Cowlitz County Sheriff

Freezing Rain May Be Coming Our Way...

2009-12-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service-Portland has issued a Winter Storm Watch for freezing rain, sleet, and snow for our area. The watch is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. The Department of Emergency Management just completed a weather briefing with forecasters from the Portland National Weather Service and they are following a storm system off the Pacific Ocean with a heavy band of precipitation. They are anticipating that the precipitation will begin in the form of snow late Friday evening and transition into freezing rain on Saturday morning with a possibility of ½ inch of ice. As temperatures rise, the ice should mix into regular rain by Saturday evening. So in summary,

* PRECIPITATION MAY BEGIN AS EARLY AS LATE FRIDAY EVENING.

* PRECIPITATION IS LIKELY TO START AS SNOW ON FRIDAY AND TRANSITION TO FREEZING RAIN ON SATURDAY.

* THERE IS A GREATER THAN NORMAL DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY WITH THIS
FORECAST...SO CHECK WITH LATER FORECASTS FOR MORE DETAILS.

Warming Shelter Needs

2009-12-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

The warming shelter set up at the Kelso First Assembly of God Church has been put to good use by people seeking shelter from the bitter cold. Around 20 people have found a warm place to sleep each night that the shelter has been open. I spoke to a shelter volunteer this morning to see how things were going and she said that they are in need of eggs, coffee, coffee cups, paper plates and bowls and individually wrapped food. If you are interested in donating these items, they can be dropped off at the shelter located in the Activity Center of the church at 300 N. 4th Avenue in Kelso beginning at 7:00 pm or at the Bridgegate Apartment main office at 825 32nd Avenue. If you have questions, call Liz Haeck at 442-0612.

H1N1 Vaccine Restrictions Lifted

2009-12-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

From CRESA Blog
H1N1 vaccine restrictions lifted in Southwest Washington - Vaccine now available for everyone

Region IV Public Health released the following news release yesterday afternoon:

Washington State public health agency administrators and health officers decided yesterday to lift priority group restrictions and make H1N1 vaccine available to anyone who wants it. Although some Washington counties may still decide to offer vaccine to priority groups only, restrictions have been lifted in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.
“As more vaccine has arrived in the region, we are meeting vaccine demand among the priority groups to the extent that we can now make the vaccine available to everyone,” said Marni Storey, Region IV Incident Commander. “Even so, we are focusing our outreach efforts on people in priority groups and encouraging those at greatest risk to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Priority groups include:
 Pregnant women because they are at much higher risk of complications from H1N1.
 Healthcare workers because they can potentially infect vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism could reduce healthcare system capacity.
 Children ages 6 months through age 24
 Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
 Persons ages 6 months to 64 years with chronic medical conditions that could worsen with influenza, such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, immunosuppression and others.

For information about where to get vaccinated, call your healthcare provider or pharmacy or visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/Vaccines.html.
People without health insurance can receive free H1N1 vaccine at the following locations. Please call first.
Clark County
 Free Clinic of SW Washington, (360) 313-1390
 New Heights Clinic, (360) 694-0355
Cowlitz County
 Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic, (360) 414-2852
 Cowlitz Family Health Center, (360) 636-3892.

Although the number of H1N1 influenza cases is declining nationally, health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated for several reasons:
 H1N1 influenza is a very contagious and potentially serious disease. The best way to prevent catching or spreading H1N1 influenza is to get vaccinated.
 Because H1N1 is a new virus, we can’t predict the course of the outbreak. Although the number of cases is dropping, we could still experience additional outbreaks of H1N1 influenza later this season.
 The more people who get vaccinated, the more protection we have in the community. Even if you get a mild case of influenza, someone you infect may develop a much more severe illness with complications.

Weather Updates

2009-12-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

From the National Weather Service:

Very cold weather will continue this week over the Pacific Northwest with a possibility of light wintry precipitation this weekend. A modified arctic air mass over SW Washington and NW Oregon will continue this week. Daytime highs are expected to be near freezing while nighttime lows will be in the teens with a gradual warming trend through the end of the week. A Pacific system is expected around Saturday and may bring a wintry mix of snow and freezing rain (wintry mix---that sounds festive) to our area before temperatures warm above freezing. Sounds like time for cocoa and a good book (but not in front of the fire, see previous post).

