Winter Weather Preparedness

Ice and snow are part of life in the Pacific Northwest. Although Milwaukie usually only experiences a few days of winter weather each year, it is important to be prepared. 

Individual Preparations
Preparing for winter weather means making sure that you have the supplies you need. If you have already followed the steps laid out on OEM's Two Weeks Ready page (www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx) you are on your way! 

When the roads are icy or covered in snow, the best plan is always to avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, this guide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can help you to be ready: https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up in indoor spaces leading to illness and death. The gas is produced due to burning including wood fires, barbecues, and vehicle engines. Only burn things indoors in fireplaces or woodstoves designed for that purpose, and keep outdoor burning and generators at least 20 feet away from inhabited structures. For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning visit https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm 

If you need somewhere warm to go in winter weather, several warming centers are operated in Clackamas and Multnomah counties. 

Clackamas County Warming Centers: https://www.clackamas.us/relief 
Multnomah County Warming Centers: https://multco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ea68a290e47143a3b27ae716fa883ae0

City Preparations
During winter weather, crews from the Public Works and Police Departments continue to work around the clock to keep Milwaukians safe. For more information about how Public Works prepares for and responds to winter weather, please visit the Winter Weather Response page.