Can I do Fireworks on New Year's Eve?

Legal use of fireworks is ok for our neighborhood on the 31st of December from 6pm-1am (since we are located within unincorporated Clark County).  Please refer to the Fireworks Use Map when making your plans for the holiday.  Always be safe and responsible!

Fireworks Use Map

Legal use of fireworks is ok for our neighborhood on the 4th of July from 9am-midnight (since we are located within unincorporated Clark County).  Please refer to the Fireworks Use Map when making your plans for the holiday.  Always be safe and responsible!

Safe Exchange Zones

Vancouver Police and Clark County Sheriff's Office parking lots posted as Safe Exchange Zones (Photo) - 08/17/15 
"Vancouver, Wash.- On August 17, 2015, the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office will begin offering the parking lots at their facilities as Safe Exchange Zones where individuals conducting online purchase transactions can meet with the potential buyer or seller to complete the transaction. The parking lots at the participating law enforcement buildings provide an alternative to meeting a stranger at a private residence or unfamiliar location. Signage is placed on the buildings that are designated as Safe Exchange Zones. 

"It's important to remember, everyone online is a stranger, so offering our parking lots as a place where legal transactions can occur seemed like a natural extension of our community crime prevention efforts", said Vancouver Police Chief James P. McElvain. 

"Historically, our precinct parking lots have been seen as 'neutral zones' for citizens to meet, be publicly visible, and know that a deputy may be close by if needed", says Clark County Sheriff Chuck E. Atkins. "In an era of increasing risk from online purchases, we see this as a logical component of our commitment to public safety. By providing our parking lots as a known landmark to meet and conduct legal, private transactions it's our desire to lessen the potential dangers for both buyer and seller." 

Vancouver Police or Clark County Sheriff personnel will not assist with any transactions, and gun sales are prohibited. The Safe Exchange Zone is meant for person-to-person transactions. Property may not be dropped off and left unattended; sellers are required to take their property with them if the buyer does not show up. 

The following location parking lots are designated and signed as Safe Exchange Zones: 
* Vancouver Police Administration (605 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police West Precinct (2800 NE Stapleton Rd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police East Precinct (512 SE 155th Ave., Vancouver, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's West Precinct (505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's Office Central Precinct (11608 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie, WA) 

Law enforcement agencies across the country are utilizing the safe exchange zone premise and both the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office are excited to support this enhancement to community safety. "
Source: FlashAlert.net

"Hot Days + Cold Water = Potentially Dangerous Combination" by CRESA 9-1-1

With temperatures predicted in the 90s this weekend, here's some important information from CRESA 9-1-1 for keeping cool and safe!

Safe & Secure Rx Disposal

Coming Up!  Rx Take Back Spring Event  - Saturday, April 25, 2015.

For year-round disposal options, see this flyer.  For additional information and resources, we invite you to check out the Prevent! Coalition of Clark County or visit Clark County's medication recycling page.

You can also find this event posted on our neighborhood Facebook page.

Serving Safe & Healthy Foods

Those summer get-togethers, bbq's and block parties will have to wait for next year because fall is here.  You know what that means...food!  Get ready for those church potlucks, family gatherings and office holiday parties with these tips for serving safe and healthy foods at private community events. 

It's recommended that all food handlers get a food worker card to increase food safety at events.  Some events do require a license or permit.  For more information about food safety, including a link for food safety recalls, please visit the food page for Clark County Public Health. 

Burn Ban

Reminder! No outdoor burning from July 15th through September 30th when fire danger levels are high. For burning after Sept. 30th, please check with the Fire Marshal's Office to see if the ban has been lifted.  For more information about the current ban, click here.  Information on outdoor burning including burning of yard debris and recreational fires, click here.

Note:  Heritage is not within the Vancouver city limits but is in the Urban Growth Area of Clark County.

Boater Education

"State law requires boat operators to carry a Washington State Boater Education card when operating motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater (including personal watercraft or any motorized watercraft)." Source: WA State Parks webpage

How to get your card:

• Clark County Sheriff's Office-Marine Patrol, in conjunction with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons offer a boater education class every month on the fourth Saturday (except Nov & Dec).  The class is from 8:30am-5pm.  Cost is $10, materials provided.  To register or get more information: call Deputy Todd Baker at 360-397-2106 or e-mail todd.baker@clark.wa.gov or call Gay Sipes at 360-256-2991. Mention you're in the Heritage Neighborhood. Why? It shows that we're helping our neighbors be safe on the water!   During the summer months (June, July and August), we're offering cold beverages in the afternoon for those in class.  It's just our way of saying thank you!
• To learn more about the requirement or how to get the card with an online course, visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered .

For more information about your local US Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit www.flotilla78.org .

Visit www.usps.org for the United States Power Squadrons.