are familiar with their routes. This training exercise is one example of the work that occurs year-round to prepare for winter storms and ensure our crew members are in good practice.

We monitor weather conditions 24/7 and will pre-treat major arterial streets before it begins to snow to prevent ice from forming. If snow begins to fall, crews will typically work 24 hours per day to clear Seattle's most critical streets for emergency services and buses. Crew members from Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Recreation are also trained to drive snow response vehicles and are ready to help.

We prioritize plowing over 1,000 miles of Seattle's most critical routes to hospitals, schools, emergency services, and shelters. As hard as our crew members work, it may take up to 12 hours after a break in the storm to clear all these streets.

What does the practice run include?

During this practice run, SDOT snowplow drivers travel the specific routes they would clear during and after a real snow and ice storm, following a network of pre-identified arterial streets all across the city. This helps drivers be familiar with the latest street conditions.

At the same time, other City of Seattle specialists ensure vehicles, equipment, and supplies are where they need to be at several maintenance facilities in Seattle. This exercise also includes key contributions from SDOT equipment operators, dispatch and traffic operations center staff, auxiliary support crew members, and senior management.

[Link]An SDOT snow plow in action at night. Photo: SDOT

We've been making a lot of safety enhancements this year, including installing new speed cushions throughout the city. One of the benefits of this dry run training exercise is that it helps our plow drivers become more familiar with where those cushions are located. Another way we've addressed this is by installing signs near speed cushions on arterial streets.

[Link]Example of a new speed cushion and "bump" sign near Gatewood Elementary School in West Seattle. Photo: SDOT

You can count on us to clear major streets, but crews can't be everywhere at once. It is everyone's responsibility to clear ice and snow from the sidewalks around their homes and businesses to keep communities safe. It's not just the law; it's the right thing to do so that people of all ages and abilities can travel safely following a snowstorm if it becomes necessary.

As City workers prepare for snow, we are asking the public to help get ready too:

• In order to prepare and assist in your neighborhood, talk to your neighbors to see who may need help during a storm. Make a community plan to ensure that all the sidewalks on the block get shoveled. Be sure to have a shovel and salt ready or know who to ask if you need a helping hand.
• View a map to see Seattle's snow plow routes. During snow events, use this online Winter Weather Response Map to see real-time updates about street conditions and which streets we have recently plowed.
• Visit the SDOT Winter Weather webpage for more information about how to get around safely when it snows. Visit the Metro winter guide website for King County Metro transit updates.
• For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/winter-weather. You can also find the City of Seattle's overall winter storm response website at https://www.seattle.gov/winter-weather.

[Link]Seattle's snow plow routes map. Graphic: SDOT

Thank you for your interest and taking the time to help prepare in advance. We wish you a safe winter weather season in the months ahead.

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