With winter conditions around the corner, and long nights already here, the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) reminds all drivers to be cautious, especially in the evening hours around intersections and crosswalks.

 

Drivers are reminded to always give the right-of-way to pedestrians, especially when approaching a crosswalk. If you're making a turn, scan the road closely before turning. One thing you may have forgotten since Drivers Ed: any intersection, whether marked or unmarked, is technically a crosswalk!

 

Also remember to leave your smartphone alone: this applies to drivers (review the  new distracted driver law ), but is also a good idea for pedestrians too.

 

Pedestrians, especially runners and dog-walkers, are reminded that wearing dark clothing and carrying no form of lighting is particularly risky on dark winter days. The MIPD asks all pedestrians to consider wearing light and bright clothing, using reflectorized items such as vests, and attaching flashing mini-LED lights to the front or back of clothing.

 

Every year, the City works on a variety of pedestrian safety projects as part of its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a rolling 6-year plan that helps prioritize limited funds.

 

Learn more about national pedestrian safety here.

 

View Washington's rules about yielding to pedestrians.  

As usual, City facilities will close in observance of Christmas Day and New Year's Day on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1.

 

The Community and Event Center ( MICEC) will also be closed from December 18-25 for routine end-of-year maintenance, and has other reduced hours during the holiday period until January 2; check  this page for details.

 

Enjoy the holidays and thank you for your understanding!

View  all City holidays here.

During snow cycles, City plow trucks clear and sand arterials, critical intersections, and major access routes on and off the Island, followed by secondary and residential streets when time permits. 

All residents can help the City keep roadways clear and prevent accidents:

The City's Thrift shop is hosting a very special "Giving Tree" in collaboration with the Youth and Family Services Department to help local families who are in need during this holiday season.

 

To sponsor a holiday gift, simply stop by the shop, select from the cards representing new gifts and hand it off to one of our friendly cashiers. From there, our volunteer helpers will deliver the goods. Thank you for helping brighten the season for your Island neighbors!

The average American household owns  24 electronic products that consume 12 percent of a home's electricity. There  are lots of opportunities to save energy in every room of the house. 

Since many electronics are given as gifts over the holidays, it's helpful to know that " ENERGY STAR certified " versions are far more energy efficient.   

The next time you are looking for the perfect present, the trusted blue label on these certified products can help you save energy, save money and protect the environment from climate change -- all while giving you the latest in innovation and technology.  For more detailed information about the ENERGY STAR program, visit the website.