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

Public Health offers 20% discount on life jackets to King county residents

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Hello, King County residents! You have until September 30, 2024 to take advantage of a 20% discount on a range of life jackets that meet the US Coast Guard standard. 

It’s a great opportunity to enhance your water safety.

To claim your discount, follow these simple steps:
  • PRINT THE COUPON: visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety
  • SHOW IT ON YOUR PHONE: Alternatively, you can display the coupon on your phone when you visit any Big 5 Sporting Goods location in Washington.
Stay safe in the water!


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Helmet distribution will protect kids on Shoreline’s streets thanks to one woman on a mission

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Meridian Park PTSA volunteers help ensure bike helmets are fitted correctly
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Oliver Moffat

At Meridian Park Elementary on Thursday morning, a class of remarkably well behaved kindergartners lined up to get their very own free bike helmet.

Schuyler Peters worked alongside PTA volunteers to fit helmets for students at Ridgecrest Elementary. She said "As a student myself, this experience really has been unforgettable, and it has shown me a multitude of avenues one can take to make change--even when disappointed by legal decision making." Photo by Steven H. Robinson

At Ridgecrest elementary on Monday, parents from the PTSA worked efficiently to make sure the helmets fit safely on the heads of the excited recipients.

The safety events were thanks to a “proud product” of Shoreline schools, Lake Forest Park resident Schuyler Peters, who is on a mission to get bike helmets onto the heads of more children.

Schuyler Peters and the Ridgecrest PTA project leader pose at the helmet fitting event.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shorecrest graduate and third-year law student at Seattle University, published a paper arguing that the decision of the King County Board of Health to repeal its bike helmet law “was a missed opportunity to face the broader issue of discriminatory enforcement head on.”

In her studies, she heard from medical professionals concerned that the law’s repeal could cause harm to kids who crash while riding bikes without helmets.

Drew Swanner and his team from Children's partnered with Schuyler to obtain funding, purchase a thousand helmets, train PTA volunteers and help fit helmets to children at Meridian Park and Ridgecrest. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

She decided to take action and connected with Seattle Children’s Hospital which helped get funding from Panda Express's Panda Cares program for the program.

“And this is not only a one-time event, but rather will become a staple in these schools so that when new students arrive, helmets inevitably crack, or when students outgrow them, a new helmet will be there -- free of charge,” she said.

Altogether, the program brought over one thousand helmets to students at Ridgecrest and Meridian Park who wanted them.

“Creating awareness about bike safety and providing protective gear for children while on wheels is important and impactful work. I see children riding their bikes around many of our neighborhoods, and I'm so grateful for this partnership to help keep them safe!" said Superintendent Susana Reyes.

Shoreline publishes School Walking Route maps to guide kids safely to schools while on foot but still has a long way to go before completing its bicycle plan and vision.

The Ridgecrest Safe Routes to School Project is nearing completion on 165th.

A map from the city’s Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element shows dashed lines where bike safety improvements are needed along with solid green lines for existing safe bike routes

And the city will soon begin making safety improvements along Meridian from 155th to the Meridian Park campus.

But the city is still working to secure funds to complete the 175th corridor project, which will bring bike lanes and pedestrian improvements to the busy road that runs along the north side of the Meridian Park campus.

On Monday April 15, 2024 the city will hold a public hearing on its Transportation Improvement Plan - the six-year roadmap for what transportation projects Shoreline will fund (and not fund).

Correction: The City of Shoreline, not the school district, publishes the School Walking Route Maps.


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WSDOT installing new guardrails on NE 145th and 23 other locations

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Safer guardrail. Photo courtesy WSDOT
It’s unrealistic to expect guardrails and barriers along our roads will never get hit, but we can help make them safer when crashes do happen. 

A new project to improve 24 guardrails and barriers across King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties begins in mid-March. 

We’re replacing materials along our guardrails and barriers at various spots along Interstates 5, 90 and 405, US 2 and State Routes 522 and 527, adding energy-absorbing equipment to improve safety during potential crashes.

