Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts

Grease fire in Shoreline

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Shoreline Fire cleaning up after responding to a grease fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


Shoreline Fire responded to a grease fire on the stove at a residence around 2:30pm on Wednesday. There was no damage to the interior of the house, as the stove was in the garage.

Fire said to always keep a lid that will fit over any pan you are using on the stovetop. If a fire starts, use a mitt to slide the lid over pan to smother the fire and turn off the stove.

Do not leave food unattended on the stove - it's too easy to get distracted.




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Northshore Fire: many fires involving Christmas trees occur in January

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Nearly 40 percent of home fires that begin with a Christmas tree occur in January.

If your tree has turned brown, the ornaments are starting to sag and the fallen pine needles are multiplying daily, it’s time to remove it from your house.

Remember to keep your tree watered.



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Effective now - changes to car seat laws

Thursday, January 2, 2020


Washington has long had car seat laws for children. The details have been updated in the last legislative session and are taking effect now, January 1, 2020.

Here are the main points of the new law:

  1. Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
  2. Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (whether the seat is rear or forward-facing).
  3. Children 4 years and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4'9" tall.
  4. Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.
For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Regarding #3 - note that booster seats are more comfortable than some back seats and the booster seat keeps the seat belt pressure off the body of the young person.

Properly installing a car seat can be a challenge. Most fire departments have personnel who will help you but you will need to schedule an appointment.

Visit WaCarSeats.com for more information



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No place to hide: troopers are out looking for impaired drivers this week

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Troopers are patrolling this week
to look for impaired drivers before
this happens.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Troopers will be out looking for impaired drivers this week in preparation for the New Year. 

Patrols will be increased to include troopers brought out to supplement regularly assigned patrols. 

WSP has partnered with five other states to form the Western States Traffic Safety Coalition.

Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona are working together to save lives by removing impaired drivers from all of our roadways.

The message is clear; A New Year but an old truth - There’s no safe place for impaired drivers to hide.

These extra patrols will include specially trained troopers to help identify and detect drug impaired drivers. 

You can’t drive safely if you’re impaired. That’s why it’s illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug–prescribed or over the counter. 

There are many misconceptions about marijuana use, including “stories” that marijuana can’t impair you or that marijuana use can actually make you a safer driver. Several scientific studies indicate these assertions are false.
Driving while impaired by any substance—legal or illegal—puts you and others in harm’s way.

New Year's Eve may feel like the ultimate party night, but police will be alert throughout the region for alcohol and/or drug impaired drivers.

Many people choose to start the New Year with a New Year’s Resolution. Let your first resolution for the New Year be to NOT drive impaired and to make sure that you and your loved ones get home safely.



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Make sure your house numbers are visible

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

In an emergency, every second counts. Be sure that emergency services, police, fire, medic, ambulance, and crime watch volunteers can read your house numbers.

This becomes even more crucial as the daylight hours decrease.

If emergency services cannot find your house number easily, it could slow response time.

In Lake Forest Park, the Municipal Code requires the owner, renter or occupant of an addressed building to maintain the address in a conspicuous place over or near the principal entrances.

The best numbers are:
  • Visible on the house and from the street.
  • Constructed using contrasting colors to distinguish the background and the numbers.
  • At least four inches tall.
  • Visible at night.

It will also help delivery drivers to get your packages to you.


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New Car Seat Laws go in to effect January 2020

Monday, December 16, 2019


New car seat rules go into effect in January

*Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat

*Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward-facing).

*Children 4 years and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4'9" tall.

*Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.


Your child is in a car seat, but is it installed correctly? Nearly 60% aren’t. Be sure. Find a car seat inspection station near you.



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3rd Ave Courthouse entrance closed because of attacks on pedestrians

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Third Avenue entrance to the King County Courthouse
has been closed for the safety of staff, attorneys,
jurors, and visitors
Photo by Google


The 3rd Avenue entrance to the King county courthouse has become so unsafe that the entrance has been closed. Attorneys, courthouse workers, and jurors have all been attacked by street people. Reportedly at least one man has attacked four different people but was charged and released each time.

The Courthouse belongs to King county but is in the jurisdiction of the City of Seattle and Seattle Police.

