Kirkland Emergency Management Update

Tip of the Term

The 4th of July is just days away! For over 20 years, "Celebrate Kirkland" has brought together the Kirkland community to celebrate with a parade and fireworks display. Due to COVID-19 the celebration will look a bit different this year, but the City, the Celebrate Kirkland Leadership Team, and the Kirkland Downtown Association are keeping the spirit of the holiday going with a virtual celebration! You can learn more about how to celebrate with us here.

Also remember that according to Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 11.60, the sale, possession, and discharge of personal fireworks are prohibited within City limits. The Fireworks ban helps protect life, property, and the environment and helps animals, some people who suffer from PTSD, and many others enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday. You can learn more by watching this Fireworks PSA or by contacting the Kirkalnd Fire Prevention Bureau at (425) 587-3650.

A Message from OEM

The past few months have been a learning experience for just about everybody as we navigate the "new normal" in a coronavirus environment. As your Office of Emergency Management, there is nothing that we want more than to see the Kirkland community safe and healthy. As of June 26th, cloth face coverings are mandated in Washington State in most public areas. Wearing a cloth face covering in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, but remember that it should also be combined with social distancing to be most effective. We are so grateful for our community members who are helping to protect each other during uncertain times. You can learn more about the face covering mandate here.

CERT Corner

The University of Utah has shared a new online CERT program that we encourage you to check out! These onlince courses can serve as a good CERT refresher or help CERTs understand FEMA's new CERT curriculum that was released earlier this year.

Although Kirkland CERT classes have been cancelled for the remainder of 2020, we are looking at lots of options for offering the class in 2021, including a combination of virtual and hands-on training, so stay tuned for more inforation!

KECT Broadcast

Amateur (ham) radio is a great way to keep in touch during social distancing! The Kirkland Emergency Communications Team has moved to virtual meetings in the COVID-19 environment. If you're interested in attending please reach out to Kirkland OEM via email or by calling (425) 587-3691.

Neighborhood Notes

Many of us have found new ways to connect to our friends, family, and neighbors during this pandemic. Although neighborhood gatherings might not look like they used to, we have been heartened to hear tales of Kirkland neighbors connecting, some for the first time, to check in with each other, consolidate grocery runs, and even help supply neighbors with toilet paper! These actions are the spirit of the Map Your Neighborhood program, and if you haven't already please take a minute to check in with your neighbors (from a distance!) the next time you see them.

Quote of the Quarter

“In the depth of winter, I finally leanred that there was in me an invincible summer.”

- Albert Camus, Nobel Prize-winning philospher

Contact Us

Email:
KirklandEM@kirklandwa.gov

Phone:
(425) 587-3691