Cold Spell to Stick Around

2009-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Keep those sweaters out (unless it looks like that one), the cold weather is here to stay. According to the National Weather Service, a modified arctic air mass will linger over Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon this week. Daytime high temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing today or tomorrow and nighttime lows will be in the teens and twenties. Slow warming is expected by Wednesday, but temperatures will remain much lower than normal through Friday. Gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected to continue throughout the morning. For information on staying safe in cold weather, click here.

Burn Ban for Cowlitz County Starts Tonight

2009-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

From the SW Washington Clean Air Agency Website

Stage 1 Burn Ban for Cowlitz County Tonight
Outdoor burning and the use of fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves is prohibited until air quality improves. Households without an alternative heat source are exempted.

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 5 p.m. today, December 8, 2009 for all of Cowlitz County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of stagnant weather conditions that allows air pollution to accumulate at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted. If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban.

Due to Cowlitz County’s varying topography, some localized areas may experience windy conditions while others remain stagnant and inundated with smoke. This countywide Stage 1 Burn Ban will remain in effect until our monitors show demonstrated improvement in our air quality and weather forecasts indicate improved ventilation.

If air quality continues to deteriorate, SWCAA may have to issue a Stage 2 Burn Ban which would prohibit all wood burning, including fireplaces, certified wood stoves, inserts and pellet stoves. This does exclude homes where wood burning is the sole source of heat.

“We are hopeful that calling this Stage 1 curtailment will prevent us from exceeding the federal health-based standard for fine particle pollution,” said Bob Elliott, executive director of the agency. “Wood smoke is a nuisance and a public health hazard,” Elliott continued, “so reducing wood smoke where feasible benefits everyone. We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until our air quality improves.”

On cold nights with little or no wind, wood smoke pollution can accumulate to levels that are considered unhealthy. Fine particles released by smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces and other burning are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. Episodes of high fine particle pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse.

These curtailments will likely come in two progressive stages:

Stage 1:The use of all fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves and inserts is banned when pollution is forecasted to reach unhealthy levels. Uncertified units are typically older than 1990 and lack a certification label on the back of the unit. Certified woodstoves and inserts are allowed during a Stage 1 Burn Ban.

Stage 2: All wood heating is prohibited, including certified units, when the Stage 1 curtailment has not reversed the increasing pollution trend and weather conditions still indicate a high risk for exceeding air quality health standards.
These curtailments will not apply to homes with no other source of adequate heat. All outdoor burning is also banned during these burn bans.

Tips for Cleaner Burning:

The most complete and effective way to reduce wood smoke pollution is to use another form of heat. If you must use wood, or choose to do so when local rules permit, the following recommendations can help diminish the emissions from your woodstove, fireplace or fireplace insert:
* Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Be sure your firewood has been split and dried for at least one year.
* Never burn wet, painted, stained or treated wood, color newsprint, plastic, garbage, diapers or magazines. Items such as these produce high amounts of odor, smoke and toxic fumes. Burning these materials is illegal and also an excellent way to start a chimney fire.
* Store your firewood under cover. A shed or shelter is best. If you use a plastic tarp, allow ventilation to prevent condensation.
* Burn small, hot fires. This helps the wood burn completely and cleanly.
* Never allow the fire to smolder. Smoldering fires are the worst polluters because they burn at a temperature too low for efficient combustion. The result is more smoke—unburned wood going up the chimney, wasted.
* Do not damper too much. Allow enough air for the wood to burn fully, without smoldering. * * Never try to keep the fire going overnight by cutting back the air supply. This wastes wood, produces much smoke and creosote and produces little heat.
* Step outside and look at the plume from your chimney. You should see only heat waves. If you can see smoke, your wood is not burning completely. Increase the air supply to your fire.
* Size your woodstove properly. A stove that is too large for the space to be heated will have to be damped down, causing much smoke and wasting wood.
* Do not burn in moderate temperatures. Your stove will tend to overheat your house. You will want to close the dampers to cut back on the heat, which cuts oxygen to the fire, wastes wood and increases pollution.
* Do not install a woodstove until you have considered other ways to cut heating costs. Insulating and weather stripping can cost less than a woodstove and will reduce your heating requirements, whether your heat source is wood, oil, gas or electricity.
* Do not install an uncertified stove—installation of uncertified stoves is illegal. These stoves are more polluting.
Founded in 1968, the mission of the Southwest Clean Air Agency is to preserve and enhance the air quality in southwest Washington. Serving the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum, SWCAA is responsible for protecting the public’s health through the enforcement of federal, state and local air quality standards and regulations.