In the wake of more attacks in the vicinity of the King County Courthouse, the King County Government and Oversight (GAO) Committee will hear testimony regarding security around the perimeter of the King County Courthouse at its Tuesday, December 10, 2019 meeting at 3:00pm in the King County Council Chambers.

The Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court, Jim Rogers, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes have been invited to attend and provide input.

“The intent of this meeting is to bring the various stakeholders, City, County and respective justice systems, together so that we can begin to work as a united front to solve this crisis,” said Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Chair Pete von Reichbauer of Federal Way.

King County Council Chair Rod Dembowski issued a statement.

“I support the Superior Court’s decision to take aggressive action to protect the public and our county employees who work in and near the King County Courthouse.  I have fought to secure funding in recent years to keep the Fourth Avenue entrance open, as well as worked to activate and improve safety in City Hall Park.  I have advocated directly to Mayor Durkan to increase the City’s police presence around the courthouse.  
Unfortunately, security remains a serious concern with inadequate attention and action to date.
“I am introducing emergency legislation to appropriate necessary funding to support the work and recommendations of the court’s proposed courthouse security work group, as well as to immediately enhance safety around the courthouse, and plan for longer-term safety and security improvements to the area.”


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Shoreline Fire: Sparky says BE SAFE!!!

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Sparky says BE SAFE!!!

From Shoreline Fire

Sparky says BE SAFE!!!

We went on a chimney fire, food on the stove fire, and plastic item on fire in a microwave Wednesday.

As we are coming into the cold season, get your chimney cleaned if you use it. Stay near the stove when cooking with a lid that fits over the pot/pan.

Please check your smoke alarm batteries. If the alarms themselves are over 10 years, replace the whole unit. If you have a 9 volt battery, that should’ve been changed with the time change.

We’d love to see you this holiday season, but not in an emergency setting 😊




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Two community events to raise awareness of gun violence prevention

Friday, November 8, 2019

Community events supported by local gun violence prevention (GVP) volunteers with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will be held next week on Thursday, November 14, at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, and on Sunday, November 17, at the Edmonds Theater.
 
Both events are free, open to the public, and appropriate for youth and adults interested in learning more about the impact of gun violence and how to help prevent it.

Author Michelle Roehm McCann will be discussing her new book “Enough is Enough” at 7pm on November 14, 2019 at Third Place Books 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. Featuring a foreword by Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, “Enough is Enough: How Students Can Join the Fight for Gun Safety” examines America’s gun violence issues — myths and facts, causes and perpetrators, solutions and change-makers — providing a road map for teens ready to take an active role to make real change in their community and across the nation.

Documentary film
Volunteers with the Washington Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Black Lives Matter will host a free screening at the Edmonds Theater (415 Main Street, Edmonds) on November 17 of the documentary film “QUEST: A Portrait of An American Family.” 

Doors open at 10am, and the film begins at 10:30am, followed by a brief panel discussion of the issues raised in the documentary.

“QUEST,” directed by Jonathan Olshefski, is an intimate, feature-length documentary film that captures ten years in the life of a black family living in North Philadelphia. Released at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, 

“QUEST” is described as a “moving portrait of the Raineys, who are raising a family while nurturing a community of hip hop artists in their home music studio. 

It’s a safe place where all are welcome, but this creative sanctuary can’t always shield them from the strife that grips their neighborhood. We’re shown how gun violence directly and indirectly impacts this influential family. Epic in scope, QUEST is a vivid illumination of race and class in America, and a testament to love, healing, and hope.”



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Check your alarms and change the batteries this weekend

Saturday, November 2, 2019

By Diane Hettrick

If we ever get to stay on Daylight Saving Time, we'll have to figure out other reminders to check our smoke alarms and change the batteries, but until then:

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms. Even if they are wired into your electrical system there is a back up battery for when the power is out.

I just found out there's a battery in my thermostat. I found out when the thermostat stopped working and started flashing LO LO LO LO. Not particularly helpful, particularly in the middle of the night. I had to go to the internet to find out it needed new batteries. I didn't even know it had old batteries. Since we've had it for eight years, you are probably safe with yours - but now you know what it means when it starts flashing you.


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When and how to use a fire extinguisher

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

ABC home extinguisher
made by Amerex
Fire Extinguishers and You

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) would like to remind residents that when used appropriately, portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property and are an important part of a home safety plan.

