Roof safety urged with heavy snowfall

Use caution when clearing snow

Snow mixed with rain falling on the deep, heavy snow already around the region is creating a potential hazard for King County residents. The rains and snow mixture may create growing snow loads on rooftops, which could cause safety hazards such as structural collapse or sliding snow.

If the snow around or on homes is too deep for safe removal by residents, county officials recommend hiring a local contractor who has the experience and equipment needed for safe removal. Lists of local contractors can be found in the local yellow pages or online.

The following precautions should be taken when clearing snow on or around your home:

• If a roof is in eminent danger of collapse, stay away from the structure and call 9-1-1 for emergency help. Otherwise, citizens can contact the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) to schedule a free hazard assessment of the structure. An inspector will examine the structure, determine the level of danger and provide guidance on a remedy.
  
• Removing snow from your roof with a shovel can trigger unexpected snow slides causing crushing/suffocating injuries or death. Keep people and animals away from potential slide zones. The use of ladders when removing snow from your roof can pose additional hazards. Consider hiring experts who own specialized equipment for safely performing this task.

King County DDES may be contacted at 206-296-6630 Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. to schedule an inspection within unincorporated King County. For inspections on buildings inside city limits, you must contact the city directly.

Updated information on King County's ongoing response to winter storm conditions can be found at the King County home page, www.kingcounty.gov, and at the Regional Public Information Network, www.RPIN.org.