Psssst...we're kind of awesome....

2009-12-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

I know that sometimes Cowlitz County can seem like a backwoods, behind-the-times county. I know that we aren't the biggest, the brightest or the richest county in the state, but here's a little article that should make you feel at least a little safer and little more proud to live in Cow Co. The article, found here is from the Portland Oregonian on November 30th of this year. It details how the city of Portland administration is looking for an emergency notification system after the recent E.coli contamination problems. Many metropolitan areas have some form of landline notification system (Portland does not) but have no way to reach residents via cell phone, VOIP phone or email. You know who has all of that (and a bag of chips)? Cowlitz County! If you have not registered your cell phone with our Emergency Community Notification System (ECNS), I would encourage you to do so TODAY! Just click the "Alert Cowlitz County" icon on the blog home page (the icon just to your right) and follow the prompts. If you have a landline phone, no worries, you're automatically in the system. If you have questions about the ECNS system, please feel free to call or email us, we're happy to help. So, while we may not be able to boast a book store the size of a city block or even an Olive Garden, sleep soundly knowing that we are on the cutting edge of emergency notification technology. (Plus, we have a way cool blog and they don't)

Address Correction

2009-12-07T14:47:00.001-08:00

The correct address of the First Assembly of God Church where will warming shelter will be located is 300 N. 4th Avenue in Kelso on the corner of N. 4th and Cowlitz Way.

Warming Shelter Opening

2009-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

There will be a warming shelter opening this evening at the Kelso First Assembly of God Church located at 1517 N. 4th Avenue (at the corner of 4th and Academy Street). The shelter will be open from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for the next few nights in the Activity Center on the upper floor of the church. Plans are being worked up to provide soup or a warm meal for those who come to the shelter. We would appreciate it if you would distribute information about the warming shelter to those persons who may be homeless or living in a place that is too cold to safely occupy. The shelter is being organized and sponsored by several of the church groups in Cowlitz County. Organizers are looking for help with blankets and snacks. If you have questions, please contact Liz Haeck at 442-0612 or Cindy Helms-Jarrell 442-8774.

Baby, it's COLD outside!

2009-12-04T10:38:00.001-08:00

According to the National Weather Service, an arctic blast is headed toward Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon late Saturday night and Sunday. A series of cold weather systems will move across the Pacific Northwest over the next several days. The first cold front is expected to move down from British Columbia and across Washington and Oregon tonight. This system will not contain much moisture but a few snow flurries are possible in the northern valleys with a slight chance of measurable snow in the Cascades.

Very cold arctic air is expected to move in late Saturday night and Sunday behind an arctic front that will sweep across the Cascades westward into Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Daytime temperatures may remain below freezing in some areas. Overnight temperatures will fall into the teens and twenties along with increasing easterly winds. Some scattered snow showers are possible in the Cascades and there is a slight chance this system could bring some light snow to the valleys. This will depend on how the system develops and how much moisture is available. It appears that low level cold air will remain in place over Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon on Monday and into Tuesday.

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

* Have appropriate cold weather clothing available and keep your head covered. Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
* Heat only the areas of your home that you are using. Close doors and curtains to keep in the heat.
* Don’t forget your outside pets! If possible, bring them inside. If not, be sure to provide them with shelter away from the wind and ensure there is enough food and unfrozen water available.
* Do not drive unnecessarily.

* Listen to your radio or television for winter storm forecasts and other information.

Red Balloon Challenge

2009-12-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

DARPA (a federal agency charged with the development of new innovative technologies) is sponsoring the DARPA Network Challenge, which is a prize competition for exploring the roles the internet and social media play in real-time communications, wide-area collaborations, and practical actions required to solve broad-scope, time-critical problems. Specifically, this Saturday (December 5th), ten large red weather balloons will be moored throughout the United States along non-disclosed roadways.The first team to identify all ten locations will be awarded a prize of $40,000. Because we value the importance and engagement of social media and wide-area collaboration, we have partnered with emergency management offices throughout the Country (Kansas, Texas, etc.). Johnson County Emergency Management in Kansas contacted us to see if we would like to participate in this contest. If the associated emergency management agencies win, we are going to divide the money to support various emergency preparedness efforts in the areas that participated! But to win...we need you! Keep your eyes peeled this weekend for any red balloons. If you see one let us know the cross streets where you saw them. We'll take care of the rest! You can post the location to any of Johnson County's various social media sites, and they have also created a new Facebook page to collect all the locations.This is an easy way to help prepare communities across America to be better prepared for emergencies. Help us reach out and connect!

