This Week in Renton: Are you Ready in Renton?

Published on September 05, 2025

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Disaster can strike anytime. Are you prepared? Whether for earthquakes, flooding, snow, extreme heat, or other disasters, there are steps YOU can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. 

September is National Preparedness Month and in Renton, our Emergency Management Division has a few ways to help all of us better prepare for an emergency. 

The first thing you can do is sign up for ALERT Renton, our opt-in emergency notification system that is part of ALERT King County. Learn more here. 

Okay, you’ve registered for ALERT Renton. What else can you do? 

The Renton Emergency Preparedness Academy offers several learning opportunities in collaboration with local partners (including Renton Regional Fire Authority, Renton Technical College, and Renton Emergency Communications Service). These classes are open to members of the community ages 18 and older: 

  • Emergency Preparedness 101 September 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Take the first steps towards preparedness! Register at rentonwa.gov/EP101. 
  • Community Emergency Response Team  October 2 to November 15 (seven weeks) at 6 p.m. Learn how to respond to disasters that affect your neighborhood. Register at rentonwa.gov/CERT.  
  • Amateur Radio Tech Licensing Class  November 1 and 8 (two Saturdays) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn what you need to know for the FCC licensing exam so you can get on the air! Amateur radio is a fun way to keep in touch and communicate with others to provide critical communication support during disasters. Register at rentonwa.gov/amateurradio. 

Imagine a major disaster hits Renton. Where do you find emergency info? 

  • ALERT Renton notifies people who signed up with an address in the affected area. 
  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. 
  • If there’s no other way to communicate emergency information, it may be posted at Neighborhood Information Centers around Renton, located at the front entrance of most Renton School District schools and the Maplewood Golf Course.  

Now imagine the power is out and major roadways are blocked. Fortunately, you’ve prepared and grab your disaster supplies kit from your home, work, or car. Your emergency kit should contain enough supplies for you and your family to last two weeks. This should include: 

  • Water 
  • Food 
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio 
  • Flashlight 
  • First aid kit 
  • Essential medications, supplies, or devices 
  • Extra batteries 
  • Whistle 
  • Dust mask 
  • Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties 
  • Wrench or pliers 
  • Can opener 
  • Local maps 
  • Cell phone with chargers and backup battery 
  • Additional emergency supplies 

Take steps today so you’ll be ready when it matters most. Learn more at: 

 

Join Renton Recreation for A Day With the Birds 

Can community scientists help save the world? The Kauffman Museum’s new traveling exhibit, “A Day With the Birds,” is landing here in Renton!  

Presented in both English and Spanish, this special recreation program invites you to:  

  • Be introduced to the ongoing National Audubon Christmas Bird Count story  
  • Explore the science of tracking bird population  
  • Learn the natural history of some rare and common winter birds  
  • Engage in practices that conserve and protect birds  

The exhibit is open Thursdays through Saturdays, September 6 to October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S.).   

Admission cost: Ages 18 and up - $5; Ages 8-17 - $2; Children under 8 - FREE  

Learn about the exhibit at birdcountexhibit.com.

 

Pooch Plunge is this weekend!

Bring your dog and make a splash at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center (1719 Maple Valley Highway) for the end of summer Pooch Plunge, hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation.  

Pet food donations will be accepted during all sessions and will be delivered to a local animal shelter after the event. 

As of today, September 5, the remaining dates and times are still available. Small dogs, 25 pounds or less, can attend either the Small Dog Only or Open session. 

Saturday, September 6 

Sunday, September 7 

Henry Moses Aquatic Center closed for the season on Monday, September 1. 

 

Around Renton

The Renton Farmers Market has MOVED! Find the market at its new temporary location on Williams Avenue South between South Second Street and South Third Street. The market is open every Tuesday until September 30 from 3 – 7 p.m. rentonfarmersmarket.com 

Renton City Council meetings will reconvene Monday, September 8. Learn more about council at rentonwa.gov/council.  

A Day with the Birds will be featured at the Renton History Museum Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from September 6 through October 24. Learn more at birdcountexhibit.com.  

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is open for registration. Learn the basic knowledge and skills to take action during an emergency at rentonwa.gov/CERT. 

September 10 – Emergency Preparedness 101, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Renton Technical College, 3000 NE Fourth St. Hosted by the Executive Services Department. Free. Register here. 

September 13 - Recycling Event: Styrofoam, Plastic Bags, Document Shred, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Technical College Parking Lot #3, 3000 NE Fourth St. Hosted by the Public Works Department. Free. 

September 23 – Pop Up with a Cop at Renton Farmers Market, 3 – 7 p.m. Williams Avenue South and South Third Street. Hosted by the Renton Police Department and Renton Farmers Market. Free. 

September 24 - Neighborhood BBQ - Cascade Neighborhood, 3 - 6 p.m. Cascade Park, 16165 126th Ave. SE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. Register here. 

September 26 - Senior 50+ Resource Fair, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. Register here. 

September 26 - Coffee with a Cop at the Senior 50+ Resource Fair, 10 - 11 a.m. Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation in partnership with Renton Police Department. Free. 

September 27- Halloween Costume Swap, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the Public Works Department. Free. Please donate clean, good-condition costumes (all sizes) to the Highlands Neighborhood Center, Renton Community Center, and Renton City Hall between September 14-26. 

September 27 – Family Field Day, 1 – 3 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. Register here. 

September 30 – Renton Farmers Market Closing Day, 3 – 7 p.m. Williams Avenue South between South Second Street and South Third Street. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free. 

October 2 – Community Emergency Response Team, 6 – 9 p.m. Renton Regional Fire Authority Station #14, 900 Lind Ave. SW. Hosted by Renton Regional Fire Authority and the Executive Services Department. Free. Seven-week commitment. Register here. 

October 7 – Scout Night, 6 – 8 p.m. Renton Fire Station #14, 1900 Lind Ave. SW. Hosted by Renton Regional Fire Authority and Renton Police Department. Free. Register here. 

 

In other news this week 

Previous This Week in Renton newsletters

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