News Briefs

Seat belt emphasis patrols on now through June 5

When Asotin High School senior Stanzi Hay conducted an observational survey, she found that nearly nine out of every 10 students and adults arrived at school buckled up.

What concerned her were those who weren’t. These were her friends and classmates, and she didn’t want their loved ones to experience a tragic loss simply due to a negligent decision to drive or ride unbuckled.

So for the next few weeks, Hay is taking her message statewide and joining the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to encourage drivers across the state to buckle up every time through the Click It or Ticket campaign. State law enforcement officers will join the Click It or Ticket campaign, with extra patrols running from now until June 5.

In Spokane County, the city of Airway Heights, Eastern Washington University, Pullman and Spokane police departments and the Washington State Patrol will be participating in the extra patrols through the coordination of the Spokane County Target Zero Task Force.

These extra patrols are part of Target Zero — striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit http://www.targetzero.com. Additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found at http://www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Forklift Rodeos seeking skilled competitors for regional events 

TUMWATER — Professional forklift drivers have an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise during upcoming regional competitions, with winners of those events going on to a statewide “rodeo” this fall for a chance to win cash prizes.

Eastern Washington drivers are invited to compete June 4 in the regional qualifying forklift rodeo at the Spokane Central Service Center, 905 N. Nelson St.

The goals of the annual rodeo are to highlight the safety skills and talent of the best operators in the state and to provide forklift safety education to operators and the general public. The top eight qualifiers from each region go on to compete at the Forklift Rodeo at the 65th annual Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference, held this year in Spokane on Sept. 28. 

Cash prizes are awarded to the top drivers at both the regional and state levels and to the two top teams in each region. Participation is limited to the first 30 drivers who register. 

Drivers can register online at http://www.wagovconf.org/events/forklife-rodeo/. Forms are also available by calling (206) 281-3842 or 1-888‑451-2004 (TDD users: 360-902-5797), or by sending an email to [email protected]. The entry fee is $40 for competitors. 

Spectators are welcome and there’s no admission charge. Regional events feature music, prize drawings, giveaways and food provided by sponsors.

Fire Marshal tips for a fire safe and enjoyable Memorial Day 

Whether camping out or enjoying a backyard barbeque, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to be careful with any kind of activity that could spark a wildfire.  

If camping over the three-day weekend, remember it is important to follow the campground rules for the use and extinguishment of campfires. Build campfires where they will not spread, clear a 5-10-foot circle around the fire of all flammable materials and pitch the tent at least 15 feet away.

Keep campfires to a reasonable and manageable size, no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet — do not let them get out of hand. Thoroughly drown the fire, stir it and douse it again with water — do not leave a fire until it is out cold.

When barbecuing, inspect your grill by checking all connections and supply hoses. If using gas, make sure the Venturi tubes that deliver gas to the burner are not blocked, and do not overfill the propane tank. Always store tanks outside, in a well-ventilated area.

Keep the barbecue 5 – 10 feet away from your house or other flammable material. Never barbecue in enclosed areas as carbon monoxide could result.

Do not add fluid to hot coals, the flame can flash back up into the container and explode.

Dispose of hot coals properly, douse them with plenty of water and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

For additional fire safety tips and informational brochures visit http://www.wsp.wa.gov.fire/firemars.htm or http://www.usfa.fema.gov.