City of Marysville Public Works Operations Manager Terry Hawley has a prioritized plan of attack for dealing with snow and ice on the streets of Marysville.

“We take care of the main arterials and hills first,” Hawley said. “We have two sander trucks and two plow trucks, ready to go on 12-hour shifts, from midnight to noon and noon to midnight. We stay in close contact with the police, and they call us about any areas of concern that they might spot.”

Hawley explained that the city of Marysville is divided up into three zones. The flattest zone is the stretch between the city Public Works building to the south and 172nd Street to the north, and includes Costco. The second zone covers the Getchell and Cedarcrest neighborhoods. The other zone is made up of the Sunnyside and Soper Hill areas.

“We also respond to calls about special areas, such as dangerous intersections,” Hawley said. “If we’re unable to respond right away, there are already ‘Road Closed’ signs in 100 areas throughout the city, ready to be put up by the police. We always plan for the worst.”

Hawley noted that the city has placed sawdust in its water meters to keep them from freezing, but added that the city will only respond to frozen water and broken pipes in the pipes outside of the meters themselves. For homeowners dealing with frozen pipes in their houses, he warned against using torches, and instead recommended heating the pipes slowly. He also advised homeowners with frozen pipes to disconnect their hoses and let their faucets drip.

Those with concerns about the streets or pipes may contact a 24-hour, seven-day help line at 425-339-0613.