Happy Monday! It’s Summer Safety Week in downtown Spokane! July 31 through August 4, downtown is sharing resources and tips to foster a safer, more inviting, community for all.

From walking, to driving, to shopping and enjoying downtown nightlife, planning ahead and staying alert will keep you safe and create a better experience for yourself and those around you.
According to WalkScore.com downtown Spokane has a walkability score of 86, meaning walkability between downtown destinations is convenient and accessible. While walking around downtown it’s important stay alert to prevent bodily injury. Whether you are walking on a busy urban street with sidewalks and crosswalks, or are walking in a largely suburban area that is less densely populated, it is important to remember tips for staying safe. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends the following safety tips for pedestrians:

• Make yourself visible.
• Remain in well-lit areas.
• Remain alert and attentive.
• Avoid any distractions like listening to music, talking on the phone, or texting.
• Follow traffic rules, and pay attention to street signs and signals.
• Assume that drivers do not see you and take steps to be seen, as well as making eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.
• Use crosswalks when they are available.
• Walk on sidewalks when they are available.
• Never walk on roads prohibited for pedestrians, such as highways.

Planning a fun night out? Whether you are walking, getting a ride or driving, make sure your plans are set before you go out. If you are walking, make sure you know your route. If you are getting a ride, make sure the driver stays sober.

• Use the buddy system. Plan ahead by taking a trusted friend who has your best interests in mind. Stay together.
• Eat and stay hydrated. Alcohol can dehydrate you quickly.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended. The best way to keep your possessions safe, is to leave them at home.
• Stay by your drinks. Even if you are not drinking alcohol, it is easy for someone to put something in your drink unless you see it opened or prepared. Keep it with you at all times.
• If you are driving, stay sober and be an extra defensive driver. Others may not be as responsible as you are. If you are walking, be aware that drivers may be distracted or intoxicated. Use extra caution whenever you are crossing a street or near vehicles in motion.
• Look out for your friends. Even if you are aware of your surroundings, nobody can see everything all the time. Look out for the safety of your friends and talk to them about doing the same for you.

Did you know about the Downtown Ambassadors? A program of the Downtown Business Improvement District, Ambassadors help provide a visible public safety presence and observe, report, and prevent street disorders.

• Downtown Ambassadors are consistently active throughout the week in partnership with the Spokane Police Department, Ambassadors engage in problem solving to reduce the fear of crime and reduce street disorder.
• Ambassadors are downtown experts and available to assist the public with directions, resources or recommendations.
• In 2022 the ambassador team enhanced its mobility in the downtown core with the launch of a bike patrol program. Team members completed a 22-hour certification course in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department as part of the program’s launch. During the course, Ambassadors learned advanced maneuvering techniques and best practices for contacting individuals when arriving via bike.
• In 2022, Downtown Ambassadors had over 2,000 Citizen assists and over 4,500 Business contacts.
• If you’re downtown this week, make sure to thank our team in blue!

Learn more about Ambassadors.

The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings! Come learn more tips and tricks to help keep your community safe at our Night Out Against Crime Event this Tuesday, August 1 at 4:00 pm.