Week of Nov. 3, 2008 Time to prepare for winter rains Heavy rainfall is forecast for later this week, which means King County residents should be prepared to deal with flooding and weather-related emergencies.
To increase preparedness and enhance response times for a wide range of storms, the King County Road Services Division (RSD) kicked off its Night Shift Program in mid-October. The overnight crews consist of up to six workers per shift across East and Southeast King County. The crews are on the alert for clogged storm drains, water over the roadways, downed trees, icy roads, or anything that could pose a hazard for motorists traveling in unincorporated areas. This year, the county also plans to use variable message signs to warn motorists of multiple road closures if severe flooding occurs. Throughout the storm season, Road Division crews will try to stay one step ahead of the natural elements when it comes to dealing with rain, snow, ice and wind. But, county residents can also do their part. You can help with simple things like clearing leaves away from storm drains, and calling the Road Division 24/7 hotline about problems in their unincorporated neighborhoods. Here are a few tips for coping when a heavy rainstorm or icy roads creates transportation challenges:  • Allow ample time to reach your destination in bad weather;
• Never drive through standing water, and never go around “Road Closed” barriers; • If you live in an area prone to flooding, have your own supply of sand and sandbags on hand; • Know the safest detour when low-lying roads in your area are underwater; • Equip your vehicle with all-season tires and carry tire chains; • Dress for the weather in case you become stranded and have to walk; • Have supplies such as flashlights and battery powered radios at home in case the power goes out. Visit the 3Days3Ways website for more information about preparing a disaster plan and supply kit. Residents are encouraged to report problems on roads in unincorporated King County by calling (206) 296-8100, or 1-800-KC ROADS if they live outside the greater Seattle calling area. You can also monitor emergency and weather-related news at through the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN).
The next King County Spot Bid auction will take place Wednesday, Nov. 12 and features 50 lots of surplus office equipment, plus printing equipment and electronics. The auction is managed by the Fleet Administration Division and includes both King County surplus and items from other government agencies. Previews are on auction day only, from 10 a.m. until the start of the bidding process at noon. Check out the Spot Bid website to see a few photos of items in this month’s
auction. The auction will take place at Fleet’s warehouse at 707 S. Orcas St., Seattle. For information, photos and driving directions, visit the auction website.
For the past month, King County Metro Transit has been soliciting ideas and opinions about a series of proposed bus service changes for Southeast Seattle and Southwest King County. The comment period is closing soon, and all input is due by this Thursday, Nov. 6. Metro is trying to decide what bus service changes to make in the southeast Seattle area when Link light rail begins service next summer. It’s also looking at changes in the southwest part of the county because of the new light rail line and to support RapidRide service in 2010. There is still time to comment on these ideas by going online to fill out a questionnaire. Surveys for both geographic areas can be found on Metro Online. |
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Metro will be offering game-day bus service to Husky Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8 as the University of Washington hosts Arizona State. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. Eliminate driving and parking hassles on trips to and from Husky Stadium. Your ride is free on any Metro bus when you show your Husky game ticket or ticket stub to the bus driver. There is special shuttle service from eight outlying park-and-ride lots, and three special service routes from downtown Seattle. See Metro Online for all the Husky service details. |
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