The city of Arlington has announced a caution to property owners with flat roofs and awnings.

“Due to the amount of snow that has accumulated on roofs and on the canopies of business establishments, we strongly encourage property owners to clear off their roofs,” said the city’s building official Chris Young.

The situation is amplified with the forecast for warmer temperatures, Young said.

If the snow starts to melt and then freezes again, it will compound an already dangerous condition.

Currently the area snow load for Arlington is 15 per square feet of ground snow load and the actual condition is many times this. A cubic foot of water weighs 62 pounds. The weight of water from thawing snow and/or ice on a roof that is 20-inches by 20-inches with a one-foot parapet is equal to 24,800 pounds.

“It is imperative that snow is removed from the roof and canopy systems. It is also recommended that all snow be removed from roof drains to accommodate drainage in the event of rapid thaw and subsequent freezing,” Young said.

“If you have a flat roof, clean it off now,” Young said.

For information call 360-403-3551.

If you must drive, follow these basic tips:

• Have your car winterized and make sure it is working properly.

• Install good winter tires.

• Keep a shovel, windshield scraper and blankets inside your vehicle.

• Maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times.

• Check road conditions before departing.

• Let others know of your route and your estimated time of arrival.

• Allow extra time and extra distance between vehicles.

Preparing home and family

• Review and update your family emergency plan.

• Replenish your emergency supply kits including battery-operated radio and flashlights.

• Stock extra water (a gallon per person per day), food and clothing.

• Have extra blankets on hand.

• To prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning, never use heating devices inside the home that are intended for outdoor use, such as barbeques and other cooking equipment.

• Move family pets indoors or to an enclosure out of the elements.

• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter.

• Clear rain gutters and cut away tree branches that could fall during a storm.

• Maintain a sufficient supply of heating fuel.

• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing.

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand

• Know how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).