Did You Know...

07-05-07 I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe 4th of July Holiday. The warm weather of Summer is definitely here as evidenced by the droves of swimmers spending time in the cool Hawkins Park Swimming Hole. As a reminder, the moving waters of Rock Creek don't tend to warm up like the standing water in a swimming pool so make sure you or your children are aware of how cool the water will be. Take breaks often and know your limits as related to your swimming ability. Also make sure to know where everyone is at all times in case someone would go into distress. I wanted to review a couple of new laws that just went into effect on July 1st. The first one, SB 480 addresses automobile safety restraints for children statutes. The bill amends previous laws and offers the following provisions: 1) Child passengers under one year old (regardless of weight) or a child who weighs 20 pounds or less, MUST be properly secured in a child safety system in a rear-facing position. 2) Child passengers who weigh 40 pounds or less must be properly secured in a child safety system. 3) Children weighing more than 40 pounds and who are 4'9" or shorter, MUST ride in a child safety system which elevates them (i.e. Booster seat) so the lap and the shoulder belt fit them properly. 4) Children 8 years of age or older need not be secured with a child safety system, but MUST be secured with a safety belt or safety harness. If you have questions about where your child is in regard to these requirements you can call the station, email me at chief@vernonia-or.gov or talk to one of my officers. The other bill is HB 2131 and it creates new provisions related to the address confidentiality program (ACP) that is coordinated through the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ). This unique program allows eligible victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to keep their residence address confidential by using a substitute ACP address that receives 1st class certified and registered mail. It also allows participants to use the ACP P.O. Box on their driver's license or ID card. This program offers eligible victims an extra sense of security when the suspects or perpetrators are or will actively seek to victimize them again. For more information on the ACP program you can visit the Oregon DOJ website at <http://www.doj.state.or.us/>. The Vernonia Police Department and several concerned citizens are starting a new safety campaign called "Walk Your Wheels". The "Walk Your Wheels" campaign is an effort to promote safety and to educate everyone on the laws and ordinances governing bicycles, skateboards, roller-skates, and scooters. City Ordinance in Vernonia prohibits anyone on the above mentioned wheeled transportation from riding on the sidewalks along Bridge St. from Rose Ave. to California Ave. as well as along Madison Ave. and Jefferson Ave. from Bridge St. to Maple Ave. We encourage everyone to "Walk Your Wheels" when in these areas for Safety Sake of pedestrians, motorist, and of course yourself.