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

Maintenance and security improved at Aurora Transit Center

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Mike is emptying trash, but he also does an incredible job
of cleaning the bus bays daily. He is amazing! Photo by Patrick Deagen

Story and photos by Patrick Deagen

“Excuse me, Do you know where there is a restroom?” A woman asked me at Aurora Village Transit Center. 

I wore a reflective safety vest, so she assumed I was knowledgeable about such things. 

“The closest one is in the Home Depot across the parking lot in the rear of the store.” 

This bus was headed to Northgate

Metro had advised me several times that their customers could use Home Depot’s restrooms. The woman lived in Lynnwood and was transferring buses on her way to work in North Seattle to work as a home health aide. She had a 20 minute layover. 

She carried a heavy bag and I offered, “I’ll walk with you.”

Restrooms are simply an issue of public health and human dignity. I have always appreciated the availability of toilets at work, school, restaurants and on recreational trips. Regular maintenance is needed. And sometimes an attendant is needed to be present to keep them safe and clean.

400 buses depart from Aurora Village Transit Center daily

Most days about 400 buses are scheduled to leave Aurora Village Transit Center taking passengers in many directions between two counties. The number of arrivals is about the same. For many travelers AVTC is the gateway to Shoreline. It is not unusual to see 20 to 40 travelers in the transit center.

“Are you telling me there is no latrine at the transit center?” The Veterans Administration counselor asked me in disbelief. “With that many people, they are a necessity.”

The anger that I felt in smelling urine, and in seeing feces at the Transit Center, at the park, and at nearby residences fueled my passion for a “safer, healthier Metro.” I think everyone can relate to that feeling of disgust.

But will toilets work at AVTC? Most think not. Many say “It is something we need but cannot achieve.” 

Cindy cleaned the bus shelter

I’ve never bought that. With consistent and regular maintenance the loos in Rainier Beach Playfield have been operational for nine years. Echo Lake Park has had a successful Loo for three and a half years.

Cindy repainting at AV Transit Center

The restrooms in nearby Costco and Home Depot are clean and pleasant. Sometimes I compare the restrooms of the new Kraken practice facility at Northgate to the failed restrooms at the Northgate Link Station. The difference is stark. It shows what planning can do.

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association invited Chris Arkills of Metro and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski to a meeting to discuss issues at the transit center. 

The pavement was pressure washed

Councilmember Dembowski said he would work to budget money for this effort. 

He did. 

The Shoreline City Council is pleased with Metro’s promised efforts due to the problematic impacts on our city.

Security has been increased

In the last month, security has been increased at Aurora Village Transit Center and routine cleaning has dramatically improved. 

And King County Metro is working on installing restrooms. Will they be safe, clean and available? Metro has good intentions, and with planning and follow through we hope the restrooms at Aurora Village Transit Center will be a success. Please stay tuned.

Patrick Deagen can be contacted at echolaketransitcenter@gmail.com



Read more...

Participants get Community Preparedness training at NEMCo workshop

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Instructors Dan Singley and Robin McKenzie
demonstrate the proper application
of a tourniquet to workshop attendees.
By Patrick Ducey
NEMCo CERT Volunteer

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) held a Community Preparedness Workshop at Shoreline Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. 

This three-hour class is part of a program to help citizens in our area become more resilient and better prepared to handle emergencies on their own when first responder resources may be overwhelmed for a week or two after an initial incident.

Attendees at the workshop learned about the ACT (Antidote, CPR, Tourniquet) program, which teaches life-saving skills they can do before an ambulance arrives. 

NEMCo Instructor Dan Singley provides training on the
new ‘ACT to Save a Life’ approach to CPR and First Aid
There was also a presentation on the hazards we face in our community and in our home, as well as the simple yet effective steps citizens can take to prepare for a disaster. 

Each participant received a Resource Guide and various checklists to provide more detailed guidance to assist them in preparing and handling emergencies in their community. 

After the classroom portion, participants went out to the fire training ground and did a hands-on exercise highlighting the proper way for putting out a small fire with a fire extinguisher.

NEMCo Instructor Patrick Ducey teaches workshop attendees how to effectively use
a fire extinguisher on small fires
NEMCo offers numerous other training courses, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is a much longer class that goes more in depth into emergency management and preparedness activities. 

