Are you prepared for holiday snow flurries? 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Snow can catch us off guard, especially if we have health needs. When snow closes roads, it’s hard for people to get to their medical appointments or get crucial medical supplies. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead when you hear a forecast for possible snow or severe winter weather if you have medical needs.  Things to consider if you depend on:  Oxygen tanks, medication prescriptions, or other medical supplies: Plan with your doctor, pharmacist, or medical service provider about what to do if they can’t be delivered… Read More

KCInform test will help us reach employees in emergencies

Thank you to everyone who participated in Tuesday’s test of KCInform, King County’s employee emergency notification system. The results of the test will be used to ensure we can reach employees in an emergency with critical, time-sensitive information – at work, home or on-the-go. If you haven’t yet registered your personal contact or work cell information, please contact kcinform@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-3830 (between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday) to request your unique registration link. Watch this short video to learn more or visit our website.

Preparing for winter weather 

Crossposted from Keeping Communities Connected  It may only be early fall, but King County Roads knows that winter is coming. Every year county road crews prepare for the heavy rain, wind, and snow and ice that our region experiences. Preparations for snow and ice begin by determining the routes that will be plowed during a weather event. Routes are selected in partnership with nearby local jurisdictions, King County Metro, school districts and emergency services providers. The final routes are mapped and available on the Snow and Ice webpage. The county’s resources to plow… Read More

October 31: Test of KCInform employee alert system

King County will test KCInform, our employee emergency notification system, on the morning of Tuesday, October 31. This system allows us to reach County employees by phone, text, and email with timely information in an emergency or natural disaster to keep you, your co-workers, and your customers safe.   In January this year you received an email from noreply@codered.com asking you to register your personal contact information (work cell phone and home phone, email, and/or cell phone) into KCInform (CodeRed is the platform we use to manage KCInform). New employees have received subsequent invitations to register in KCInform.   As we enter storm… Read More

Triple digits Thursday? Excessive heat expected this week 

Crossposted from KC Emergency News  The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for western Washington through 9 p.m. on Friday, August 4.  Unusually hot weather will affect the region for the next few days, with record highs possible on Wednesday and Thursday. Many areas in King County could see temperatures of 100 degrees or more on Thursday. Waterfront and higher-elevation areas will only be slightly cooler, with temperatures there in the mid to upper 90s.  Temperatures this high can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old, and people with certain… Read More

Hot weather on the way – help us keep cool! 

We’re expecting unusually hot weather this week with record high temperatures likely Wednesday and Thursday, and the possibility of 100-degree weather in and around King County.   The Facilities Management Division (FMD) is committed to your safety and comfort at work, and to running King County buildings as efficiently as possible. To help us all keep cooler as the weather heats up, here are a few tips:  Lower the blinds in your work area to reduce sunlight streaming in  Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on  Dress for the weather conditions … Read More

Summer is here: Heat advisory issued

Crossposted from Emergency News The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Heat Advisory in effect through 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Temperatures are expected to soar above 90 degrees this weekend. Because this is the first real summer-like heat in our region this year, residents should use extra caution especially during outdoor activities like Sunday’s Seattle Pride Parade. To help protect you and your family, King County agencies are pleased to offer the following information. Hot Weather Safety Heart problems, stroke, and kidney failure are the most common health problems… Read More

Be safe and secure this summer

As the weather warms, there are a lot more people out and about, especially around our buildings in downtown Seattle. Your safety and security here at work are important to us, so we’d like to remind you of a few tips: Plan your route, and stick to well-lit paths. Be aware of your surroundings and know who is nearby. Avoid looking at your mobile phone while walking, and minimize what you carry in your hands. Walk with a group when possible. Don’t be afraid to cross the street, return to a business,… Read More

Test of KCInform employee alert system, April 25 

Earlier this year, King County launched a new employee emergency alert system called “KCInform”. This system, powered by CodeRED, allows us to reach you by phone, text, and email with timely information in an emergency or natural disaster. Your safety is our priority, whether you are at work or home, so having updated personal contact information (work cell phone and home phone, email, and/or cell phone) is critical for reaching you wherever you are. In January you were emailed a personal profile link to enter your information into KCInform. Many of you… Read More

Heavy rain leads to river and urban flooding

Heavy rain has fallen across King County today, melting much of the snowfall from earlier this week. Several area rivers, including the White and Tolt rivers, could exceed flood stage as rainfall and snowmelt flow into the drainage basin. In addition, urban street flooding has been reported in many areas of King County. If you see a roadway covered with water, do not drive through it. Turn around, and find an alternate route. To help reduce street flooding, make sure storm drains in your neighborhood are clear of fallen leaves and other… Read More