PRESS RELEASE #11

COWLITZ COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Date: January 9, 2009 January Rainstorm 2009 #11
Time: 11:20 a.m. Released by: Cowlitz County DEM
Cowlitz County Joint Information Center
PIO 360-577-3173 or 360-577-3172
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We are just receiving word that I-5 northbound at MP 39 will have 2 and 3 (middle and right) lanes closed
immediately due to the development of a sinkhole. Details to follow.
“January Rain Storm 2009” Incident Commander Dave LaFave reminds citizens throughout Cowlitz County
that “Although many of the evacuation requests have been lifted and waters have receded, there remain pockets
of residents that are still displaced, isolated, and in need of assistance. Our focus in transition from emergency
response to recovery continues and we are working to identify those in need and provide necessary assistance.”
Overnight, the Ostrander detour route from Ostrander to Holcomb Road was closed due to a bridge on the
detour route being damaged due to swift water undermining supports. A new detour route was opened from
Ostrander to Headquarters Road and was marked using flagging tape which was upgraded this morning by
public works with signage. A “Reverse 911” call went out to residents in the Ostrander area notifying them of
the change.
Cowlitz County Public Works is hopeful they will have Ostrander Road open later today.
A “Reverse 911” call also went out to notify Kalama residents of the critical potable water shortage that is
currently affecting Kalama City Water users.
A common term that will be used during and after an emergency such as the one we are currently experiencing
is ”POD” or “Point of Distribution”. These PODs will be used to get necessary supplies to residents in the
affected area.
“Clean Kits” which should be available for distribution at the POD located at the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints building located at 11th and Delaware in Longview. The POD will be open from 0800 – 1800
hours Saturday January 10th. These kits are for homeowners that have been impacted by water into the
residents. PODs were established for sandbags as well.
Information regarding road closures and other emergency information can be found on:
www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DEM/roads or www.CowlitzCountyDEM.blogspot.com
Next Press Release will be issued at 4:30 p.m. today.
Joint Information Center.
(360) 577-3171 or (360) 577-3172
###