.png)
Pend Oreille County unemployment rates released
NEWPORT – The Washington State Employment Security Department released the unemployment rates of Pend Oreille and all other counties in November 2024.
Pend Oreille’s unemployment rate was 5.7%, a 0.5% increase from October 2024.
In comparison, Bonner County’s unemployment rate in October 2024 was 5.3%, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. Preliminary data estimates that Bonner’s unemployment rate in November 2024 was also 5.3%.
SCORE hosting online workshops for small businesses in January
SEATTLE – Counselors to America’s Small Business, formerly known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, is a nonprofit organization hosting free online workshops dedicated to growing small businesses. The following ones are in January: * Selling Your Business 101: An Overview of Business Evaluations and the Acquisition Process” from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Jan. 17 * Creating a Quick Business Plan in Three Hours” from noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21 * Starting a Nonprofit: Essential Insights for Aspiring Founders” from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22 * Become A Small Business Owner Through Franchising” from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 * Part one of “Unlocking Your Marketing Potential in Just Six Weeks!” from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27 To register for or find out more about each workshop, visit SCORE’s website at score.org/seattle/ local-workshops.
Ensure smoke alarm safety with these steps
OLYMPIA – Working smoke alarms save lives, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reports.
With working smoke alarms, the risk of dying in a home structure fire can reduce by up to 67%, reported the National Fire Protection Association in 2024. And about 78% of reported fire fatalities were in locations where smoke alarms should have been installed, the SFMO reported in 2023.
To ensure smoke alarm safety, the SFMO recommends taking the following steps:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and on each level of your home.
• Ensure smoke alarms are interconnected to provide optimal protection.
• Install photoelectric alarms in areas near kitchens and bathrooms. They are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization alarms are better at detecting flaming fires.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly. If they are battery- operated, replace the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
• Smoke alarms are designed to last for up to 10 years; replace them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• If you live in rental housing, contact your landlord or property manager for assistance. By law, all rental properties must have working smoke alarms when you move in.
For more information, contact the SFMO at 360-5963904.
