Winter has arrived on our calendars! While visions of steaming hot chocolate and cozy socks dance through our heads, it’s also an important time to make sure you are prepared in case inclement weather strikes. Last January’s historic winter storm is still fresh in our minds. When ice and snow hit our city, it’s best to stay off the streets if you can. Planning ahead now will make it safer for you when the weather does turn bad.
This week I joined our city and regional partners at a press conference to talk about the importance of winter weather preparations (I’m fourth from the left in the photo above). In winter weather, crews at the Portland Bureau of Transportation are the first responders for the first responders. They work tirelessly to keep roads passable for TriMet buses, as well as police, firefighters, and paramedics, but they also need your help!
Make a plan today for how you and your family can wait out a winter storm. Stock up on ice melt or grab a snow shovel from your local hardware store so you can help keep sidewalks clear for people walking to their transit stop or other destinations. Give your loved ones a set of traction cleats for walking on ice as a holiday gift. If you drive a car, make sure you have traction devices like chains and an emergency kit in your trunk. Reach out to your neighbors to see what they might need. Elderly Portlanders and people with disabilities are especially at risk in winter storms. As members of a community, we are stronger when we work together and help each other.
Together, we can keep everyone safe. Check out the City of Portland’s resources below for safe traveling, preparing home plumbing, and tree emergencies.
GET HOME SAFE: Snow and ice travel tips