The City of Seattle announced its preparations for the coming winter with its updated winter storm plan Nov. 9.

“[The Seattle Department of Transportation] has prepared a new strategy for winter storms, as well as improving our coordination with other agencies," Mayor Mike McGinn said in Department of Transportation press release.

“We have salt and salt brine stockpiled and equipment prepared for when snow falls this winter,” department Director Peter Hahn said in the press release. “Our plan is to stay ahead of storms by pretreating streets and keeping key roadways open for Metro’s buses before and after snow falls.”

The city's winter response plan, which was designed in consultation with King County Metro Transit and other partners, calls for keeping roads open, buses moving and critical emergency services accessible.

Highlights of the plan include:

• Using salt brine pretreatment before snow falls to reduce snow’s ability to stick to streets. Using salt during storms to melt snow more quickly. And, limited use of sand to help vehicles maintain their traction.
• The Department of Transportation has 30 plows and four anti-icing/de-icing trucks available. It has stockpiled 2,200 tons of salt and 46,000 gallons of salt brine and has agreements with local companies and regional agencies for additional resources.
• An updated winter response plan website with road closure information.
• Significant improvements to facilities and equipment to include GPS technology, vehicle mounted temperature sensors and increased ability to predict incoming weather.
• An increased emphasis on clearing city-managed pedestrian pathways and landings.
• Close coordination among agencies.
• The Department of Transportation, Metro and the Seattle Police Department are prepared to provide a liaison in each other’s control/operations rooms, when conditions warrant it, to enable quick and clear coordination among them.
• An improved organizational structure and significant training for winter storm response.

According to the press release, one significant change in the city's storm response will be plowing snow and ice toward the curb and not the center of the street.

Plowing to the center creates barriers that block the roadways and prevent vehicles from being able to make left turns, according to the press release. In addition, snow piled in the center of the street contributes to icy conditions because it doesn’t allow melting snow to reach drains.

Though plowing to the curb may block driveways and cars parked on the street, requiring people to shovel out their driveways and vehicles, this is the best option for keeping our roads safe and passable, according to the Department of Transportation.

The city is encouraging residents to help keep roadways clear by using Metro service as much as possible. Metro is advising riders to use transit service on the city’s priority snow routes and to check online (Metro, Sound Transit) for service.

Clearing the sidewalks in front of residences and businesses is the responsibility of the property manager, resident or business owner, according to the Department of Transportation. City officials are asking residents and business owners to take an active role in helping keep sidewalks clear and passable by shoveling and salting them.

Seattle City Light has a new online map updated every 15 minutes to let people see power outages throughout the city and to determine how quickly a customer can expect a response.

According to the press release, Seattleites are also asked to help keep storm drains clear to reduce the likelihood of flooding. When storm drains are covered by leaves, snow/ice or other debris, water cannot get into the drain system and accumulates on city streets, resulting in possible flooding and erosion, according to the press release.

Garbage and recycling pickup schedules may be affected by snow. Seattle Public Utilities will keep people updated via their online webform.

According to the Department of Transportation, here is what Ballardites can do to help during or after a snowfall:

• Prepare in advance by having a snow shovel, salt, food and water (for three days) in stock.
• Help and look out for your neighbors, friends and family members.
• Shovel and maintain the sidewalks in front of your residence and/or business.
• Keep local storm drains clear so water can flow into them.
• Limit use of your personal vehicle as much as possible.

Here are some important phone numbers provided by the Department of Transportation in case of snowfall:

• Seattle Customer Service Bureau: 206.684.CITY
• Seattle Department of Transportation: 206.684.ROAD
• Seattle Public Utilities: 206.684.3000
• City Light Power Outage Hotline: 206.684.7400
• King County Metro: 206.553.3000

For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit the Take Winter by Storm website.