Renton Unveils New Neighborhood Information Centers

Renton is ready for the next big disaster.

This week at Cascade Elementary School, City and officials unveiled a new way to communicate during the next emergency, be it an earthquake, windstorm, or other major disruption. And it's about as low-tech as can be.

An Emergency Management Performance grant provided funding for 17 Neighborhood Information Centers that are located at the entrance to every Renton School District school within city limits.

"This is a large effort and a very important program," Shridhar said of the Centers.

"It is critical to use every form of communication we have," she said, adding that the City will work with community liaisons to help with translations so that the information will be available in multiple languages.

"It seems a little odd that we're unveiling a bulletin board," said Renton Mayor Denis Law. "But the reality is, if we had a major event, all of our communication systems could be down."

It is our first priority to ensure the safety of Renton citizens, Law said.

Law noted the severe wind storm in 2006 that knocked out power for an extended period of time. It's times like those that the Neighborhood information centers will play an important role to provide up-to-date information to Renton citizens on where to find shelter, food, clean water, and if need be, which routes are safest for evacuation.

are a key part of these centers. Renton Emergency Communication Services volunteers will record messages in the field and post handwritten updates at the bulletin Centers, said Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham. There are about 40 volunteers in the program and several were on hand Monday to demonstrate how the Centers work.

"It seems funny that it is the simplest and easiest thing to do, but it is the most reliable," she said. "In disasters, one of the first things we lose is communication."

Aside from the Neighborhood information Centers, the City also provides emergency updates through CodeRED, its critical emergency information page, and Renton E-Alerts, which are all available on the City web site. Updates are also posted to the City's social media accounts on Twitter (@CityofRenton) and Facebook.

The Renton School District plays a critical role in the operation of the Centers, said Needham.

Superintendent Mary Alice Heuschel said the district will continue its strong commitment to providing safe schools and its partnership with the City to ensure the boards have the necessary information.

During a crisis, the community needs to turn to its schools, she said, noting that the new, high-tech digital signs at many of the schools may not work during an emergency situation.

The schools will use the Neighborhood Information Center bulletin boards thought the school year to post other important notices and updates.