Electronic readerboards installed at fire stations

Electronic readerboards are being installed at four Kirkland fire stations as well as the North Kirkland Community Center to improve communication between city officials and the public during emergencies or disasters.

As many residents have noticed, the signs are being installed at Forbes Creek Station 21 at Juanita Bay Park, Station 22 in Houghton and Station 26 on Rose Hill. Another will be added to Station 27 in Totem Lake when that area officially becomes part of Kirkland in June with annexation.

Most of the time the readerboards will be used to deliver non-emergency information about roadwork projects and closures, neighborhood meetings, public service announcements and events.

Part of a $200,000 emergency management project approved by the city council, they are being located on main streets with high visibility, and are equipped with backup generators for use during power outages.

Some concern has been voiced about the signs' cost at a time of severe budget reductions, including a reader on the Kirkland Views web site.

Deputy Fire Chief Helen Ahrens-Byington, Kirkland's emergency manager, said the project will likely be completed at considerably less than the $200,000 approved, and will provide a critical link with residents during emergencies.