This is only a test....

2009-12-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the Department of Emergency Management conducted a routine test of our Emergency Community Notification System. This year's test was conducted in Ryderwood at 2:00 p.m. A test call to 252 residents was made with the following message:
This is the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. Please do not hang up. We are conducting a test of the Emergency Community Notification System for residents of the Ryderwood area. In the event of an emergency, this system of reverse calling could be used to alert you to take action or evacuate. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have questions or comments about this test please call Emergency Management at (360) 577-3130.
Seventy-five percent of the calls were successful (meaning someone answered or it went to an answering machine), the 25% of unsuccessful calls were either unanswered, received busy signals, were fax lines or were no longer in service. So, in theory, if there had been an actual emergency, 75% of Ryderwood residents would have been informed. We count that as a big success! If you have questions about our Emergency Community Notification System (ECNS) please give us a call at 577-3130.

Email Virus

2009-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

FYI-- There is a bogus email going around that looks like it is coming from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). The email has a subject of “Creation of your personal Vaccination Profile.” This email instructs the user to create a profile for a H1N1 vaccination program. DO NOT click the link that is in this email, it contains a virus. Immediately delete the email from your mailbox. I don't know why or how people can create a virus, but I really wish they'd use those skills for good instead of evil!

Emergency Notifications...Your Thoughts?

2009-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Below is a news article out of the News Tribune in Tacoma. Our own county has a very similar system of "reverse 911" called Emergency Community Notification System (ECNS). This system has been in place in Cowlitz County for several years and has been used primarily to evacuate neighborhoods in flooding situations. We test this system every winter to make sure that it is still viable and running properly. We will be conducting a test this Monday, November 30th, in the Ryderwood area. At any rate, here is the article:

County's emergency robo-calls annoy, confuse Lakewood residents
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 7:17 AM PST
By Brent Champaco
The News Tribune

TACOMA, Wash. -- Pierce County’s emergency call system sent an automated plea for help to about 11,000 Lakewood homes when a disabled man went missing last week.But it appears the system might have prompted more questions and complaints than assistance from residents annoyed by the late-night and early-morning robo-calls.It all started when a 50-year-old man who recently moved to Lakewood went missing from his health care facility Thursday night. Authorities were concerned because he is deaf, has serious medical issues and has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old.Police enlisted the help of the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management and its automated, reverse-911 call system, the Intrado Notification System.At the request of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the system called 11,000 homes in the city’s southeast corner about 11:30 p.m. Thursday. A recorded voice asked residents to call police if they spotted the missing man. Those same residents got another call around 6 a.m. Friday.The good news was someone spotted the man in Federal Way early Friday. Police eventually found him at a bus stop, and he was taken back to his home.But the incident marked the first time Lakewood residents got calls via Pierce County’s emergency system, and some people weren’t too happy with the technology.“We certainly got quite a few calls Monday,” said Sheri Badger, spokeswoman for the Department of Emergency Management.Someone with the screen name “karlveek” wrote about the inconvenience on The News Tribune’s Web site.“I’m glad they found him,” the person wrote. “But did the Lakewood Police have to robo-call me at 6:30 a.m. today to inform me that he was missing(?) I don’t mind the computer-generated calls, but 6:30 in the morning is a little too early.”Badger said despite the complaints, the reverse-911 system works.The county’s emergency management department has relied on the system since 2003. It can geographically identify, warn and provide instructions to residents during an emergency, according to Intrado’s Web site.Up until this year, the county used the system primarily for evacuations and other emergencies. For example, Fife requested thousands of calls to warn people to evacuate during the region’s heavy flooding this year.Now, the county is also using the system to help find missing people. In October, it sent calls to Spanaway residents when a 75-year-old Alzheimer’s patient went missing. The system notified residents in South Hill of a missing 16-year-old girl this month.In both cases, the system helped police find the missing person safely, Badger said.Lakewood’s instance marked the third time the county used the system for missing persons.In every case, an incident commander decides whether to notify residents by phone and how many people the system should call. It’s capable of placing 41,600 calls per minute.Last week, an incident commander with the Sheriff’s Department decided to place calls to southeast Lakewood, Badger said.The system isn’t perfect. Someone with the county typed last week’s message into system incorrectly, so the voice told residents to dial “nine hundred eleven” rather than “9-1-1.” Badger said that won’t be an ongoing problem.Lakewood City Councilman Walter Neary was one of the 11,000 residents who got last week’s calls.But instead of needing help, he assumed the missing man might be dangerous. The recorded voice didn’t make it clear.Neary said he appreciates how the system can help authorities.“I just think we need to educate people on what the plan should be,” he said.

