Lacey, Washington

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Hazardous Conditions — Winter Safety   Snow, ice, and extreme cold weather can play havoc on homes, businesses, and a city’s transportation system.  With a little planning before extreme weather, and by following safety tips once a storm has hit, our community can work together to weather any storm.

Lacey Transportation Department Snow and Ice Response Plan

The city prepares for and responds to snow and ice events with two flatbed trucks outfitted with tanks to dispense liquid anti-icer and three dump trucks outfitted with plows and sanders.  During a snow storm, city crews work very hard to clear and maintain designated priority routes to accommodate emergency services.  When priority routes are clear, secondary routes are addressed to provide improved access for transit, schools, and commuters.  If snowfall is continuous, priority routes may require repeated plowing and secondary route plowing may be delayed.

Drivers should always be prepared to drive on snow and ice during the winter.  Please refer to the winter driving section below for tips on safely operating a vehicle in wintery conditions.

Lacey's Priority and Secondary Snow and Ice Response Map 

To report hazardous road conditions, call the Lacey Maintenance Center at (360) 491-5644.  To report a power outage or downed power lines, call Puget Sound Energy at 1(888) 225-5773.


Tips for Being Prepared

	Keep a three-day supply of food, water, and medication on hand for all family members (including pets) and put together portable “grab and go” disaster kits for your home, car, and workplace.
	Keep a snow shovel and sand in your car and in your home.
	Severe cold can freeze the water in your pipes, causing them to burst. Insulate pipes, disconnect garden hoses and insulate outdoor faucets.
	Have a safe backup power source on hand.
	Visit TakeWinterByStorm.org for more great tips and resources on winter weather preparedness.

Winter Driving

	On ice and snow, take it slow.
	Drive for conditions―use slower speeds, acceleration, steering and braking.
	Leave early for work and allow extra time for your commute.
	Use your headlights.
	Don’t use cruise control.
	Four and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions than two-wheel drive vehicles.
	Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.  And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
	Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
	Slow down around chain-up areas or where pedestrians may be present.
	If traffic signals are out, treat intersection as a four-way stop.
	Stay informed with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updates on what's happening on highways across the state, and download WSDOT's Winter Driving Guide.

During a Snow Storm

	Help your neighbor―remember to check on elderly persons or shut-ins.
	Place snow removed from walkways and driveways on lawns and greenways to avoid creation of additional driving hazards in your neighborhood.
	If a water pipe breaks, shut water main off immediately and call a plumber.
	If physically possible, clear any debris from the storm drains to facilitate ice and snow removal.
	Drive only when safe and necessary.  Arterial streets are cleared to allow bus traffic.  Check the Intercity Transit website for bus information.

During a Power Outage

	Report a power outage to Puget Sound Energy by calling 1(888) 225-5773.
	Do not use grill, outdoor cooking devices, or generators indoors.
	If you use a kerosene heater, make sure there is plenty of ventilation.  Keep heaters away from curtains and clothing, and make sure heaters are turned off before going to bed.  Do not leave children or pets alone with a portable heater.
	Safety Tips from FEMA for Power Outages