The only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness.

Monday, June 25, 2012

FUN class coming up!

Do you want to possess your very own oven that requires NO electricity?  If the lights were out for a few days, would you want to be able to prepare brownies, casseroles or cookies like nobody's business?  Of course you do!

Come to the Box Oven Cooking Class!  This is a hands-on class where you will be able to make your own box oven and learn other methods of feeding your family without using electricity.  We will review water storage options, meal planning without using electricity and safe, alternative light sources. 

You will receive step-by-step instructions for assembling your own oven, receive all of the materials (with the exception of briquettes) and learn how to use your new oven. 

The class will be held at the Cowlitz County PUD Auditorium on Saturday, July 14th from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.  The class is $25 per person.  This class is very popular and fills up fast, so sign up soon.  To RSVP and pay online, please visit:  www.preparingheroes.org/events.  Call (360) 690-5882 if you have questions.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Summertime Safety Tips

I know this is a re-run, but it's still relevant!

It's summertime and that means fun in the sun and cooling off in our area's beautiful rivers and lakes. After enduring months of rain and cold, of course the Washingtonian has a ravenous, pent-up need for sunshine! Please remember that our rivers are swift and very cold, no matter what the outside temperature.


Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting full body exercise. However, each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States. It is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years old. Shockingly, it is believed that two-thirds of the people who drown are believed to never have had any intention of being in the water. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, we have compiled the following information to help everyone have a safe and fun summer.

By keeping these few simple things in mind, you can make your experience in the water much safer.
*Learn to swim before you go into the water. Sounds silly, but many people think it will come naturally, and it really doesn’t.

*Swim near a lifeguard so help is available if you need it

*Never swim alone

*Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present

*Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water

*Alcohol and swimming don't mix

*Protect your head, neck, and spine by jumping feet first into unfamiliar waters

*As soon as you believe that you may be in trouble, call or wave for help

*Follow regulations and lifeguard directions

*Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances

Swimming and playing near water are favorite summer time activities of children everywhere. Parents and guardians need to pay extra attention and make sure they protect little ones from the dangers that water presents. Here are some points to consider about water safety for children.
*Never leave a child alone near water. Accidents happen in seconds, so if you have to leave, take your child with you.

*Watch out for neighborhood pools. Whether it is your own or your neighbors, toys that are left around the pool can attract children to the water.

*If you have a pool, make sure you surround it by a fence that is tall enough that children cannot climb over, and with a gate that locks.

*Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Lessons won't make your child "drown-proof," but they will increase their safety and prepare them for a lifetime of fun in the water.

*Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.

*Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy.

*Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Flat Stanley Project

Looking for a fun way to incorporate preparedness into the classroom or home?  Check out FEMA's Flat Stanley project.  All of the info is included in the website. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Map Your Neighborhood

Don't forget--coming up this Thursday is the Map Your Neighborhood training.  Learn how to make your neighborhood more prepared for a disaster.  This free training will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz PUD Auditorium at 961 12th Avenue in Longview.  To register, please email DEM@co.cowlitz.wa.us or call us at 577-3130.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Thunderstorms Possible

According to the National Weather Service, it looks like SW Washington may be in for some thunderstorms and hail later today.  Stop acting all surprised and indignant, we go through this every year.  You guys, it's Washington, summer doesn't start until July 5th (if you're lucky)!