Photo courtesy WSDOT
The new materials placed alongside some of our busiest on- and off-ramps facing oncoming traffic are designed to crumple to better absorb energy in the event a vehicle hits them. 

We’ll also replace the attenuators at the southbound I-5 exits to James St and NE 71st St in Seattle, adding an accordion-like cushion from nearby concrete barriers to help reduce a vehicle’s force in the event of a crash.

This important WSDOT project will impact the NE 145th on ramp to southbound I-5, which will be closed overnight on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 (11pm - 5am). The work is expected to take only one night to complete.

You can find updated project schedules on our social media accounts and our real-time Travel Center Map.


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Lithium-ion batteries likely cause of apartment fire in Everett

Friday, February 16, 2024

One variety of Lithium-ion battery
EVERETT, WA – The Everett Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at Housing Hope - New Century Apartments - 2507 Howard Avenue on Wednesday night, February 14, 2024 around 11:10pm. 

The apartment occupants reported hearing a loud pop, followed by the activation of the smoke alarm. The residents found a fire in the bedroom and attempted to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher before the sprinkler system activated. 

Firefighters arrived within minutes of the call and found the apartment’s sprinkler system had activated and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading. The fire was contained in the apartment bedroom, and the second and third floors suffered water damage.

The Everett Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and concluded that lithium-ion batteries in the home likely caused the fire. They have ruled the fire as accidental.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used to power various devices such as smartphones, laptops, power banks, tablets, toys, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, scooters, and vehicles. 

Since these batteries store a significant amount of energy, it is crucial to handle them with care. They can overheat, catch fire, or even explode if not treated properly. It is important to follow the recommended safety measures when using them.

Here are some safety tips when using lithium-ion batteries:
  1. Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
  2. Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
  3. Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
  4. Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.
  5. Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
  6. Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.
  7. Larger batteries and equipment such as power tools and electric scooters should be charged in the garage, shed or carport away from living spaces.
  8. Don't charge or store battery devices near exits or along egress paths where they might hinder or block your escape should they catch fire or become involved in one.

For more information on lithium battery safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) website.

This incident serves as a good reminder to have working smoke alarms in your home. They are the first line of defense for early notification and evacuation should there be a fire.


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Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms need to be replaced every 7 years

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas. 

CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. 

CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Exposure to CO can cause serious injury and even death.

Every year, the Seattle Fire Department receives 9-1-1 calls from concerned residents because of chirping carbon monoxide alarms. 

While it’s important to call 9-1-1 if your CO alarm is sounding continuously without stopping, a CO alarm that chirps every 30 seconds is not an emergency. Most likely, it’s an indication that your CO alarm has reached its end of life and should be replaced.

CO alarm life span and end-of-life signal

CO alarms have a life expectancy of around 7 years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009 have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. The CO alarm will beep every 30 seconds or display ERR or END.

If a CO alarm is at its end-of-life, replacing the battery will not stop the beep. Some CO alarms have a feature that will silence the signal for 30 days but this will not solve the issue as the CO alarm will continue to beep after the 30 day period ends.

What should renters and property managers know

In 2013, it became required to install CO alarms in all rental housing units in Washington. Washington State law (RCW 19.27.530) requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in new residences and in existing rental properties. Renters are responsible for maintaining the carbon monoxide alarm and replacing batteries as needed. We recommend once a year.

CO alarms should be installed in the area outside of each bedroom, with at least one alarm for each floor of the dwelling. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines on proper installation

Property owners and managers should consider replacing all CO alarms that were installed in or before 2013. A CO alarm that signals that it is at the end of its life should be replaced as well.

Renters should notify their property manager or landlord immediately if their CO alarm is beeping every 30 seconds indicating its end-of-life. All residents should be informed that intermittent beeping CO alarm is not reason to call 9-1-1.

