In harsh contrast to the December, 2008 Seattle snow storm that not only blanketed West Seattle but seemed to place a pillow over the head of Alki residents, "snow preparedness" is the mantra this winter at METRO, SDOT, and the Office of Emergency Management. The complaints that stormed in by stranded citizens got so much traction that the low-salt diet of roads in winters past has been eliminated. Salt brine, granulated salt, and other salt products are now on the table.

"Salt is not as crucial as an environmental concern as we had thought," said Marybeth Turner of the Seattle Department of Transportation. "We've found the sand we used was more of an environmental concern. The city has 30 trucks to be used as snow plows, but they are not dedicated plows. These trucks are used for other things. When snow is forecast we mount plows on trucks.

"During snow events we encourage people to take the bus rather than try to drive. Check the Internet first to learn the availability of the buses on your route. We won't be plowing residential streets. If you don't have a car to negotiate this amount of snow or ice you might not be able to drive out. Plan to have supplies at home and help neighbors.

"Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice to allow people to walk to buses and to get around. We keep the snow routes driveable for emergency vehicles and buses and will push snow to the side of the road, so you might need to dig your car out if you park on the street of a snow route and to clear the end of your driveway."

Metro asks residents to sign up online for "Transit Alerts" at: www.metro.kingcounty.gov/snow.

You can also view snow, ice, and flood alert area maps of King County there. West Seattle is in the "South Seattle" section.

Also: www.seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm

And: www.seattle.gov/emergency and click "City Updated Snowstorm Plan"