Current Emergency Information

In an emergency, Renton Emergency Management will attempt to post updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor. Along with the City of Renton's Twitter and Facebook accounts, the Renton Police Department, and the Renton Regional Fire Authority Twitter accounts for additional emergency information.

Current Situation

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.

Monday, August 3 at 4:30 p.m.: Due to incoming heat and smoke from wildfires in Spokane, air quality in Renton is expected to reached moderate levels beginning this evening and into Thursday, August 6. Current impacts include:

  • Republic Service: Due to high temps and very hot working conditions predicted for Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6, Republic Services will start collecting residential waste one hour early. Customers with garbage, recycling, or food & yard waste service on Tuesday and Wednesday should put their carts out by 6 a.m. Republic Services is contacting impacted customers, via text messages and phone calls to customers who’ve signed up these alerts. For questions and additional information visit the Republic Services website or call at 206-777-6440.
  • Air quality impacts: As of 4:30 p.m., most of Renton remains in the 'green' for air quality index but is expected to get into the 'orange' level which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. For the latest air quality levels and forecast, go to airnow.gov.
    • Green = Good (Index between 0 to 50): Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
    • Yellow = Moderate (Index between 51 to 100): Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
    • Orange = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Index between 101 to 150): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
    • Red = Unhealthy (Index between 151 to 200): Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
    • Purple = Very Unhealthy Health (Index between 201 to 300): The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
    • Maroon = Hazardous (Index of 301 and higher): Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

       

General resources and information 

Emergency Instructions

  • In extreme heat, extreme cold, or wet weather, please drive safely and watch your step! Accidents of all kinds or more likely in poor weather conditions. Remember to also check on others who might need help if weather conditions are worsening.
  • If your power goes out, dress appropriately to maintain a healthy body temperature. You can report the power outage to your electricity provider. For food safety, avoid opening your refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. Additional information on getting through a power outage is available from Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light.
  • For the air quality levels, visit airnow.gov.
  • For life threatening emergencies call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.

To get the most current emergency instructions for your area, sign up for ALERT Renton.

 

Weather

Utilities

Water

For water emergencies, contact the Public Works Water Division at 425-430-7400 

Sewer

For wastewater emergencies, contact Public Works Wastewater Division at 425-430-7400 or nnelson@rentonwa.gov

Electricity, Gas, and Power 

Electricity, gas, and power services are provided by Puget Sound Energy for most of the City, with some residents served by Seattle City Light.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone right away.

Garbage and Debris Removal 

Service interruptions to regular garbage service due to weather conditions or other disruptions are posted by Republic Services. For questions, please reach out to Republic Services at 206-777-6440.

 

Streets

  • To report roads blocked by fallen trees or abandoned cars, call the Renton Police non-emergency number at 425-235-2121.
  •  Planned road closures are posted on the Impact Traffic Report page.
  • See Renton snow routes for plowing and sanding information. Plowing is complete on primary and secondary arterials, first before addressing neighborhoods. Some roads cannot be plowed because cars are in the way.
  • For additional information on winter preparations and processes performed by the city's Streets Maintenance Division, visit our winter prep webpage.

City Facilities

In the case of inclement weather or certain emergencies, access and hours to the following facilities may be impacted:

Public Spaces

The following public spaces are available for public use to take a break from extreme weather conditions during operating hours:

  • Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway Renton, WA 98057
    • Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
    • Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed

Human Services

Some Renton residents may find their basic needs unmet as a result of an emergency. If temporary help is available, information will be posted here.

For additional resources and information visit the Human Services page.

 

Cold Weather Shelters

The City of Renton's Overnight Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is located at St. Anthony’s Parish Rec Hall, 501 S. 4th St., Renton, WA 98057. The nonprofit agency, REACH Renton, operates the shelter. 

 Shelter information is as follows:

  • Maximum Capacity of 40
  • Drop-ins welcome
  • Separate areas for men, women, and families
  • Snacks/food/warm beverage provided
  • Mats and blankets provided
  • Shelter is operated by REACH staff

Please check the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) website for other shelters/resources available: Severe Weather Response - KCRHA

Severe Weather Shelters are activated when one or more of these conditions is present:

  • Daily high temperature is forecast to be 35°F or below and daily low temperature is forecast to be 30°F or below for one or more days.
  • Snow accumulation expected to exceed four (4) inches in depth.
  • Other conditions deemed severe enough to present substantial threat to the life or health of homeless persons
  • At least one other shelter in South King County has been activated.

Overnight shelters are not operated during extreme heat / the warmer weather months.

For questions about severe weather shelter activation for our unhoused population, please contact our Human Services Division.

For other Severe Weather Shelters in King County, visit King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA). In addition, visit Center of Hope for emergency shelter information.

 

Recreation Programming

In the case of inclement weather (i.e. snow, flooding, heavy winds), the City of Renton recreation facilities and programming follow the guidelines established by the Renton School District (i.e. if school is two hours late, morning programs and activities are canceled).

Please call the city’s inclement weather line at 425-430-6719 for updated building and program information.

In case of smoke due to wildfires, certain spaces, events, and programming may be impacted based on the Air Quality Index (AQI):

  • AQI 0-50 - Good: Normal operations.
  • AQI 51-100 - Moderate: Continue programming. Encourage hydration and monitor participants for any signs of smoke sensitivity.
  • AQI 101-150 - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: Notify staff and participants of air quality conditions. Reduce  strenuous outdoor activities when practical. Relocate activities indoors whenever possible. Provide NIOSH-approved N95 respirators to employees whose duties require outdoor work.  Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and participants with  respiratory or heart conditions should avoid outdoor activities.  Increase supervisor monitoring.
  • AQI 151-200 - Unhealthy: Suspend strenuous outdoor activities. Cancel or relocate youth  camps, youth sports, outdoor fitness classes, field trips, and other  organized recreation programming whenever possible. Recreation  Management shall evaluate the operation of the Henry Moses  Aquatic Center, Farmers Market activities, outdoor events, and  athletic rentals based on participant safety and anticipated  exposure. Consider postponement or cancellation of permitted park  rentals and tournaments.
  • 201+ - Very Unhealthy / Hazardous: Cancel all outdoor Parks & Recreation programming, special events, Farmers Market activities, field trips, athletic activities, Aquatic Center operations, outdoor rentals, tournaments, volunteer activities, and permitted park reservations until air quality improves. Outdoor work should be limited to essential functions only.

Bus Services

Disruptions to regular bus and transportation services are posted by King County Metro.