A CO alarm that beeps continuously without stopping could indicate that carbon monoxide is present. If your CO alarm is sounding continuously and you have signs of CO poisoning such as dizziness, headache, vomiting or flu like symptoms, find fresh air and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Learn more

-- By William Mace


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State Fire Marshal: Candle hazards and safety

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Photo by Nicola Fioravanti on Unsplash


Olympia– Candles are pretty to look at and provide lighting, but they are a cause of many residential fires and fire deaths. 

Lit candles are also used in religious services, both in places of worship and at home, and should be handled with care. 

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind everyone that a candle is considered an open flame and can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Nationally, an average of 20 home candle fires are reported each day. In 2022, Washington State reported 2,010 fire incidents caused by open flames that resulted in over $21 million in damage.

The SFMO would like to remind everyone about candle safety –
  • Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • When using candles, ensure that they are placed in a sturdy candle holder. If handheld, candles should not be passed from one person to another.
  • Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
  • Keep candles at least one foot away from items that can burn.
  • Never use a candle if medical oxygen is used in a home.
  • Don’t leave children alone in a room with at burning candle and keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach.
  • When used for religious services, burning candles on or near tables, alters, or shrines, must be watched by an adult. If a candle must burn continuously for any services, ensure that it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or candle container.
  • Consider using battery powered flameless candles that simulate the real candle feel.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office or at 360-596-3929.


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UW Med: A fall expert’s tips to avoid falls on ice

Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, Medical Director of the 
Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Med
Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine and medical director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at Harborview Medical Center, says ice and snow really level the playing field: People of all ages are equally prone to fall.

Falling on an icy surface can result in a range of injuries including ligament and tendon tears, broken bones and concussions.

“Research out of Nordic countries and the UK shows that there's double to triple the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to falls from ice and snow,” Phelan said. 

This is the case even when a person has good balance so carefully consider whether it’s necessary to venture out in icy conditions.

“If people are having difficulty recovering from a fall, that is something they should speak with their healthcare providers about,” she added.

If you must walk outdoors when it’s icy, here are tips for traversing icy conditions safely:
  • Wear slip-resistant footwear that can reduce fall injuries by approximately 60%.
  • Keep your hands free and out of your pockets in case you need to balance or brace yourself.
  • Limit the number of items you’re carrying to ensure better balance.
  • Avoid looking at your phone while walking.

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Edmonds couple whose son died in a Shoreline house fire celebrate the distribution of 6,000 free smoke alarms

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Gerry and Bonnie Gibson next to a poster highlighting their nonprofit’s achievement.


Story and photos by Nick Ng
Reprinted from MyEdmondsNews.com

Six thousand. That is how many smoke detectors the Edmonds-based nonprofit Gibson Home Fire Prevention installed before last Christmas in Western Washington – from Tacoma to Blaine near the U.S.-Canadian border. 

Founders Gerry and Bonnie Gibson and their daughter Emily celebrated the milestone Friday night at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Lynnwood with 14 volunteers and guests.

The Gibsons started the nonprofit after their son Greg “Gibby” Gibson died — along with his pitbull Nino — in a Shoreline house fire around 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2016. The fire was caused by faulty wiring, and the house did not have a smoke detector in the basement where Greg was living.

Greg Gibson with his dog Nino. (Photo courtesy Gibson family)

“Our daughters said, ‘we got to do something,’ Gerry said. “We came up with the idea with a nonprofit and provided smoke alarms. And we tried to get some legislation to require smoke alarms and give penalties if [landlords] don’t provide them.”

After three years of lobbying by family and supporters, the Washington State Legislature in 2019 passed SB 5284 – otherwise known as the Greg “Gibby” Gibson Home Fire Safety Act. 

The bill requires property owners or landlords to provide at least one smoke detector before the buyer or renter occupies the residence. Landlords or property owners can be fined $5,000 if they do not comply. 

Tenants and landlords may also be fined $200 if they do not keep the smoke detectors in good condition. These fines will go into the Smoke Detection Device Awareness Account, which the state fire marshal is in charge of managing.

“After we got the nonprofit going, we went to a friend who worked with the Red Cross and told them about our home fire prevention campaign,” Gerry said. 
“We partnered with them and have people install smoke alarms. Between the Red Cross and our website referrals, that’s how we get our requests for smoke alarms and we go on from there.”

Bonnie said that the family had made many trips over three years to Olympia to push the bill. Gibsons also worked with the Washingon State Association for Justice on another bill – SB 5163 – to repeal a 1917 law that prohibited parents from filing a claim for the wrongful death of their adult child.

“Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the Chinese came over to work on the railroads, if they got hurt or killed on the job, their family back in China could not get any money or any compensation for their death or injury,” Bonnie Gibson said.

During that time, the U.S. still had in place the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited Chinese laborers from coming to the U.S. While it was originally a 10-year ban, it was made permanent in 1902. In 1943, Congress repealed the act when China was part of the Allies during World War II.

Supporters gather at Lynnwood’s Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate the installation milestone.

However, the state statute remained almost unchanged for more than 100 years until April 2019, when the state Senate passed SB 5163. That allows parents to file a claim for the wrongful death of their adult child, even if they did not depend on the child for money or did not live on U.S. soil. 


Previously, parents could only sue if they were financially dependent on the person who passed away and resided in the U.S.

Bonnie highlighted the 2016 Ride the Duck fatal accident, when five international students from Asia were killed. The victims’ families were not compensated because of the statute.

“The Washington Association for Justice took that on and solicited other families that had wrongful deaths,” Bonnie said. 
“So we learned how to negotiate and how to handle the legislature from Larry Shannon, who was the head of this. We met with lawmakers. We went to different legislators and told them our story. When you sit there, waiting in this room, and you testify, you don’t know if the legislator next to you will testify for you or against you. It was quite a lesson.”

After SB 5163 was passed, the Gibsons received compensation from Greg’s former landlord’s insurance.

The news of Gibson Home Fire Prevention’s work and activism also reached other states – even in Wisconsin – where people asked Gerry and Bonnie if they could have someone install smoke alarms in their homes. 

“They see us on the website and don’t realize that we’re a small family and volunteer group,” Gerry said. “We have posters in [local] banks, grocery stores, senior centers. We participated in a lot of safety fairs to get the word out.”

Emily Gibson, center, with two volunteers at the celebration dinner in Lynnwood.

Emily, who manages the nonprofit’s social media accounts and volunteer outreach, said that most of the donations were originally from people the Gibsons know. The amount donated was enough to cover their expenses so that they do not have to do a lot of fundraising.

“When we put smoke alarms in people’s homes, a lot would ask where they could donate,” Emily said. “We’re also included in programs from Boeing and Microsoft where the donations are matched.” 

Donations can be made through the nonprofit’s website.

“If you’ve ever known somebody who has died in a home fire or you’ve had an experience with a home fire, share your story because that’s the most impactful way to help people understand the dangers of home fires,” she said.

Gerry said that he would like to hit the mark of 10,000 smoke alarms installed but that may be a few years away. 

“Seven thousand is on the horizon,” Gerry mused. “We do it in Greg’s honor and keep doing it until we drop. It’s helped our family with the grief, and we want to prevent somebody else from going through what we went through.”

If you need a smoke detector installed, contact Gibson Home Fire Prevention.


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High risk of Sneaker waves on the coast

Saturday, December 23, 2023


By Diane Hettrick

If you plan to visit our ocean beaches this holiday weekend, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the water.

Sneaker waves can create a sudden, life-threatening situation.

I think that every region in the United States has its own hidden danger. The kind of thing that doesn't happen often so it's only talked about when things go wrong. The kind of thing that locals know about but visitors don't.

Alligators, quicksand, tidal bores, etc. Ours is "sneaker waves." 

I've forgotten the explanation from the oceanography class I took but basically they are a single wave that is disproportionately big compared to all the other waves coming in.

Sometimes it's a wave that just keeps on coming and sometimes it's a monster that goes high and far.

I had a friend who, when she was 12, had gone to the ocean with her family. She brought along a friend. The two girls were standing on the driftwood logs that pile up against the sand dunes. They were far from where the waves were hitting the beach.

And suddenly there was water over their heads. When the water receded, my friend was alone.

Sneaker waves occur at particular times of the year and seem to be more prevalent on Oregon beaches, where they post warning signs.

If you are pulled out to sea by any wave or have difficulty getting back to the beach, the usual advice is to swim parallel to the beach and let the current carry you. Eventually you will end up on the beach.


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Did you buy Litti City and Litti Pritti Dress-up Playsets and Prextex Slime Eggs? They've been recalled

These toys have all been recalled

Litti City and Litti Pritti Dress-up Playsets and Prextex Slime Eggs have been recalled due to violations of Federal phthalates and lead content bans.

They were imported by Perch, Amusty and Bingo Deals (Recall Alert)




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Update from Shoreline Schools re closure of Kellogg and Shorecrest on Friday, December 1, 2023

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Dec 1 2023

Dear Shoreline Schools Community,

We are writing to share with you an update about the reported safety concerns that led to the decision to cancel school at Kellogg and Shorecrest on Friday, December 1. (see previous article)

In regard to the safety concerns for students and staff at Kellogg and Shorecrest, the following information is what we can share at this time.

Thursday evening, November 30, we received multiple reports of a student who may have been planning to harm another student at Kellogg, potentially with a gun at school. 

Out of concern for safety while these reports were investigated and to allow for a thorough process, we made the decision to cancel school today (Friday) at Kellogg and at Shorecrest. Canceling school is never a decision to take lightly, but we felt it was necessary to fully ensure the safety of students and staff.

Today, in coordination with Shoreline Police, we have been investigating these reports and following up on concerns. 

At this time, there is no reason to believe that there is a risk to student or staff safety at either Kellogg or Shorecrest, and all school activities will resume on a normal schedule on Monday, December 4.

There are two processes currently taking place with regard to the student(s) named in the reports: law enforcement’s investigation, and the school disciplinary process.

In terms of school discipline, the school district is not permitted by law to share disciplinary action. What we can share is that no student will be permitted on a school campus or to return to a campus if there is any safety concern. 

Our school district takes a very deliberate set of actions in conjunction with law enforcement that help guide our decision making. We are taking very seriously the reports that we have received.

Kellogg and Shorecrest will have their counseling teams on hand next week to support students who need someone to talk to or help process their feelings. Please encourage your child to seek this support if you feel they would benefit from it. 

We know that you, as parents and guardians, have helped your children through many challenging issues throughout their lives. Hearing about these situations can also affect students who do not attend schools directly impacted by the school closures. 

You can use this information from the National Association of School Psychologists in having conversations with your child about their feelings: 

We are proud of our students who reported these concerns. 

Also, please take this opportunity to reinforce or encourage with your children that if they see or hear anything that they find concerning, to please:
  • share those concerns or information directly with you, 
  • tell a school staff member, 
  • call the police, or 
  • submit detailed information through our 24/7/365 SafeSchools Alert system.

Thank you for your partnership and support in caring for our Shoreline Schools community.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Brian Schultz
Shorecrest Principal Dr. Chad Towe
Kellogg Principal Becca Whitney


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Fire safety tip: Keep family pets out of the kitchen

Friday, December 1, 2023

Photo courtesy Enumclaw Fire Department

In the last couple of months the Enumclaw Fire Department has responded to multiple incidents that were caused by a family pet accidently turning on a burner on the stove.

Two of the incidents caused fires in the kitchen and one caused a natural gas leak.  

Pets being the cause of kitchen fires is more common than you might think - try Googling "dog on stove."

Kitchen safety is not only for humans. Keep pets out of the kitchen while you're cooking and while you are not home.  

Keep combustible materials off of stove tops at all times.

That applies to toddlers, as well, particularly if you have a stove with control knobs above the oven!


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WSDOT: Get ready for winter travel

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Snoqualmie Pass/Hyak maintenance crews made preparations for the winter weather earlier this week. How prepared are you for the next storm? Photo from WSDOT

Now is the time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter travel. It’s important for motorists to remember to slow down, increase their following distance and be alert for people using crosswalks or bike lanes, as they may be harder to see due to inclement weather. 

Check out the WSDOT winter driving web page for more tips and information.

Always "know before you go" and get the most up-to-date roadway information before heading out: Download the free WSDOT mobile app for your Apple or Android phone or device.

Sign up for email and/or text updates about road conditions – or sign up to receive text message alerts about significant delays on Snoqualmie Pass by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie."

Follow WSDOT across a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Threads, several X/Twitter accounts, Instagram and TikTok.

Check current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which also are available on highway-advisory signs and highway-advisory radio.

Pre-program your vehicle radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts and be alert for other stations listed on notice signs in some areas.

Use the online real-time travel map to check conditions locally and statewide before heading out.

Review what to carry in your vehicle, including a winter driving supply checklist.


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City of Shoreline Proclaims the month of September 2023 Safe Shoreline Month

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

 
Left to Right: Mayor Kieth Scully, John Slomnicki operations manager - Shoreline ACS, and William "Bill" Dwyer, neighborhood Liaison - Shoreline ACS.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
At the Monday September 11, 2023, Shoreline City Council Meeting Mayor Keith Scully issued a proclamation for the month of September 2023 to be Safe Shoreline Month. 

The proclamation urges all residents to implement emergency preparedness and crime prevention measures at home, and work, and in their vehicles and to participate with their neighbors in emergency preparedness and crime prevention activities.




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Stop for school buses to avoid injuring a child

Thursday, September 7, 2023


The whole point of laws about stopping for school buses is to avoid injuring a child. Kids are supposed to cross in front of the bus but that means that drivers cannot see them until they in the road. And many of them run.

There are people who will not stop, even when the bus lights are on and the Stop paddle is out. Bus drivers will be reporting those people.

For the rest of us, there's a fair amount of confusion about when to stop, particularly for drivers going the opposite direction from the bus.

This graphic from Target Zero is one of the better ones.

--Diane Hettrick


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Plan for the future: life vests

Wednesday, September 6, 2023


King county residents 
have until September 30, 2023 to get a 20% discount on life Jackets that meet the US Coast Guard standard.

Just print the coupon by visiting the link below or show it on your phone at Big 5 Sporting Goods locations.

More information and coupon here



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Landlord / Tenant Fire Safety

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Olympia – According to a Washington housing data report, there are over 3 million housing units in the state of Washington. Of those, more than 1 million are rentals. Renters make up 36% of the housing market in our state.

In 2022, Washington State reported over 8,000 fire incidents in residential properties. As a landlord or a renter, it is important to be familiar with the requirements of RCW 43.44.110, which speaks to smoke detection devices in dwelling units.

The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) urges landlords and renters to be familiar with fire alarm requirements:
  • Rental units must have working smoke alarms.
  • Check with local fire or building departments for information about state laws and local ordinances on smoke alarm installation and maintenance.
  • Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are installed in the rental unit prior to the tenant occupying the space.
  • Renters must maintain the smoke alarms in operable condition, following the smoke alarm manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ensure that smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside of each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home or unit. This includes any basements.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
  • Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old from manufacturing date.
  • Make sure rental agreements include the maintenance of smoke alarms.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.


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Hot weather, cold water: the King County Sheriff's Office would like to keep you from drowning

Saturday, August 19, 2023


From King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO)

With recent tragedies involving outdoor water activities, we want to remind you of the importance of water safety.
 
We reached out to Sergeant Rich Barton of the King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit for the following words of advice to our communities.
 
Hot weather, cold water. The water in the river is not warming up even though the temperatures are. It may be 90-plus degrees outside, but the rivers can still be below 60. The temperature difference can cause cold water shock and drastic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. 

It also can cause a sudden gasp and rapid breathing, which creates a higher risk of drowning regardless of swimming ability. This applies to all waters.

The rivers are down to their extremely low levels right now. This does not mean they are safer. There are still hidden hazards and strong currents. Slippery rocks and uncertain footing can cause a fall or slippage.

Life jackets work, period. If you are a fair swimmer or non-swimmer, use a life jacket or stay out of the water.

Stand-up paddleboards are required to have a life jacket and whistle on the board, not necessarily worn. 
  • Do not use the attached leash if using a paddleboard on the river. Leave it off. The leash could get caught around an obstruction and hold the person in a bad situation.
  • If using the paddle board on lakes and the Puget Sound, use the leash.


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LFP Councilmembers request speed reduction on Bothell Way

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

A two story concrete wall the length of Lake Forest Park under Sound Transit plan

Five of the six city councilmembers in Lake Forest Park have sent a letter to the Regional Administrator of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), asking for a speed reduction on Bothell Way / SR 522, which runs the entire length of Lake Forest Park.

8-14-2023

Brian Nielsen
Regional Administrator, Northwest Region
WA State Department of Transportation

Lake Forest Park City Council formally requested our administration to apply for a speed reduction on State Route 522 at our August 10th meeting. This letter is in full support of a speed reduction. In addition to the important information in Resolution 23-1910 we want to encourage WSDOT take into consideration additional information that has been identified by our community.

We are at a point in time where Sound Transit is nearing completion of their redesign of State Highway 522 to accommodate their Stride project. Their project widens 522 to add a North/East bound transit lane and sidewalks. The final configuration of the roadway will be very similar to 522 in Kenmore where, after a recent speed review, WSDOT reduced the speed to 35MPH.

The most impactful element in the Sound Transit design that WSDOT can have a positive impact on is the two-story retaining wall. The City has been working with both Sound Transit and WSDOT to improve the visual design of this wall through tree relief patterns and vines pockets along the wall. While we support these efforts, the wall will still be a large shift from a green corridor to a concrete corridor. 

Reducing the speed limit to 35MPH allows a reduction in lane width from 11’ to 10’. This would yield a narrower road profile overall by approximately 4’ and consequently reduce the amount of hillside that needs to be excavated. This would reduce the height of the retaining wall by approximately 3’ (approximately 19% lower). 

A lower retaining wall lessens the visual impacts in our community, reduces the quantity of soil being trucked offsite, shortens the excavation schedule, saves additional trees, reduces acquisition extents, and reduces costs. 

In addition, the reduction of the speed limit would make living in the single-family homes along SR 522 safer. While these driveways are typically considered low volume and do not generally contribute to lowering speeds, these residents are at high risk as they back into the highway instead of the shoulders they have now and should be considered as part of the speed limit review.

We entreat WSDOT to reconsider the speed limit of State Highway 522 through Lake Forest Park as this is a win for WSDOT, Sound Transit, and our community.

Kindly, in our individual capacities,

Councilmember Semra Riddle
Councilmember Larry Goldman
Councilmember Tom French, Deputy Mayor
Councilmember Phillippa Kassover, Vice Chair
Councilmember Tracy Furutani
Councilmember Lorri Bodi


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City of Shoreline: Don't feed ducks and geese

Friday, August 4, 2023

Feeding ducks and geese can lead to larger than normal population sizes, overfed animals, and animals waiting near the beach for humans to feed them - in short it leads to more ducks and geese pooping at the beach! 

This makes beach waters unsafe for people, pets, and wildlife. It also makes for gross beaches. Let the birds be wild - please don't feed the ducks and geese!

--City of Shoreline


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