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:
- 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.
Save the Date: Saturday, December 6 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
(Admission closes at 8:00 p.m. | Guests may walk through until 8:20 p.m.)
Join Us for a Night of Lights, Music, and Holiday Cheer
Celebrate one of Renton’s brightest holiday traditions as regional public safety agencies transform their vehicles into dazzling light displays.
This free community event includes:
- Festive light displays created by competing agencies
- Live holiday music and a cheerful atmosphere
- Local food trucks serving seasonal favorites
- The chance to vote for your favorite decorated vehicle
Give back this season: Bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation to support a local food bank.
Pro Tip: A later arrival often means lighter crowds and better photo opportunities.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Time: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Renton Technical College, Parking Lots P9 & P10
3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056 - Admission: Free
- Restrooms: ADA-accessible portable restrooms onsite
Questions? Contact Stephanie Hynes at shynes@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-7519
Clean Sweep for 2025!
Now through December 31, 2025, single family residential customers within Renton city limits can schedule one pickup of extra garbage at no extra cost.
This pickup will occur on your regular garbage day and must be scheduled one to four weeks in advance.
Pickups can include
- ️Up to 10 units (32 gallons per unit, no side longer than three feet, max weight of 65 lbs.)
- Two bulky items like mattresses, sofas, or chairs
The following items are not accepted and should be recycled or disposed of in other ways: appliances, electronics, recyclables, yard waste, liquids, hazardous items, and construction material.
Please consider repair, reuse, or recycling items instead of disposal to reduce environmental impact.
Find all the details and learn how to schedule your free pickup at rentonwa.gov/cleansweep.