Fires grow and spread rapidly, and the first priority for residents should always be to get out safely during a fire.

Use the following tips to remember:
  • For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy that it is difficult to handle.
  • Maintain the condition of your fire extinguisher by reading maintenance guidelines, checking the pressure regularly and ensuring it is clean and undamaged.
  • Before trying to fight a fire, be sure that:
    • Everyone else has left the home and someone is calling the fire department.
    • The fire is small, confined, and not spreading.
    • You have a clear escape route.
  • Only adults who know how to use portable fire extinguishers should use them.
  • Use the acronym “PASS” to remember how to use a fire extinguisher:

P for Pull: Pull the pin on the handle to remove it.

A for Aim: Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the flames.

S for Squeeze: Squeeze the top handle downward towards the bottom handle.

S for Sweep: Sweep the nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side, aiming at the base of the flames, until the fire is completely out.

For more information about home fire safety, visit the SFMO’s website or follow SFMO on Twitter @wafiremarshal.



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Graphic: when not to pass a school bus

When to stop when school bus lights are flashing or stop bar is out.

Now you know.



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Safety emphasis patrols will target stand up paddleboarders Labor Day weekend

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Paddleboarder at Richmond Beach
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


State Parks Boating Program reminds paddlers to be safe

Marine law enforcement agencies on Washington state’s marine and fresh waterways will conduct safety emphasis patrols over Labor Day weekend — specifically targeting stand up paddleboarders. 

The goal is to educate them about laws and safe practices.

“Stand up paddleboarders need to know that as soon as their board leaves a designated swim area or goes beyond the surf, it is considered a vessel and therefore subject to recreational boating laws,” said Rob Sendak, State Parks boating law administrator.

What are the laws?

Every vessel, no matter the size — including kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards — is required by federal and Washington state laws to carry the following: 
  • Life jackets 
    • People 13 years of age or older must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket in good condition. The life jacket must be the right size and type for the person wearing it.
    • All children 12 years of age or younger must always wear their life jacket while on board. 
    • Inflatable life jackets are authorized only for people 16 years of age or older. 
  • Sounding device – horn, whistle or bell.
  • White all-around navigation light – during low visibility such as dusk to dawn, fog or heavy rain.
  • Visual distress signals (such as flares) – required only on federal waterways.

“The law requires people to carry a life jacket. We strongly recommend people choose to always wear one, along with a leash, for maximum safety on the water,” Sendak added.

The penalty for failing to carry the proper safety equipment is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of $99 for each violation. For example, a stand up paddleboarder without an appropriate life jacket and sounding device could be charged with two violations for a possible fine totaling $198.

For more information about paddlesport safety, visit: www.paddlesafewa.org.



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Shoreline Police offer personal safety and awareness class

Thursday, August 22, 2019



Shoreline Police are offering a free, four-part training session for  Personal Safety, Awareness, and Response (PSAR).

The program is designed to raise awareness and get you in the mindset of personal safety/intuition, active shooter incidents and response, and provide you with basic self-defense techniques.

The class is free to the community but spaces are limited. 

The class has four meetings on Wednesday and Thursdays, October 16-24, 2019.

Register with Dahlia Corona 206-801-2719 or email.

Filling out an application does not guarantee registration / participation in the program. You will need to pass a background check to participate.

Light refreshments will be provided.


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Paddle Safe Week is July 21 to 27

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Paddlesports continue to grow in popularity, and so do fatal accidents involving paddlers. 

Since 2012, close to half of all boating fatalities in Washington state involved paddlecraft. 

Capsizing and swamping are the leading type of accident, and the leading cause of death is drowning. 

In many cases, victims were not wearing life jackets.
“Many paddlers don’t realize their paddlecraft are actually boats, and the same rules of the road, navigation and safety apply,” said Rob Sendak, Boating Program manager. 
“All paddlers are responsible for knowing laws and keeping themselves and others safe. They should seek out some type of formal instruction, whether it’s (from) a certified instructor, a paddling group or an online course. 
“In addition to getting educated, the number-one safety precaution paddlers can take is to wear a lifejacket — always,” Sendak added. “It’s the best way to protect their life in case of an accident.” 

Last month, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation declaring July 21 through July 27 as Paddle Safe Week. During this time, State Parks Boating Program will place additional focus on the following eight safety tips:

Get educated
Knowing about paddling safety leads to a more enjoyable experience. Numerous classes are available through local clubs and outfitters, city and county parks and recreation departments and online.

Always wear a life jacket
State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards, to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.

Carry essential gear
Essential safety gear includes a whistle or other sound-producing device (required by law). In addition, people should carry some form of communication device such as a cell phone (in a waterproof bag) or VHF marine radio (while on coastal waters). Other essentials depend on the type of waterway and length of trip and should be researched in advance.

Avoid alcohol and drugs 
Operating any vessel, including paddlecraft, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or marijuana, is not only unsafe, it’s illegal.

Check and understand the weather
Paddlers should check the weather frequently before and during their trip, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts. Check warnings, weather conditions, wind and wave forecasts, tides and current conditions or river flows— and understand when conditions are beyond their capabilities.

Protect against cold-water shock
Many of Washington’s waters remain below 60 degrees all year — including lakes and rivers — even during hot weather. The biggest risk is not hypothermia; it’s cold-water shock, which occurs in the first stage of immersion. Professionals recommend avoiding cotton and wearing synthetic materials when a wet or dry suit is not available.

Be visible to other boaters
Paddlecraft sit low on the water, so it can be hard for other boaters to see them. The Boating Program advises paddlers to wear bright neon colors and colors that contrast, put highly reflective tape on paddles, use a flagpole and carry a bright light.

File a float plan
Before going out on the water, even for a brief time, people should always tell a trusted friend or relative their plan. Include names of everyone going, the route, what time they’re going and returning and what to do if they don’t return when expected.

Learn more paddlesport safety tips here.



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ATF demonstrates human - illegal fireworks interactions

Thursday, July 4, 2019



Photographer Steven H. Robinson attended an ATF demonstration in Seattle on Wednesday. The purpose of the demonstration was to illustrate what happens to the human body when it is too close to various illegal fireworks.

Text and photos by Steven H. Robinson



ATF’s Explosives Enforcement Officer Brennan Phillips provided demonstration of various illegal explosives (non-legal / non-safe and sane fireworks). 



The demonstration used plywood cutouts of humans to show the devastation which can be caused by such illegal items.

The demonstration started with flash poster items and proceeded up to mortar shells as used in authorized public displays that are licensed by state and federal agencies that you would see in your local public displays.



The photos show the explosion and the damage that inappropriate use can cause from different types of explosives.




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Shoreline participates in worldwide campaign to promote building safety

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Haiti after the 2010 earthquake
The country lacked strong building codes

During the month of May, the City of Shoreline will participate in the 39th annual Building Safety Month. 

Building Safety Month is a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council, its members, and partners to promote building safety. 

First observed in 1980, Building Safety Month raises awareness about critical safety issues.

Shoreline’s building codes and the officials who enforce them are making Shoreline families and the community safer and more resilient. 

Homes and buildings that are built in compliance with building safety codes result in resilient structures that minimize the risks of death, injury, and property damage. 

In the wake of a disastrous hurricane season, rampant wildfires, and devastating earthquakes, building safety is even more important. Building safety affects everyone, and modern, updated building codes save lives.

This year’s weekly themes are:
  • May 1–5, Preparing for Disasters: Build Strong, Build Smart;
  • May 6–12, Ensuring a Safer Future Through Training and Education;
  • May 13–19, Securing Clean, Abundant Water for All Communities;
  • May 20–26, Construction Professionals and Homeowners: Partners in Safety; and
  • May 27–31, Innovations in Building Safety.

Building codes have protected the public for thousands of years. The earliest known code of law— the Code of Hammurabi, king of the Babylonian Empire, written circa 2200 B.C.— assessed severe penalties, including death, if a building was not constructed safely.

The regulation of building construction in the United States dates to the 1700s. In the early-1900s, the insurance industry and others with similar concerns developed the first model building code.

Today, the International Codes, developed by the Code Council and adopted by our community, are the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the U.S. and around the world.

Learn more about Building Safety Month at buildingsafetymonth.org or join the conversation on social media at #BuildingSafety365.



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Boaters and paddlers urged to wear life jackets on cold water

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Photo courtesy Safe Boating Campaign
During Spring, the air warms, but Washington’s waterways remain cold. 