NEMCo also has a RACES team for those interested in the deployment of amateur (ham) radio to support responders during emergencies.

If you missed this opportunity, NEMCo is planning to offer another free Community Preparedness Workshop later in the year. 

NEMCo is staffed by a full-time Emergency Manager and a corps of volunteers who donate their time to help our community become more prepared to handle themselves in emergencies. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare for a disaster, visit the NEMCo website

Photos courtesy NEMCo


Read more...

Southbound I-5 mainline closed in downtown Seattle overnight Friday, July 28, 2023

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Crews will test fire system under convention center
SEATTLE – All lanes of the southbound Interstate 5 mainline through downtown Seattle will close Friday night, July 28, 2023 for scheduled maintenance. 

People traveling southbound, either to or through downtown Seattle, should detour using the I-5 express lanes and should expect additional ramp closures.

Beginning at 11pm Friday, July 28, until 6am Saturday, July 29, the I-5 mainline will close from the Stewart Street off-ramp to the Spring Street on-ramp (milepost 167.8 to 165.61). 

During the closure, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct fire system testing under the Seattle Convention Center.



Read more...

Children's cups recalled because of lead content

Saturday, July 22, 2023

The Washington State Department of Health has issued an IMPORTANT #recall alert for children’s cups! 

CUPKIN Double-Walled Stainless Steel Children’s Cups contain lead levels exceeding the federal lead content ban. 

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. 




Read more...

Surviving summer - WSP urges drivers to make good choices after deadly weekend on state highways

Friday, July 21, 2023

WSP Collision investigation
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is urging drivers to make good choices behind the wheel this summer following an alarming number of fatality collisions over the past week. 

The reminder comes amid the statewide “Surviving Summer” traffic safety campaign bringing attention to the 90 most dangerous days on Washington roadways.

The WSP investigated fatality collisions across the state that resulted in the loss of 15 lives over the weekend, including six killed in a Tacoma and another three killed in a crash outside Othello. 

In addition to the 15 deaths over the weekend, the WSP investigated three more fatality collisions since Monday – all involving the loss of motorcycle riders.

“What our troopers have seen over the past few days is disheartening,” said WSP Assistant Chief James Mjor, Field Operations Bureau. “We make our roadways safe together – and we are asking you to do your part on what historically has been the most dangerous days on our roadways.”

These tragedies occurred during what Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and WSP data shows is the highest 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities in Washington: June 9 through Sept. 7.

The 90-day period has on average accounted for 31 percent of all traffic deaths statewide over the past five years. The top contributing circumstances to those collisions have historically been excessive speed, impairment, distraction, and failure to grant right of way.

WSP troopers investigated 314 fatalities in 2022:
  • 37 percent involved impairment, 
  • 27 percent involved speed, and 
  • 31 percent involved occupants not wearing their seatbelts. 
That was a rise in fatal collisions from the 283 investigated in 2021, where 38 percent involved impairment, 27 percent involved speed, and 33 percent involved unbelted occupants.

For more information about the Surviving Summer, 90 Dangerous Days campaign, visit here. For information on statewide fatality statistics, visit WTSC here.


Read more...

Free car seat check up Saturday July 15, 2023

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

KidVantage’s Child Passenger Safety Program is hosting a free car seat check-up event this Saturday, July 15, 2023 in Shoreline with our Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

See the flyer for more information or to share with your circles.

Registration is required as space is limited. At time of publication there were 17 spots left.

Hosts: Laurel Cove Community, 17201 15th Avenue NE, shoreline, WA 98155
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Saturday, July 15, 2023



Read more...

After a concerning number of drownings this spring, King County officials urge caution at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

After a concerning number of drownings and close calls this spring, King County officials are encouraging the public to be cautious during Independence Day at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound.

At least 12 people in King County have drowned so far this year after the total number last year nearly doubled from 2018. 

Black residents in King County – who have less access to pools and swimming lessons – are two-and-a-half times more likely to drown than white residents. Recent immigrants and people who are unfamiliar with the region’s colder, swifter waters are also at greater risk due to language and cultural barriers.

