Summary

Although King County government as a whole is officially open, several departments affected by the weather conditions have announced delays for Thursday, February 24.

Story

Although King County government as a whole is officially open, several departments affected by the weather conditions have announced delays for Thursday, February 24. These agencies include:

• District Court opening is delayed one hour until 9:30 a.m.
• Superior Court is opening is delayed one hour until 9:30 a.m.
• Prosecuting Attorney's Office is delayed one hour until 9:30 a.m.

First responders and mission critical staff are expected to report to their work location as usual. This includes, but is not limited to, corrections officers, 9-1-1 call center operators, direct healthcare providers, emergency personnel, security staff, and certain senior managers.

With the morning commute, more accidents are being reported due to icy conditions. The King County Roads Division is advising motorists to consider postponing unnecessary trips, especially if they live in areas of the county that have seen significant snow.

To avoid slick roads, King County residents may be able to obtain some services online, such as pet licensing, car tabs, marriage licenses by mail, property tax payments, business licensing and more.

Public Health Seattle & King County, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and Regional Animal Services would like residents to be prepared and stay safe during the predicted cold weather that is expected today and Friday.

King County Department of Transportation: Many Metro buses are on snow routes. Transit riders should plan ahead for bus trips that could be disrupted, delayed or on snow routing. Check your bus route before you leave, dress warm, know your snow route and sign up for road and transit alerts.

Warming shelters: King County and several cities have opened severe weather shelters for homeless or vulnerable populations to take refuge. An updated list of indoor overnight shelters is available at www.kingcounty.gov/prepare.

Pets: Regional Animal Services of King County would like to remind pet owners to check outdoor water bowls, because they may freeze and prevent pets from having drinkable water. Sheltering pets from wind and moisture is very important. Wind chill affects pets just like people. Very young and older pets are most susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When the temperature drops, make sure pets can go to a warm space, out of the elements, with access to liquid water and food.

Prevent CO poisoning: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never using a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home. Carbon monoxide gas comes from burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, oil, kerosene, natural gas, coal or wood and can cause injury or death.

• During a power outage or at any other time, do not operate fuel-powered machinery such as a generator indoors, including the garage
• Do not cook or heat with charcoal barbeques inside your home
• Avoid combustion "space heaters" unless there is an exhaust vent

Carbon monoxide poisoning can strike suddenly and without warning. In some cases, physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue. For a full list of carbon monoxide prevention tips and other safety and disaster information in English and other languages, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/disaster.

Stay warm and safe

• Make sure you are wearing enough warm clothing before going outdoors. Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia: slurred speech, confusion, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness, and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Get medical help immediately if you think someone has frostbite or hypothermia.
• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm up with a blanket or warm fluids like hot herbal tea or soup. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages if you think you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
• Check on elderly friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they are safe. 
• Watch your footing on surfaces that may be icy and slick, and wear shoes that provide traction.

Up-to-date information about King County government closures, metro bus information, and safety tips can be found at www.kingcounty.gov.