Extremely cold temperatures, snow, and possible freezing rain are forecast for our region this weekend and into next week. Please be prepared for slippery conditions, possible commute delays, and impacts to business operations.

If you work on site, please be prepared for snow and icy conditions. Accumulated snow may create hazardous conditions, so exercise caution and take extra precautions as needed. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight.

Power outages: If you are teleworking and experience a power outage that affects your ability to effectively work remotely, please contact your supervisor to discuss other options for completing work tasks. These may include taking leave or working from your regular King County worksite.

HR Policies: When an agency remains open, but conditions prevent you from reporting to work or from reporting on time, notify your supervisor as soon as possible. You may request leave, subject to approval by your supervisor. If you have no leave accrued, your supervisor may approve leave without pay to cover absences. Sick leave may not be used. Additionally, during inclement weather, department management may determine that a function or service can be fulfilled by an employee while telecommuting. Refer to HR Bulletin 2011-0009 County Operations During Emergency Situations and Inclement Weather (Sheriff’s Office employees refer to KCSO Inclement Weather Policy; Superior Court and District Court employees please check court policies).

Alternative work arrangements: If you are impacted by the weather and adjusting work schedules, working at an alternative location, or taking vacation are options for your job, please discuss these beforehand with your supervisor.

Stay informed: Make sure you’re getting the latest King County information at work and at home in the event of inclement weather.

• Sign up for KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system. KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email are already in the system. It is important to register your County-issued cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you receive time-sensitive messages. This service is free, and your personal contact information is secure and protected. To sign up, please go to accountportal.onsolve.net/KCInform. Visit the KCInform intranet site to learn more.
• Call the Employee Hotline—206-205-8600 (save it to your phone now!).
• Check your King County email for information on business operations, delays, and closures. Log on at outlook.kingcounty.gov. Some agencies may send additional instructions directly to their staff.
• Contact your supervisor for specific instructions.
• Visit the Emergency News page at kcemergency.com for regional impacts.
• Visit Winter weather safety and preparation – King County, Washington for winter weather preparedness information, warming centers, road plowing and treatment, and bus route information.

Resources for travelers

• Metro: Visit MetroWinter.com, sign up to receive Metro Transit Alerts via text and email, and see how your route is affected on Metro’s Service Advisories page.
• Water Taxi: Sign up for King County Water Taxi Alerts (text, email).
• Road Services: Visit Snow and Ice resources and sign up for King County Road Alerts (text, email, tweets via @kcroads). Call us for help with snow and ice on King County unincorporated area roads at 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237 — 24 hours a day.