The nationwide shortage of lifeguards has increased risks at local lakes. Rivers are particularly dangerous this time of year because people are looking for ways to cool off but the water in rivers can still be extremely cold, which can cause even strong swimmers to quickly lose stamina and experience hypothermia.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in King County. Last year, 29 people drowned from preventable situations in King County, nearly twice the number of drownings that occurred in 2018.


Read more...

Bleeding control kits to be distributed across the region

Tuesday, June 27, 2023


More than 1,700 bleeding control kits will be distributed to community locations across the Puget Sound region. These kits, along with simple training, help the public provide basic life-saving assistance to stop bleeding before first responders can get there.

King County Office of Emergency Management is coordinating the purchase and distribution of the kits in King County, and to its partner emergency management agencies in the cities of Seattle and Bellevue, and Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Bleeding control kit
These “Stop the Bleed” kits will be distributed as part of a multi-year initiative. Along with the placement of the kits, the community locations receiving the kits commit to providing training on the use of the kits, either in-person or online. Funding for the bleeding control kits comes from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants that promote community resiliency.

The purpose of the bleeding control kits is to encourage the general public to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

“We have seen time and time again that if initial bleeding from a severe injury can be stopped quickly, the likelihood of a better outcome increases,” said King County Medic One Chief Andrea Coulson.

Community members can learn bleeding control skills at any time.

“Unfortunately, we have all been seeing an increase in the frequency of incidents across the country,” said King County Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey. “We hope these kits are never needed, but if they are, we want them in places where they can be most useful in saving lives, much like AEDs in public places have improved the chances of survival for heart attack victims.”

King County is expecting to purchase more bleeding control kits in the coming grant cycles. The hope is that these kits will provide the impetus for more community and other high-occupancy facility owners to learn about and purchase their own kits. 

Each bleeding control kit contains a tourniquet, gauze, and other medical supplies. The kits have an easy-to-follow guide on how to stop immediate bleeding, and a QR code that takes the user to a quick video training.

The “Stop the Bleed” program is administered by the American Colleges of Surgeons. According to its website, the campaign “was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters.”

FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) assists high-threat, high-density Urban Area efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. The Seattle region has been designated one of those areas since 2003.


Read more...

KCSO Marine Unit gave presentations on water safety at LFP Safety Fair

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Photo courtesy KCSO

With our partners at Lake Forest Park PD and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Marine Unit presented to dozens and dozens of community members about the importance of safety in and around the water at the LFP Safety Fair on Saturday, June 24, 2023.


Read more...

Safety Day for Kids June 24, 2023 in Lake Forest Park

Thursday, June 15, 2023

On Saturday, June 24, 2023 between 10:00am and 3:00pm, the Lake Forest Park Police Department is hosting its 3rd annual "Safety Day for Kids." 


Join us for a fun-filled day of outdoor safety education for children featuring biking, hiking, and water activities.

Bicycle obstacle course. Photo courtesy LFP PD

Kids will have the opportunity to participate in a bicycle obstacle course to learn about traffic safety and considerate cycling. 

Our team of King County Search and Rescue representatives and Lake Forest Park Police Officers will discuss outdoor and water safety while giving away bicycle helmets and life jackets to children and adults with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shoreline Fire will offer tours of the fire truck

The Shoreline Fire Department and a Police K9 unit will also be in attendance. 

Children will receive free "safety bags" and we'll have even more to offer this year as we move to the lower level parking lot for greater visibility and more space. 

Thanks to our generous sponsors at Nekter Juice Bar and Local 104's coffee truck, refreshments will be available, too. 

Don't miss out on this fantastic event! There may even be a dunk tank!


Read more...

Life Jacket Loaner Stations in Kenmore - Stay Safe on the Water

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Kenmore paddleboarder wearing PFD
Photo courtesy City of Kenmore

In May, a new Life Jacket Ordinance went into effect in Kenmore. Anyone using human powered watercraft (canoe, paddleboard, kayak, etc.) must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on Kenmore waters (north end of Lake Washington and the slough). 

Don’t have a life jacket yet? A new life jacket loaner station is up and running at ƛ̕ax̌ʷadis (Tl' awh-ah-dees) Park and another is coming this summer to Log Boom Park. 

Special thanks to two local Eagle Scouts, Owen (#582) and Connor (#189), for creating the loaner stations. 

If you would like to purchase a new life jacket, for yourself or to donate to either station, King County provides this 20% off coupon through their Affordable Life Jackets program.


