Neighborhoods to the north of Gas Works Park (from North 40th Street to North Northlake Way) will be closed to all but local access traffic starting at noon. Valley Street will be closed from Westlake to Fairview all day–from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. Expect heavy congestion in the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Union.

Officers will be stationed at the starred locations, allowing residents and their party attendees into the area. If you’re driving to a party in the marked areas, please obtain a written invitation from your party hosts, including their address!

Some other very important 4th notes:

The Seattle Police Department would like to remind you that the possession, manufacture, storage, sale and use of fireworks (meaning everything but pop-it caps) is prohibited in Seattle, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Help make for a safe 4th by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

So, instead risking life, limb, a hefty fine and jail time, why not enjoy a wonderful clown, busker and skydiver-filled 4th at Seafair’s annual event at Lake Union? If you do attend Seafair’s Fourth of July event, here’s a list of things they’d like you to leave at home: Prohibited Items

-Personal Barbecues

-Marijuana

-Alcohol

-Fireworks, explosives or incendiary materials or devices

-Pets, other than service animals

-Weapons and Firearms

-Glass bottles

-Illegal drugs And please don’t leave any bags, packages or other items unattended during the festivities.

You can also help emergency responders on the 4th by keeping the intersection of Belmont Ave and Bellevue Pl. E.clear for emergency vehicles. In recent years, the intersection has become a popular spot during 4th Festivities, which is problematic as it’s also a direct link between Lakeview and South Lake Union. Please help police keep the street clear this year.

Finally, please keep in mind that 911 call centers are typically inundated on the 4th with reports of fireworks-related injuries and house fires.