Release Date: 4/2/2009 12:00:00 AM
Contact:
Nancy Goodspeed,
(509) 625-6297
 
Public Testimony Will Be Heard and a Final Vote taken by Park Board members at the Board’s Regular Meeting, April 9th, 1:00 pm in Council Chambers, Lower Level of City Hall

Any member of the public who wants to speak to this issue is encouraged to attend this meeting. Please note this meeting will begin at 1:00 pm rather than the traditional 1:30 pm start time for Park Board meetings.

Comments may also be sent via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or via snail mail to:
Spokane Parks & Recreation - City Hall 5th Floor
808 W Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201

What is the policy all about?
The policy being considered would ultimately restrict the use of tobacco products in parks City-wide.

The policy would be implemented in phases beginning with Riverfront Park. The second phase will involve implementing the policy in the rest of the park system once signage has been obtained. The third phase would involve reviewing the policy as it may relate to City golf courses.

The “Tobacco-Free Parks” policy would be implemented in a manner that uses peer pressure and friendly reminders only.

Release Date: 3/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
Contact:
Brian Schaeffer,
(509) 625-7002
 
Poison Prevention Week, which runs from March 15-21, provides an opportunity for families to take steps to protect themselves from household poisons. Families, especially those with small children, are most often concerned about the toxins stored in medicine cabinets or locked away under the kitchen sink. But with the cold weather and recent incidents, we want to remind you of one life-threatening poison that may not come to mind--carbon monoxide (CO).

Odorless, colorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, claiming 500 lives and sending another 20,000 to the hospital every year (CDC).

A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide can build up in the home when household fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and generators, aren't properly ventilated or maintained. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, nausea, and dizziness, and it can often mimic the flu. Having a working CO alarm is the ONLY safe way to detect this poisonous gas in your home, but studies show that most homes don,t have one.

Washington legislators are currently considering steps to help keep families safe from CO by introducing a bill that would require carbon monoxide alarms in homes. I encourage homeowners to act now to ensure maximum protection for your family. If you haven,t already, be sure to install a CO alarm on every level of your home specifically near sleeping areas.