Read more...

State increases patrols and outreach in an effort to reduce litter and traffic fatalities

Tuesday, June 6, 2023


OLYMPIA – Every year in Washington, debris from unsecured loads causes more than 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries. In 2022, that toll included five deaths attributed to debris in the roadway. 

Not only is litter unsightly and diminishes the beauty of our state, it’s dangerous to travelers, roadside workers and people who walk, bike and roll. 

Additionally, 40% of roadside litter comes from unsecured items falling or blowing from trucks and cars, according to the 2022 statewide litter study.

So how can we prevent this? It all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck or trailer on every trip – even if it’s just across town.

“We are calling on everyone in Washington to help save lives by securing their cargo every time they drive,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“Two out of three Washingtonians do the right thing and properly secure their loads, but the truth is that five of our fellow residents lost their lives last year due to unsecured cargo, and that is unacceptable. We all need to do our part to protect each other, and to protect our state’s environment.”

On June 6, the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington Department of Ecology are banding together to mark National Secure Your Load Day

Along with raising public awareness about the importance of properly securing cargo, the event commemorates people whose lives were taken or impacted by unsecured loads. 

“Our troopers and commercial enforcement officers contact more than 1,000 motorists each year for failing to properly secure their vehicle’s loads,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John Batiste. 
“Collisions caused by unsecured loads are entirely preventable. Ensuring all items are properly secured enables us all to have safe roadways.”

As a part of the annual campaign, state troopers are conducting emphasis patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends between June 9 and June 25. Emphasis patrols during that time will have Troopers looking for unsecured loads, stopping drivers and handing out tickets to those whose loads are not properly secured in accordance with state law

Fines for littering and unsecured loads range from $50 to $5,000. If an item falls out and causes bodily harm or property damage, the driver could also face jail time. The largest fines are for “lit debris” — primarily cigarettes — and items that can cause vehicle crashes.


Read more...

Today - Safety fair, open house, pancake breakfast at Station 51 in Kenmore - don't forget your teddy bear

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Shoreline Fire Department pancake breakfast, Open House, and safety fair Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Kenmore Station 51 from 9am to noon. Free pancake breakfast from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Station 51 is at 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore.

The event includes challenge courses for kids; an opportunity to tour the fire engine, aid car and rescue truck; and live demonstrations by firefighters.

Please have your kiddos bring their teddy bear for our first aid clinic.

The safety fair will include the King County Library, the City of Kenmore, City of Lake Forest Park Police Department, Northshore Utility District, and additional exhibitors with valuable health and safety information.

Please park at the park and ride and walk over!


Read more...

Echo Lake Elementary School student to be inducted into AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Winter Lanser, School Safety Patrol
Hall of Fame
For the 31st year, AAA Washington will induct ten outstanding School Safety patrollers from across the state into the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame, 

The honor recognizes their commitment to traffic safety, helping fellow students, and exemplary leadership skills. 

This year Winter Lanser, a 5th grader from Echo Lake Park Elementary School, was selected and will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on June 6th at a virtual ceremony.
 
Winter’s advisor, Mark Owen, said, “Winter is constantly teaching the patrols to hold their flags properly, reminding them to stay alert and to take their jobs seriously. 
"There is nothing like a leader who leads by example and shows a caring heart. Winter will always be in my Hall of Fame.”

Echo Lake Elementary is located at 19345 Wallingford Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 in the Echo Lake Neighborhood.



Read more...

Seattle City Light: keep balloons away from power lines

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Photo courtesy Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light reports that on Saturday, May 20, 2023, they had a balloon-related power outage. 

They ask that you please remember to:
  1. Keep balloons indoors
  2. Secure them with weights
  3. Don't release balloons outdoors
  4. When the party is over, puncture to prevent flyaways
  5. NEVER retrieve balloons tangled in power lines
The latex variety are very dangerous to birds, as well.



Read more...

Open house and pancake breakfast at Station 51 in Kenmore June 3, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

 

The Shoreline Fire Department will hold a pancake breakfast and Open House at the Kenmore Station 51 on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 9am to noon. Free pancake breakfast from 9:00 to 11:00am.

Station 51 is at 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore.