King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit are reminding boaters and paddlers that wearing a life jacket is a safety necessity. 

While people are encouraged to always wear a life jacket no matter the water temperature or season, public safety officials stress that wearing a life jacket – not just having it on the boat – significantly increases the chances of surviving a fall into cold water.

Despite recent warmer weather, water temperatures statewide are still below 60 degrees – cold enough to cause the gasp reflex and incapacitate even strong swimmers in less than one minute.

Before the first launch of the season, boaters and paddlers are also reminded to review boating regulations and get educated, inspect their watercraft and gear, verify vessels are properly equipped and always wear a life jacket while out on the water.



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Shoreline Elementary Student Selected for 2019 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Gabrielle Santiago inducted into School Safety
Patrol Hall of Fame


In recognition of her dedication to safety, community stewardship and leadership, local elementary student Gabrielle Santiago, from Echo Lake Elementary, was recently chosen to be inducted into the 2019 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame. She was one of 10 patrollers honored during a special awards ceremony held before a Seattle Mariners game on Friday, April 26, at T-Mobile Park.

Top ten patrollers and advisor of the year during their on-field recognition before Mariners game


As a long-standing tradition, AAA Washington and a panel of judges from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission select top patrollers from schools across Washington each year and honor their accomplishments through induction in the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

Patrollers are evaluated and judged on their commitment to traffic safety, citizenship, leadership skills, and contributions to school safety patrol programs. Nominations require input from both the patroller and their advisor, including responses to a series of essay questions. This year, the panel reviewed and evaluated more than 35 nominations to determine the top 10 inductees.


2019 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame Inductees

Alex Anguiano – Washington Elementary – Wenatchee
Mason Betcher – Southgate Elementary – Kennewick
Audra Findley – Lincoln Elementary – Vancouver
Campbell Finlinson – Forest View Elementary – Everett
Zoe Galbreath – Ritzville Grade School – Ritzville
Aurora Jarvi – Concord International School – Seattle
Charles LaSalle – Moran Prairie Elementary – Spokane
Cecilia Phillips – Hazel Wolf K-8 – Seattle
Gabrielle Santiago – Echo Lake Elementary – Shoreline
Andrew Stach – Oak Harbor Intermediate School – Oak Harbor


From L to R: Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Pam Pannkuk, Deputy Director - Washington Traffic Safety Commission; Gabrielle Santiago, Shoreline – 2019 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame; Harry Thomas, AAA Washington – Vice President/CEO of Marketing; Mark Owen, Echo Lake Elementary School Safety Patrol Advisor (one of Gabbi’s advisors)


In the speech honoring Gabbi, AAA's Kelly Just said,

“Gabbi made a major safety improvement at her school this year. While on patrol, she noticed how quickly some kids were moving through one courtyard. Their speeds were way too fast for the students with special needs to navigate. 
"So Gabbi created a new post. The student who mans this spot slows down the runners and more aggressive kids, giving those with special needs ample time to safely cross this area. 
"When a student thanked one of her patrol advisors for making advisor for making the change, Mark Owens was quick to point out that this was all Gabbi’s doing. She deserved the gratitude for noticing the problem and finding a remedy."

Lynn Greenwalt, school safety patrol advisor at Ritzville Grade School, was recognized as the eighth annual AAA School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year.

AAA created the School Safety Patrol almost 100 years ago and partners with local agencies to bring the program to elementary schools across Washington. The AAA School Safety Patrol has been credited with being a major contributor to the substantial reduction in fatalities of school age children (ages 5-14).

AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904.The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 1,190,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s stores in Washington and northern Idaho, at AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.



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National Work Zone Safety Awareness week begins Monday

Friday, April 5, 2019

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week begins Monday, April 8. 

It's a week meant to recognize highway workers who put themselves at risk every day to care for our roadways and the folks who use them.

The best way you can show your support is by slowing down through work zones and giving crews plenty of room to work each time you commute.

You can also show your support by wearing orange on Go Orange Day (Wednesday, April 10). That day is the annual Worker Memorial in Olympia to honor fallen workers and reinforce the work zone safety message.

For general tips and information about driving safely around work zones, visit the work zone safety webpage.



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