It's been a hot one, with more sun ahead. Here's what you need to know about staying safe and cool:
The Mercer Island Community and Event Center is open 9:00am - 7:00pm Monday - Thursday, and 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday and Saturday, for anyone needing a place to relax and cool down. It's free, with plenty of A/C.
Heading out on the water? Please be safe - lake temps are still chilly. Always wear a life jacket.
As the temps remain high in our region, keep the following in mind:
- Learn the warning signs of heat illness. If someone has heat stroke, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Check on vulnerable family or neighbors by phone or text to make sure they are safe and cool.
- Always cross any hanging chains when towing a trailer or boat so you don't throw sparks.
- Don't park on tall, dry grass. The undercarriage of your vehicle can easily start a wildfire.
- Never leave children or pets in a hot car, even for just a moment. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a hot car.
In terms of the sun:
- Stay hydrated (more than you think).
- Wear sunscreen (and check expirations).
- Protect your eyes (hat or shades).
- Watch for sunstroke (seek shelter).
Pets are also sensitive to the heat. Make sure your animals have plenty of fresh water and shade.
Whatever you do, take care (and stay cool).
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Stage 2 Burn Ban Now in Effect |
A Stage 2 Complete Burn Ban has been issued for King County due to the warm weather and increased fire risk. A Stage 2 Complete Burn Ban means:
All outdoor fires, including recreational campfires, pellet fireplaces, cooking fires, and ceremonial fires are prohibited.
Propane or natural-gas fired grills, fireplaces, fire tables, pellet smokers and other gas-fired appliances may continue to be used along with charcoal grills per manufacture recommendations. Please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice. The fire marshals are carefully monitoring weather conditions related to wildland fuels in the area. When these conditions return to more typical levels, the ban will be removed.
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Island Firefighter Deploys to Hawaii |
Mercer Island Fire Lieutenant Steve McCoy is currently deployed to Maui as part of the FEMA National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System. Lt. McCoy will assist with search and rescue efforts in the area after last week's devastating wildfire, utilizing specialized canine-training to ensure the safety of search dogs and their handlers as well as deploying camera and listening devices.
The US&R Response System is a national program that organizes federal, state, and local partner emergency response teams as integrated federal disaster response task forces. FEMA's 28 US&R task forces can be deployed to disaster areas when needed.
The City is grateful to Lt. McCoy for assisting these critical efforts in Hawaii. You can learn more about the US&R Response System on the FEMA website. |
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WSDOT I-405 and I-90 Closures Ahead |
Heads up: WSDOT announced two upcoming closures taking place this weekend:
Westbound I-90 from Mercer Island to Seattle will be reduced to two lanes starting at 10:00pm Friday, August 18 until 6:00am Saturday, August 19. This lane reduction allows for cleaning and testing the fire detection camera and fire extinguisher, emergency phone inspection and cleaning, and roadway sweeping. WSDOT crews complete this routine maintenance several times each year.
Both directions of I-405 will be fully closed between Sunset Boulevard in Renton (Exit 5) and Coal Creek Parkway in Bellevue (Exit 10) from 10:00pm Friday, August 18, until 5:00am Monday, August 21. This closure is for the I-405 widening and Express Toll lanes project.
Islanders can get details on current road conditions and closure impacts using WSDOT’s Real-time Travel Map. |
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Last Call: Mostly Music in the Park |
Don't miss it... the last Mostly Music in the Park of the season is here! Enjoy a relaxing evening at Mercerdale Park tomorrow, August 17, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm as Portage Bay Big Band graces the stage. Take in the sunshine and free live music, plus arts and crafts provided by the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL).
The City thanks sponsors 4Culture, the Mercer Island Community Fund, MIVAL, and Island Treats for supporting the event this year.
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City of Mercer Island
206-275-7600
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