The event includes challenge courses for kids; an opportunity to tour the fire engine, aid car and rescue truck; and live demonstrations by firefighters. 

The safety fair will include the King County Library, the City of Kenmore, City of Lake Forest Park Police Department, Northshore Utility District, and additional exhibitors with valuable health and safety information.

updated 5-18-2023

Read more...

The air is warm but the water is cold: how to stay safe around water

Friday, May 12, 2023

Participants at Kenmore Waterfront Activity Day all wore proper safety gear

With hot weather predicted in the coming weeks (see WeatherWatcher article) here are some important reminders from UW Medicine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning kills about 4,000 people each year in the United States and it is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old.

Drowning is preventable. Dr. Chinenyenwa Mpamaugo, a pediatric resident at the University of Washington School of Medicine, says every family should be mindful of three priorities before spending time at a beach, lake, river or pool:

1. Wear a life jacket.

“Regardless of your capability of swimming and how good you think you are as a swimmer, I want to reinforce the importance of having a life jacket,” said Mpamaugo. “For any kid under age 5, all of them should be wearing a life jacket at any body of water.” 

Mpamaugo says any boat passenger or participant in open-water activities like paddle boarding or kayaking should wear a life jacket — and adults can set positive examples for children in this way. Young children need a life jacket even when playing near water or on a dock.

2. Avoid alcohol and other brain-affecting substances.

Dulling your senses on or near the water “will just make it harder for you to be aware of your surroundings and to stay safe,” Mpamaugo said.

3. Swim with a buddy and with a focused supervisor nearby.

“If you are that person and you have been tasked with supervising children or even adults, it's really important that you be the person to put your phone down to be able to put 100% into the role,” said Mpamaugo. “It's key that you are watching all of the people who are involved because of how quickly things can happen.”


Read more...

Boating safety class in Shoreline

Thursday, March 23, 2023

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Edmonds Flotilla 12 is to commence the public education program: 

BOATING SKILLS and SEAMANSHIP, Tuesday March 28, 2023 to Tuesday May 16, 2023. 

This comprehensive boater certificate course consists of eight core two hour lessons providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats. 

Class room location: Chuck Olson Chevrolet, 17037 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. Class hours 7-9pm. Textbook required. 

For further details email CGAUX130FL12@outlook.com or web search USCG Auxiliary “Take a Boating Safety Class”


Read more...

Winter Driving: A tale of two tire types

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Winter traction tires use a rubber blend that stays
flexible, almost sticky, when the temperatures
drop below freezing. Photo courtesy WSDOT
Just a couple of months ago, we were basking in a weirdly warm early fall, with the thermometer flirting with 80 degrees. 

Who had winter traction tires on their mind? Not this guy, because too hot!

What a difference four weeks makes.

With overnight temperatures below freezing, WSDOT crews have been spraying anti-icer on highway travel lanes that can get slick from overnight frost or potential lowland snow. 

So, a couple of weeks ago I performed my annual ritual and mounted dedicated winter rubber on our rigs for safer winter driving.

Winter traction tires use a rubber blend that stays flexible, almost sticky, when temperatures drop below freezing. 

Between the special rubber and aggressive tread pattern, winter tires stick to a slick road surface so you have more control over how your vehicle stops, turns and goes than you would with standard tires. 

Even my impractical Mazda Miata convertible can get around fine with four good winter traction tires.

If you need to cross mountain passes this winter, dedicated winter traction tires are the way to go (studded tires are legal now through March 31). They’re the only way to cross a mountain pass when weather forces WSDOT to declare TRACTION TIRES REQUIRED, short of chains.

Please prepare for winter travel. You don’t want to be the driver who causes a blocking spinout on the pass when traction tires are advised or required. We’re all in this together. Be patient. Be courteous. Be smart. That will help keep traffic flowing.

--Article by the anonymous WSDOT Snohomish County traffic guy


Read more...

Babies, coats, and car seats - here's a hazard you may not know about

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Shoreline Fire shared this information about a hazard you may not have considered.

Puffy coats combined with a loose fitting car seat harness can allow the baby to slip right out of their coat - and car seat - in a collision.

It’s getting colder, and keeping baby warm in the winter is essential. But use layers instead of puffy material to ensure your car seat harness has a snug fit.

And, of course, make sure your car seat is installed correctly.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP