Snow and ice safety tips for dealing with ongoing storms in Whatcom County
The city of Bellingham and offers offer tips for dealing with cold temperatures and snow:
Don’t let your pipes freeze: South County Fire reminds us to allow a drip of cold water from faucets served by exposed pipes, if you haven’t fitted them with Styrofoam covers. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer home air to circulate around pipes. Know where your water shut-off valve is in case a pipe bursts.
Stock emergency supplies: Extra batteries, flashlights, food, and water (at least a 3 day supply), and consider stockpiling a supply of meal-in-a-can foods such as soups and beans. Don’t forget extra medicine and baby items, as well as first aid supplies.
Keep in touch: Charge all cell phones and battery devices in case the power goes out, the city reminds. Have a battery-powered AM/FM radio or a NOAA weather radio to monitor the latest weather conditions.
Stay warm, safely: Be prepared for the power outages that last for extended periods of time and can impact heating, lighting, and refrigeration. In addition to winter clothing, consider sleeping bags, blankets and bedding, large towels, etc., for conserving heat. Avoid the use of open flames, propane “jet” heaters, barbecues, and other inappropriate sources for indoor heating.
Walk carefully: Avoid painful spills and sprains in snow and ice by walking like a penguin. Spread your feet out slightly — like a penguin — while walking on ice increases your stability. Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
Drive safely: Sgt. Michael Munden of the Blaine Police Department told The Bellingham Herald people should avoid travel if possible, to not assume that a 4-wheel drive negates slow speeds on ice, to keep cold-weather gear in their vehicle and to make sure they have full tanks of gas. Washington State Patrol Trooper Heather Axtman adds, “I would caution folks that as more snow falls, the ice underneath does not go away. Continuing to remind drivers to slow down, increase following distance and to remove all snow from their cars before leaving.”
Or, don’t drive: If driving is difficult, WTA may be an option for some, with routes all over Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County. Call 360-676-7433 or visit ridewta.com for bus routes and schedule information.
Be careful where you park: The city reminds drivers that its crews cannot clear streets if cars are left abandoned in the roadway. Park as far to the side as possible. If the crews can’t get through it can delay emergency aid.
Time to shovel: Trooper Axtman reminds us that it is the homeowner’s or renter’s responsibility to remove snow from the sidewalk in front of their residences. This helps with keeping the sidewalks clear for pedestrians. Take the advice of Donald Newman, floor manager at Hardware Sales in Bellingham and push rather than scoop. Use your legs, not your back, he adds and that if you pick up a shovel full of snow, toss it forward and not to one side or over your back.
Protect your pets: The city suggests bringing them indoors or, if they cannot come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep warm and access to unfrozen water.
Feed the hummingbirds: The Whatcom Humane Society’s Facebook page says in the winter, hummingbird feeders are a hummingbird’s only source of food, so it’s extremely important that feeders are available and stay thawed to allow birds to feed. It recommends securing a heat lamp within two feet of the feeder or wrapping a string of incandescent lights around your feeder to prevent nectar from freezing.
Save your plants: Wrap at-risk plants, particularly those in pots, to provide another layer of protection. Members of the Whatcom County Gardners Facebook page recommend using sheets to blankets to protect your at-risk plants.
What to do about trash: Sanitary Service Company may not be able to pick up trash and recycling as normal when road conditions are unsafe. If they cannot collect material on your regular service day, garbage and recycling will be collected the next regularly suggested day. They recommend using plastic bags for extra garbage.
Who to call:
▪ To report a power outage or downed power line, call Puget Sound Energy at 888-225-5773.
▪ For removal of fallen trees on city roads, call the city of Bellingham Public Works Department at 360-778-7700.
▪ You can report your street conditions to the city at 360- 778-7700 or AskPW@cob.org; however, it could take a day (once snow has stopped falling) before crews reach side streets.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
