New notification system aims to reach employees in emergencies
King County has just launched a new employee emergency notification system called KCInform to help reach employees with important information in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. On January 31, employees should have received an email from noreply@codered.com inviting them to register their personal contact information into KCInform. If you had problems accessing the sign-in page, please try again. “To ensure you don’t miss critical, time-sensitive messages, I am asking you, and all employees, to enter your contact information in KCInform so that you can be contacted in an emergency,”… Read More
Weather update: light snow expected for Seattle-Bellevue around 5 p.m.
The National Weather Service has advised that a band of light snow will move into the Tacoma area about 4 p.m. and into the Seattle-Bellevue area around 5 p.m. Expect slick roadways even with the light accumulations that are expected with this band. Another more significant period of snow will likely move into the area between 7 and 10 p.m. This band has the potential to produce 1 to 3 inches of snow, affecting the tail end of the evening commute. Please let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. When… Read More
Snow, ice forecast for tonight, more snow possible later in week
More snow as well as black ice could be on the way over the next few days with nighttime cold temperatures expected to drop into the low 20s in some areas. Snow showers will return late this evening, first in the North Interior and then gradually southward after midnight. The snow level will also lower throughout the evening and snow may accumulate at sea level overnight, with up to 1 to 3 inches of snow. Warmer daytime temperatures will melt snow on Wednesday but the potential for black ice will continue as… Read More
Snow could impact commute Monday morning and evening
With snow forecast for many parts of King County beginning Monday morning, make sure you have a plan for your commute and for your family, and expect slushy or icy road conditions for the Monday morning commute. King County is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory until noon Monday which means that periods of snow could cause traffic difficulties. The Advisory will be elevated up to a Winter Storm Warning for Monday afternoon through late Monday night which means that there is potential for snow, sleet or ice accumulations to impact travel. Intermittent… Read More
Wet and windy weather is here!
Wet and windy weather has arrived and is expected to worsen over the coming hours. Please prepare for possible disruptions and delays in this evening’s commute and again this weekend as we face two consecutive storm systems forecast by the National Weather Service. High winds and rain might create potential travel delays, power outages, and temporarily closed roads. The King County Department of Transportation recommends Metro bus and water taxi riders and people who travel unincorporated county roads monitor weather reports and connect to information available from King County, including travel alerts. Resources… Read More
Still warmer than normal
Crossposted from KC Emergency News While we won’t see temperatures in the mid-90s like last weekend, temperatures remain warmer than normal. So, take precautions: When playing or working outdoors, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat. Drink plenty of fluids. (See more safety tips in earlier post below). Adhere to water safety directives when boating or swimming in pools, rivers, and lakes. Always wear a life vest, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. Remember that fire danger remains high and a burn ban is still in… Read More
Emergency alert and notification system for King County employees
In light of the recent power outage and gas leak, stay connected to know what’s going on during a significant event or emergency situation. King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has invested in an emergency alert and notification system, used to communicate to County employees and the public during an emergency. There are two services you can sign up for: ALERT King County for regional public emergency alerts. Subscribers to ALERT King County will receive emergency, life safety and other important messages. The service is free to King County residents. Register… Read More
Get Ready for Winter Weather at Home
Please take a moment to ensure you are prepared for winter weather at home: Make an emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit. Buy flood insurance now if you live in an area prone to flooding. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect. Review your current policy; a standard insurance policy typically doesn’t cover flood damage. Have a plan to relocate your family and any pets or livestock out of harm’s way. Purchase an inexpensive battery-operated or hand-crank radio and fresh batteries so you can receive urgent news day… Read More
Be prepared for an earthquake
Last week’s earthquake in California is a good reminder that we need to be prepared for an earthquake in Washington state. Our goal is always to continue providing as many County services as possible in an emergency, while also ensuring the safety of our employees. When reporting to work, remember to let safety be your guide for commute decisions and while doing your job, and check with your supervisor or manager for specific information or directions. Please follow these general tips on earthquake preparedness both at home and at work:
