Did You See a Bicycle Accident on Friday?

March 1, 2009 by Leave a Comment

A West Seattle Blog reader is trying to find out what happened to her friend who was in a bicycle accident around 4100 and Beach Drive on Friday.

"He flipped over his handlebars, hit pavement, cracked his helmet, and, fortunately (given what could’ve resulted), is escaping with a broken collarbone and a concussion that has given him a headache but will eventually go away. Because of the concussion he doesn’t really remember what happened before or during (or for that matter, immediately after) the accident."

For more info, read the rest at WSB by clicking here.

 

Filed Under: Safety

Warning: Beach Drive Homes “Cased” by Phoney “Window Salesmen”

February 13, 2009 by 2 Comments

I received theses tip from Beach Drive Neighbors:

Around the corner of Jacobsen and Beach Drive, a few police officers stopped by her house this afternoon  [2/12] and asked if she had noticed anyone "casing" their house or had there been any unusual activity near her house. She had just woke from a nap and was surprised to see them but alert enough to tell them that she did have an unusual experience last night [2/11]. A couple young men came to her door at 7pm selling windows, when she said she was not interested they asked for cookies, when she said she had none they asked for a glass of water, she closed the door and got them a water cup to go. When she returned with the cup one man was there and the other was not…

another neighbor reports that:

they stopped by his house as well and clearly were not window sales people.

Just a reminder that we need to look out for each other.  If you notice anything suspicious, call 9-1-1.

A big thanks to the neighbor who notified me of this activity.

Filed Under: Safety

Latest Southwest Precinct Safety Newsletter

January 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Get your copy by clicking here:Download Southwest Precinct Public Safety_Newsletter January 7 2009

Filed Under: Safety

Barking Dog Report: Gale Winds and High Waves

December 30, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Looks like we'll be wrapping up 2008 with a real blast from Mother Nature.  Based on Istock_000002610704medium_1all the reports I'm checking out now…I'm issuing a "Barking Dog Report".  If this is your first time hearing this term from BDB, my husband fondly refers to me as a "barking dog" when I'm anxious, especially if I think there's a chance that we may have water coming over our bulkhead.  If we are preparing for this type of event, if I have time, I publish a "Barking Dog Report" on Beach Drive Blog.   I rely on websites I have below under "Swell Links" on the left side of this blog.

The City of Seattlesite has is a "WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6PM THIS EVENING TO 7AM PST WEDNESDAY…TONIGHT…WINDY…RAIN…LOWS IN THE 30S.  SOUTH WIND 15 TO 20 MPH INCREASING TO 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT."

The Puget Sound Marine Forecast has a "GALE WARNING IN EFFECT…TONIGHT…S WIND 20 TO 25 KT RISING TO 35 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT…THEN BECOMING SW LATE.  WIND WAVES 3 OR 4 BUILDING TO 4 TO 6 FT.  RAIN TURNING TO SHOWERS AFTER MIDNIGHT.

WED…SW WIND 15 TO 25 KT.  WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT.  SHOWERS.   WED NIGHT…SW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT…BECOMING S AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 1 OR 2 FT.

Factor in our area tide schedule for the remainder of today and tomorrow:

At 5:43 pm today (just before Seattle's wind advisory), West Seattle tides are at the second high tide of the day at 9.4 feet.   Tides retreat to a -0.7 feet at 12:37 am on Wednesday and then up to 12.3 feet at 7:58 am (just after the wind advisory is currently reported as being over).  

Want more local weather info?  Check out the Cliff Mass Weather Blog (I've added a his weather site to Swell Links).  Hat tip to West Seattle Blog.

Filed Under: Current Affairs, Safety, Weather

Southwest Precinct Safety Newsletter

December 23, 2008 by Leave a Comment

This issue contains great safety tips on

  • Traveling

  • Shopping

  • Strangers at your door

  • Preventing bank fraud (phishing)

  • Seattle Police Crime Stats
  • Winter safety tips
  • And so much more!

Read this issue by clicking here:Download Southwest Precinct Public Safety_Newsletter December 22 2008

Filed Under: Safety

News Release from the City of Seattle regarding the Weather

December 20, 2008 by Leave a Comment

On Sunday, Hiawatha Community Center will be  open from noon – 5:00 pm for shelter should you need it.  From the Press Release:

“Seattle Public Utilities reminds residents to prepare water pipes for cold weather. Shut off outside faucets, drain the water and protect them by insulating them with rags or foam covers. Pipes in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements and garages) should be wrapped with tape and insulating materials, available at local hardware stores. Drain and remove all outdoor hoses, and shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Residents are also urged to protect indoor sink pipes that are against exterior walls, by opening under-sink cabinet doors, allowing heat to circulate. During severe cold, allow the faucet farthest from your front door to slowly drip cold water. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, day or night (even if you are away).

If a water pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop excessive flooding. If you cannot turn off the main shut-off valve, SPU customers can call  (206) 386-1800  and a crew will turn off the water at the meter for a standard service charge.”

Filed Under: Current Affairs, Safety, Weather

King County Safety Tips for the Snow-Wind Storm

December 20, 2008 by Leave a Comment

I just received this email from King County with a request to post this safety information on my blogs for our local community:

Are you prepared?  Steps to stay safe in this weekend's storm

With high winds forecast for this weekend and possible power outages, it's time to take steps to stay save and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide can kill you or cause serious injury.  Carbon monoxide gas comes from burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, oil, kerosene, natural gas, coal or wood.  Here are some steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home.

  • During a power outage or at any other time, do not operate fuel-powered machinery such as a generator indoors, including in the garage.

  • Avoid combustion "space heaters" unless there is an exhaust vent.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can strike suddenly and without warning.  In some cases, physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue.  If you believe you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately.  Call for medical help from a neighbors home.  The fire department will tell you when it's safe to reenter the home.

For a full list of carbon monoxide prevention tips and other safety and disaster information in English and other languages, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/disaster

Other important safety tips

  • Make sure you are wearing enough warm clothing before going outdoors.  Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.
  • If you think power will be out for several days, check with your city for location of warming shelters.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia-slurred speech, confusion, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less.  Get medical help immediately if you think someone has frostbite or hypothermia.
  • Check on elderly friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
  • If power goes out where you live, keep food safe by keeping the doors closed on your refrigerators and freezers as much as possible.  A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures about two days'' a half-full freezer about 1 day.  Potentially hazardous foods, like meet and fish, should be discarded if thawed and warmer than 41 degrees.
Filed Under: Safety, Weather

Winter Storm Warning

December 20, 2008 by Leave a Comment

West Seattle Blog has compiled a great list of things to do to prepare for the pending wind/snow storm and emergency numbers here.   I remember almost exactly two years ago, we were without power for 6 days!  From listening to the news, it sounds like our area will be hit more with snow and east King County/Cascade foothills will be slammed with strong winds.  Let's hope for another near miss with Mother Nature!

From the Seattle City Forecast (click here for updated reports):

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM PST SUNDAY…

TODAY…CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF SNOW THIS AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S TO LOWER 30S. SOUTHEAST WIND 10 TO 15 MPH.

TONIGHT…WINDY…SNOW…HEAVY AT TIMES ESPECIALLY WEST OF PUGET SOUND. SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 6 INCHES EXCEPT UP TO 12 INCHES WEST OF PUGET SOUND. LOWS IN THE 20S. EAST WIND 15 TO 20 MPH INCREASING TO 20 TO 30 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT.

SUNDAY…SNOW AT TIMES IN THE MORNING…POSSIBLY MIXING WITH OR CHANGING TO FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET. SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON. ADDITIONAL SNOW AND POSSIBLY SLEET ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO 3 INCHES. HIGHS IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S. BREEZY WITH SOUTH WIND 15 TO 25 MPH DECREASING TO 10 TO 15 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

Puget Sound Marine Forecast:

…SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT…

TODAY…E WIND 10 TO 15 KT RISING TO 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 1 OR 2 FT BUILDING TO 2 TO 4 FT IN THE AFTERNOON. SNOW DEVELOPING LATE IN THE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT…SE WIND 20 TO 30 KT. WIND WAVES 3 TO 5 FT. SNOW…MIXING WITH SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN SEATTLE SOUTHWARD LATE.

Brrrr-rr-r-r-r-r-r-r!

 

 

Filed Under: Safety, Weather

Howling Winds on Friday: Barking Dog Report

December 11, 2008 by Leave a Comment

For new readers of Beach Drive Blog, a "Barking Dog Report" is when our home is Istock_000002610704medium_1 preparing for a nasty storm.  My husband (fondly) refers to me as a "barking dog" when I think trouble may be near as Inervously pace around the house.   Based current forecasts on Friday, I think we could be in for a doozie.

Current Puget Sound Marine Forecast:

…GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…

FRI…S WIND 15 TO 25 KT…BECOMING SW 25 TO 35 KT MIDDAY. WIND WAVES BUILDING TO 4 TO 6 FT. RAIN.

FRI NIGHT…SW WIND 25 TO 35 KT…EASING TO 20 TO 30 KT LATE. WIND WAVES 4 TO 6 FT…SUBSIDING TO 3 TO 5 FT LATE.  

Current City of Seattle Forecast:

FRIDAY…WINDY…RAIN DEVELOPING. HIGHS IN THE 40S. SOUTH WIND 10 TO 15 MPH INCREASING TO 20 TO 30 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

FRIDAY NIGHT…WINDY…RAIN CHANGING TO SHOWERS. SNOW SHOWERS POSSIBLE. LOWS IN THE 30S. SOUTHWEST WIND 20 TO 30 MPH.

Tides for tomorrow (Friday) are a 12.4 at 5:20 am; going down to 8.4 at 10:18 am and swooping up to a 12.1 at 3:01 pm.  We have a low of -4.0 at 10:23 pm.

Like all neighborhood barking dogs, I hope I'm wrong for howling about the weather…it's always best to prepare.  You can click on the links to receive updated forecasts.   Hat tip to "Cat Woman" for bringing the weather to my attention.

Filed Under: Safety, Weather

Southwest Precinct Safety Newsletter from November 26, 2008

December 4, 2008 by Leave a Comment

November 26, 2008

Dear Community Friends,

SPD Blotter

Citizens often wonder what is happening when they see Police carrying out their responsibilities in their neighborhood.  There is an easy way to satisfy your curiosity.  We now have a way for you to get the information that you are looking for in a timely manner.  The Seattle Police Department has launched the SPD Blotter.

The SPD Blotter went on line in September 2008.  It provides a near real-time recap of significant crime events.  You can review events from all over the city, or look specifically at events in the police precinct area.  You are able to review recent events, that happened last night or over the weekend.  The archive feature allows you to review previous events in the SPD Blotter.

There are three ways to get the SPD Blotter:

·         You can go to the SPD website and view the latest entries on our home page.

www.seattle.gov/police.

·         You can access the Blotter directly by going to its specific web address,

http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/.

·         You can subscribe to the Blotter so that it automatically arrives to you via email.  Go to http://feeds.feedburner.com/spdblotter to sign up for this feature.

Crime Prevention During the Holiday Season

The Seattle Police Department would like to remind you of some simple steps you can take to guard yourself against crime this holiday season.

Personal Safety

q       Rather than shopping alone, go with a family member or friend.

q       Be aware of your surroundings when using ATM’s.  Do not keep your PIN on your person.

q       Avoid carrying a large amount of cash.  Use credit cards or checks

q       Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.  Criminals may try to distract and confuse you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Vehicle Safety

q       Do not leave anything of value in your car.  Packages and shopping bags should be hidden away from sight.  Do not just cover them with a coat or blanket.

q       Park in a lighted area, and lock your car doors.

q       Never leave your keys in the ignition. When warming up your car, do not leave it unattended.

q       Do not drink and drive.  When attending holiday celebrations, consider designating a driver or taking a cab.

Make your home safe from burglars.

q       Do not hide your key outside the door, under mats, flowerpots, over moldings, etc.  Rather leave a key with a trusted neighbor.

q       Have good safe locks on all doors.  Use auxiliary deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.  Lock the doors when you go out, even for just a minute.

q       Install an alarm that can detect entry.  Post a sign on doors and windows showing that the residence has an alarm.

q       Do not let strangers into your home.  Use a peephole or talk through door. Ask for identification.  Post “No Solicitors” to avoid having to deal with sell people.

q       Do not leave house and car keys together with attendants at public parking lots.  Your house keys can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your plate number.

q       Do not give information to strangers on the telephone or online.  Do not answer any questions, hang-up and/or delete.

q       Report to Police any strangers loitering in your neighborhood or people asking strange or vague questions about your neighbors.

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald

http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

This web page is update every week on Tuesday.

Filed Under: Safety
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