I want YOUR thoughts. What do you think of using this type of notification system in a missing person situation? Please vote in the poll on the right-hand margin.

Holiday Travel Tips

2009-11-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh…Thanksgiving…a time to gather ‘round the table and participate in ritualistic gluttony with your extended family. For some people, this also means travelling over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house. If you are one of the many Washington drivers that will be travelling this holiday season, check out these tips from the Washington State Department of Transportation website.
If you do not already have a car emergency kit, now would be a good time to consider getting one. You can purchase ready-made car emergency kits at local retailers (camping supply stores, automotive stores, etc) or you can make your own. Good items to keep in your car include:
*Water
*Non-perishable foods that can be eaten without cooking
*Blankets or sleeping bags
*Flashlight with extra batteries
*Shovel
*Jumper cables
*Flare
*Toilet Paper

Be sure to remember to rotate the food and water at least once a year. It will be more than a minor inconvenience if you need your kit and all you have is a stale Tab soda and a Snickers bar from last century. So, in conclusion, pack smart, be patient and have a safe and happy holiday!

Flooding Video

2009-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is a real-life flooding video, shot by Marcie Maynes, owner of Simple-Safety. Scenes such as these serve as a friendly reminder to BE PREPARED for anything! To learn more about flood preparedness, visit our website at www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DEM.

Insulation, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Presentation

2009-11-23T09:04:00.001-08:00

There will be an informative presentation on preparing your home for winter weather, learning energy saving tips and discussion about indoor air quality on Monday, December 14th at 6:00 pm at St. Helens Elementary School. BPI Certified Energy Auditor Steve Mott from Lower Columbia CAP will be on hand to discuss how to make your home more energy efficient and safe for winter months. Indoor air quality is also an important topic that will be discussed. According to the local Health Department's Healthy Homes Program Cowlitz County has twice the rate of asthma as the state and nation. Because children have unique vulnerabilities, they account for a disproportionate share of asthma sufferers. 22% of local children have been told by a medical professional that they have asthma.

The Healthy Homes Program is dedicated to helping families identify and reduce asthma triggers in their homes. Many people, and often children, spend a lot of time in their home. There are irritants or triggers in the home that can lead to asthma development and cause asthma attacks. Irritants in the home include tobacco smoke, dust mites, pets, mold, and cleaning products. The Healthy Homes Program, staffed with trained community volunteers, offers free home assessments and easy, no-cost, or low cost recommendations to reduce or eliminate those asthma triggers and improve indoor air quality.

To find out more information on the Healthy Homes Program, or to schedule a home evaluation, please call 414-5881 or click here.

Boil Water Order Issued for Vader residents

2009-11-19T22:46:00.000-08:00

There has been a "Boil Water" order issued for residents of Vader and Enchanted Valley. The city of Vader's water system has not been working properly and the system has had several water line breaks. Click here to see The Daily News for more information.

Hazard Mitigation Open Houses

2009-11-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Do you need information about how to prepare for winter storms? Do you want information about how your local government and emergency responders plan to minimize the effects of natural hazards such as flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and winter storms? The Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management is holding three meetings on November 19th at the following locations throughout Cowlitz County:

10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.---Castle Rock Exhibit Hall (147 Front Street)

2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.---Woodland City Hall (230 Davidson Street)

7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.---Cowlitz County PUD Auditorium (961 12th Ave, Longview)

Attendees will learn how to prepare for a winter storm and receive advice on what actions to take during a storm event. Additionally, staff from the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments will present information about the current planning process for the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan. This important plan includes specific actions and programs necessary to minimize the losses during future natural disasters. The discussion will include a proposed scope of work for completing the federal update requirements and information on how the public can participate in the planning process.

