Director's Note—January 2025  

The Seattle Martin Luther King Organizing Coalition is planning the 42nd annual region-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration this month. The celebration will include community discussions and workshops, a youth event, and an Opportunity Fair. It all culminates with an indoor rally at Garfield High School and a march on Monday, January 20, a national holiday. Rainier Avenue Radio will provide a live broadcast on multiple platforms. Visit the community group’s website now to learn more!

January 2025 marks Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This year’s theme focuses on a holistic approach to preventing trafficking by recognizing its connections to other forms of violence and abuse, such as labor exploitation, online harassment and abuse, and interpersonal violence. By understanding factors such as economic mobility, the desire for connection, technology, and market dynamics, we can identify and disrupt recruitment schemes while reducing vulnerabilities.

This month calls for collective action to strengthen prevention at every level: individual, relational, community, and societal. By addressing root causes, strengthening relationships, and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can prevent exploitation before it begins.

Stay informed and engaged throughout January by visiting the Office on Trafficking in Persons’ website for news, resources and events and reading and sharing posts on our HSD social media accounts.

Winter weather and storms can make life challenging. Roads, sidewalks, and homes may become dangerous, and power outages can happen. Preparing for these challenges not only ensures your safety, but also helps you conserve energy when it matters most.

How can I best prepare for winter weather and storms?
Winter weather conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before venturing out. Winter storm safety starts with preparing for the season. Here are several tips to help:

• Drive for wintery roads. When possible, avoid any unnecessary travel. But if you must go out, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the weather ahead. Prepare your car with essentials like snow chains or traction devices, and make sure your windshield and entire vehicle are clear of snow and ice.
• Locate valve shutoffs. Know the location of the shutoff valves for electricity, gas, and water. If you are familiar with these locations, you can avoid complications during emergencies.
• Watch for slippery sidewalks. Falling on icy sidewalks is one of the leading causes of injuries following a winter storm. Make sure you have non-slip footwear with good traction to stay steady.
• Weatherproof your home. Caulking and weatherstripping are easy DIY fixes to keep cold drafts out and warmth in. More on this below!

What should I do if the power goes out and it gets cold?
Power outages during winter can be distressing, especially as temperatures dip below freezing. Stay warm and safe with these simple steps:

• Bundle up for extra warmth. Dress in layers, use thick blankets, and close unused rooms to retain heat in one area.
• Leverage natural sunlight. Keep curtains open during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home, and close them at night to trap heat inside.
• Never use generators or barbecues indoors. Carbon monoxide from these devices can be deadly. Keep them outside and away from windows.
• Use flashlights and battery-powered lights. Avoid open flames for safety, and make sure to have extra batteries on hand.

A longer version of this article originally appeared on Seattle City Light’s Powerlines blog, where you can learn more about how to save electricity during winter.

Disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is available to help King County residents and businesses recover from the November bomb cyclone.

For more information and to apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster.

Applicants can also receive in-person application assistance at an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center, starting Monday, Jan. 6. The centers are located at Bellevue Library and King County Elections in Renton.

The deadline to apply for property damage is February 21, 2025, and the deadline to apply for economic injury is September 23, 2025. See the news release from King County to learn more.

Be Well WA is a new long-term and multi-layered initiative promoting wellness and health equity for all people in Washington state. Anchored by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Be Well WA is an innovative collaboration with partners and communities to help empower people throughout Washington with information, resources, and opportunities to improve their individual health and well-being.