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Snow, Ice, and Extreme Cold
Snow and ice can make winter in Bothell hazardous. Stay updated on our current conditions and plan for safety.
Winter Weather Preparedness
Cold temperatures can bring dangerous conditions like snow and ice. Keep an eye on weather trends and prepare in the following ways:
- Keep heating on, even when out-of-town, to prevent frozen pipes. Read more about pipe and faucet safety.
- Plan for safe heating sources. Keep burnable objects at least three feet away from heat sources and purchase only portable heaters that have an automatic shut-off when they fall over. Make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is in working order to ensure any heaters and generators are operating safely.
- Create or update your disaster preparedness kit. It should include 2 weeks of supplies for everyone in your household. Have extra blankets and warm clothing to prepare for power outages. Pack emergency items like chains, jumper cables, a cell phone charger, and more in your vehicle in the event you get stuck in a storm.
- Know the signs of hypothermia to catch cold exposure before it becomes worse, and seek medical care if any of these symptoms become extreme:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Exhaustion
- Temperature under 95F
- Read our Winter Pet Care Tips to help keep your pets safe in inclement weather.
- Take note of cold weather shelters in King County and Snohomish County if you have a need.
How to Handle Winter Weather
Winter weather can mean anything from freezing cold temperatures to heavy snowfall that can last for several days. Although Bothell does not usually have blizzards, we do experience colder temperatures and some snowfall. Keep an eye on weather forecasts so you’re aware of inclement winter weather, and prepare yourself for power outages.
Colder temperatures can lead to icy roads and an increased number of car accidents. It’s essential to use extreme caution when driving in freezing temperatures:
- Avoid driving if you can.
- Keep a winter preparedness kit in your car with items like a flashlight, blanket, and kitty litter.
- If you find yourself stranded: Wait in your car, turn on your flashers, call for help, and wait for it to arrive.
- Read about our Snow Plow Routes & Priority Road Clearing.
Snow, ice, and extreme cold can also affect garbage collection services — find any updates to Recology’s service here.
Winter weather can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Always wear many layers of warm clothing and avoid spending too much time outside.
Like severe wind and rain, winter weather can cause widespread power outages. A danger of power outages is increased carbon monoxide levels. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and even death. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Never use a propane stove as a heat source.
- Never bring a grill or generator indoors.
- Never leave your car running in your garage.
- Keep extra blankets on hand for heat.
- Keep a flashlight handy.
- Ensure pipes are well-insulated.
Recovering from Winter Weather
Safety is critical when dealing with winter weather, but not all dangers pass as soon as snow and ice starts melting. Read the tips below to improve your safety:
- Clear snow paths around homes and vehicles as soon as you can. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to shovel before it has had time to get packed down.
- Clear snow and ice from around storm drains to prevent flooding.
- Check your roof and gutters for ice dams — frozen chunks of ice can prevent proper drainage and cause damage to your home as it melts off.
- Inspect the trees on your property to ensure heavy snow hasn’t broken or cracked limbs that could fall and harm you or passersby.
- Check for cracked or leaking ceilings and frozen pipes to prevent any internal home damage.
- Be on the lookout for hazards to your pets including icicles, downed power lines, or ice patches. Wipe their paws each time they come inside so they don’t get sick from ingesting snow-melting salt residue.
- Avoid driving right away. Give road crews time to clear roads and ensure driver, biker, and pedestrian safety.