Winter Driving & Helpful Northwest Websites

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Winter Driving As the NW prepares for a harsher winter, it’s important to review safety tips for driving in heavy rain, snow and ice.
Get your car prepared Check your tire tread and replace tires if needed. Take your car in for a tune-up. Make sure windshield wipers are in good condition. Have your battery tested if you’ve had if for more than 4 years. Many auto shops will per­form this service for free. Keep emergency supplies in your car including: road flares, spare tire and jack, jumper cables, tire chains, blankets, gloves, water and flashlights. Buy a snow shovel. Purchase an ice melt product. Salt can ruin your driveways, walkways, landscaping and the run-off can pollute reservoirs and streams. Ice melt products are better for your home and the environment. During the winter season Keep your gas tank fuller, you don’t want to run out of gas during the cold weather sea­son. Keep your cell phone with you at all times and make sure it’s fully charged. Give yourself extra time in the morning to fully defrost your windows before you set out. Frosted windows severely limit your ability to see. Drive with your lights on so you are more visible to other cars and pedestrians. Bridges, overpasses and side streets tend to freeze first… take extra caution with these roads. Decrease your speed during heavy rain, snow or icy conditions and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.  Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels lock up, gently ease off the brake pedal. Avoid making sudden movements with your steering wheel. Try to keep your tires straight. Do not use cruise control.
Helpful websites The holiday season is around the corner.  These websites will help you get ready and keep you informed!
Traffic Alerts & Road Conditions       www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/       www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/       www.traffic.com/seattle Weather       http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/       http://www.weather.com/       http://www.wunderground.com/       http://www.farmersalmanac.com/ Mountain Information       http://www.nwac.us/       www.skireport.com/washington Local News and Information       http://www.komonews.com/       http://www.king5.com/       http://www.kirotv.com/       http://www.q13fox.com/       www.portofseattle.org/seatac       http://www.schoolreport.org/ Local Tree Farms       http://www.pscta.org/        http://www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/       http://www.nwtrees.com/ Local Food Banks       www.commerce.wa.gov/maps/       http://www.emergencyfeeding.org/       http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/ Recipe Sites       http://www.foodnetwork.com/       http://www.cookinglight.com/       http://www.allrecipes.com/       http://www.epicurios.com/