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting to learn about the hazards affecting our county and the Hazard Mitigation Plan update process. For more information, please contact Matt Hermen or T.J. Keiran at (360) 577-3041.

Windy Days and Mondays....

2009-11-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

...or something like that. At any rate, hold on to your figurative hats because it's about to get windy! The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 7:00 pm this evening until 4:00 am tomorrow for the Lower Columbia region and the I-5 corridor of Southwest Washington. South winds are expected to increase to 25-35 mph with gusts of 45 mph during the evening and continuing overnight. The winds are being produced ahead of a strong Pacific cold front and will decrease by sunrise on Tuesday morning as the cold front moves in. Sounds like a good night to stay inside and play Monopoly. I get to be the top hat!

We've Only Just Begun...

2009-11-18T13:35:00.001-08:00

....to raaaaain...Yes, two Carpenters song references in one week. Anyway, the hard working folks in the Department of Emergency Management participated in both the Portland and Seattle National Weather Service (NWS) briefings this morning. The NWS is following a developing weather front off the coast that will move in tonight and another front that will arrive tomorrow morning. High winds are expected on the Oregon and Washington coasts, but will dissipate as they reach Cowlitz County. The wind is not expected to be as strong as the storm that we experienced on Monday. The Lower Columbia/Cowlitz Valley area can expect 10 mph-15 mph sustained winds with 25-30 mph gusts. There will be intermittent heavy rain with this storm but not in amounts expected to cause flooding for our area. There have been no high wind or flood warnings issued for Cowlitz County. The NWS forecasts another storm system will arrive in our area over the weekend.

Weather Updates

2009-11-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

Cowlitz County appears to be in the clear for flooding issues so far. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Grays, Nehalem and Willapa Rivers, but not for any of the rivers in our county. The storm system will weaken by late tonight and weather conditions should even out tomorrow and for the weekend. Stay tuned for any changes.

Cooking in the Dark, An Additional Class

2009-11-03T08:11:00.001-08:00

Response to the "Cooking in the Dark" classes have been overwhelming and we are now full! I have added a third class on December 1st, 6:00 pm, General Meeting Room of the Cowlitz County Administration Building (third floor), 207 N. 4th Ave. If you are interested in this hands-on learning opportunity and have not signed up yet, please send me an email at DEM@co.cowlitz.wa.us or call the office at 577-3130 to sign up.

Spring Ahead, Fall Back

2009-11-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

Daylight saving time was last weekend, did you change your smoke detector batteries? I know I'm a little late to the party, story of my life, but daylight saving time is not only a great time to change out your smoke detector batteries, but also to rotate out some of the stored food and water that you have in your emergency kits. Some dried, canned and otherwise non-perishable foods are ok to consume a little past their prime, but if you have granola bars in your kit that were made when Clinton was in office, you may want to consider tossing them. Also, pay attention to the dates on your bottled water. It may seem like water should last forever (which it does) but the plastic containers do not. Eventually plastics (especially PET, PETE, and HDPE types, generally 1's and 2's in the little recycling triangle) begin to degrade and leach chemicals into the water. After the plastic is beyond its "use by" date, it's best just to dump it out and recycle the container. On a slightly related note, does anyone else find daylight saving time vaguely disturbing? The fact that someone can just say, "ok, now it's 6:00, not 7:00", and that's just the way it is? It's not only that, it's the fact that "time" i.e. hours, minutes, seconds, is merely a concept constructed by own minds in order to attempt to quantify infinity. Ok, no more coffee today.

How Will You Cook When the Lights Go Out?

2009-10-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Rough winter weather is on its way and with it, comes the threat of a long-term power outage. The Department of Emergency Management is excited to offer an exciting new class called Cooking in the Dark. This class offers a hands-on chance to learn how to plan for, and prepare, two-weeks worth of meals with NO electricity.

You will learn:
· How to prepare food without power for up to two weeks
· How long food can last in a fridge or freezer following power outage
· Proper long-term water storage
· What non-food items are necessary for survival

The class will be held on November 19th at 6:00 p.m. at the Cowlitz County Training Center, 1942 1st Avenue, Longview (building just south of the Hall of Justice). Marcie Maynes of Simple-Safety will teach you the basics of power outage survival and will be assisting you in preparing actual recipes, so come hungry and leave full of ideas! Prepare to be your own hero! If you are interested in attending this FREE class, please click here to send an email to register.