Press Release

“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 residence. 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.