City of Lake Forest Park News Release

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City of Lake Forest Park
Frequently Asked Questions about the snow storms between

December 12 and December 30, 2008

Many people have had questions about the City’s response to the unusual snow and cold temperatures we all experienced between December 12 and December 30. On January 8, 2009 at 6 pm there will be a report to the City Council on the storm. Here are a few answers to the most frequently asked questions we have heard from residents.

How was this snow event different from those in the recent past?

The first snow fell when the temperature was well below freezing. Typically the Public Works crews clear the snow from the state routes very quickly and then move onto the other streets. This year the crews were forced to make pass after pass of snow removal and sanding. There were a series of four snow storms:

the weekend of Dec 13 and 14,
December 17-18
Dec 20, 21 and 22 and
December 24, 25, 26.

Each snow required going over the roads again.

At the end the snow was a moist heavy mixture on top of an ice pack. The smaller trucks could not get enough traction to push the snow uphill. The crews were making assessments of whether the equipment could get up to some hills and down again without resulting in the loss of equipment.

This was a regional event:

Airports around the country were closed delaying packages and mail.
Garbage Service was halted for two weeks.
Metro busses were on snow routes for two weeks.
Mail delivery was reduced
UPS and other delivery services were delayed at airports, warehouses and transit facilities,
Schools closed three days before the winter break
The City got between 12 and 16 inches of snow. Western Washington has had historical levels of snow this month---with 13.3 inches at SeaTac airport.
What is the City responsible for during an event?

The City is responsible for clearing the roads

SR 522 Bothell Way
SR 104 Ballinger Way
Emergency routes ( access to and from the fire department for example)
Bus routes
City arterials
City collectors streets
Residential roads
Dead end residential streets.

The City is also responsible to respond to other public safety issues. The same crew that plows the roads also responds to down trees, blocked roads, vehicles that block in intersections and street closures. In these cases, the crew shifts from snow removal to placing road closure signs, locating contractors to respond to trees that have fallen over the roadway.

How does the City respond to snow and ice on the roadways?

The decision about which equipment and where to respond depend on several considerations including the current and anticipated weather conditions, the equipment and the type of snow. Plows are used to clear snow from the roadways. Plows are not effective at clearing ice and compact snow, and therefore must wait for temperatures to rise and roadways to thaw. Sand, which helps with traction, is spread once the snow stops and most of the un-compacted snow is plowed from the roadway. Sand is not effective if the road is covered over by a new layer of snow or is removed by a plow. Snowplows move snow towards the shoulder of the road in a continuous line. On some streets, only one-lane is plowed to ensure as many streets have some access, prior to plowing both lanes. Plow operators do not have the ability to direct snow away from driveway entrances, parked cars, etc. The City cannot clear individual driveway areas. Snow removal is more difficult when vehicles are left parked in the roadway. It is very difficult to maneuver plow equipment around.

How many snow plows does the City have?

The City has six trucks available for snow removal. These trucks are a shared resource between Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

How many employees does the City have to respond to these events?

The City of Lake Forest Park has 12 full-time employees and approximately six to eight vehicles available to respond to a significant snow event. These crews provide service to more than 30,000 residents in the Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. In addition, the City has police and other staff to assist with other activities.

Why are the smaller roads the last to be serviced?

The strategy for snow removal is to begin with the state highways, snow routes, bus routes, emergency routes. Then the crews work from these routes out to streets, roads and finally dead-end residential streets.

How did the City respond?

The Public Works crews were on standby before the event. Vacations were cancelled. The Public Works crews worked around-the-clock in two 12 hour shifts for seven days and then a split daylight shift so there was equipment on the streets from 7 am to 8:30 pm. City Hall was open throughout the storm including Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28.

What happens in a medical emergency?

In a medical emergency, the fire department is deployed. If they arrive at a location and they do not believe they can get their equipment safety in and out they take the truck in as far as they believe is safe and deploy on foot. The Fire Department may call the Public Works crews for assistance.

What are residents responsible for in an emergency?

Emergency preparation is everyone’s responsibility. This storm event made it clear that you may need to be prepared for more than 3 days. This storm is a good reminder to make sure you have your medicines, food and water for an extended period of time. The King County Office of Emergency Management is a good source of information on emergency prep http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare.aspx. Or go to the City webpage www.cityoflfp.com and click on emergency info.

The City heard some concerns that snow blocked driveways after plowing. This is going to happen. Homeowners need to be prepared to clear the access from their residences to the street.

How does the City communicate with residents in an emergency?

The website was updated on a daily basis. The City sent out 17 email updates during this event to those who subscribe to CityMail with updates about the weather, garbage service, and information about service closures at City Hall. This is the fastest and most efficient way to communicate with citizens directly. CityMail is a subscription service and residents can subscribe and unsubscribe. CityMail is easy to subscribe to, go to the website www.cityoflfp.com and click on CityMail on the top left hand column.

Who should I contact if I want to make a suggestion?

The City is eager to hear from citizens with suggestions about responses to snow events. If you have suggestions about how the City can mange better in an emergency event, please send your suggestion to mayord@cityoflfp.com, or come to the January 8, 2008 City Council meeting. The citizen comment period begins at 7:45 pm.

January 2, 2009