The only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Press Release #15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Emergency Management and the Joint Information Center are open today, January 10, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In the city of Kalama, Public Works Director Carl McCrary reports that all customers now have water. Although most areas of Kalama were not affected by the boil water order, those in the Taylor Road and Spencer Creek/Modrow Road areas are still under the boil water order. The boil water order will still be in effect until Washington State Department of Health required samples can be collected and analyzed. Mr. McCrary anticipates this will be sometime Monday, January 12, 2009.

Washington State Department of Transportation relayed last night the landslide that washed out SR 503 just south of Cougar (mile posts 30-31) in Cowlitz County could be closed for weeks. Heavy rain and snowmelt saturated the ground, loosening soil and causing the southbound lane of SR 503 to break free and slide down a steep embankment. At this time, the roadway is not stable enough to safely allow traffic through.

At the junction of SR 503 and the SR 503 Spur (mile post 30), the road is restricted to local traffic only.

Repair work will begin Monday and could take weeks. WSDOT recommends drivers use I-5 to SR 503 East from Woodland as an alternate route.

“Clean Kits” are available for distribution at the Point of Distribution (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 today, Saturday, January 10, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday next week. The kits include bleach, cleaning detergents, rubber gloves, sponges, garbage bags, soap and cleaning brushes. They are for homeowners who have been impacted by water in their residence.

We are warning people to not go beyond barricades on any areas that are closed off. People still need to be aware of the many hazards in the area, get the necessary rest and social support to stay alert to potential dangers, and wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with the affected areas of the floodwaters.

Information regarding road closures and other emergency information can be found on:
www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DEM/roads or http://www.cowlitzcountydem.blogspot.com/

Next Press Release will be issued some time before 3:00 p.m. today.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

A huge THANK YOU to the folks who are working to restore services. Is it safe to shower in the boil water zone? Also, does all the particulate matter harm water heaters?

Anonymous said...

Under a boil water order, the water is not sterile and should not be used to wash with. As for the harm to water heaters, I don't know about that.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate all the information that is provided here. Are Kalama residents still required to limit water use in general, or has that order been lifted?