Why 72-hours?

If you know anything about preparedness or emergency management, you'll know that we are constantly saying to be prepared to be on your own for 72-hours (at a minimum). Why do we say that? Why 72-hours?

If we had our way, we'd say to be prepared to take care of yourself without any sort of resources or intervention for 72 YEARS, but we can't all grow our own food, perform our own surgeries or live purely on solar power, now can we? I know I sure can't!

Seventy-two hours is, commonly, the amount of time it takes following a major disaster for first responders, government agencies, Red Cross, etc. to get mobilized, get a handle on the situation and get a solid game plan. That may seem like an eternity to someone stuck in their house with no electricity following an earthquake, but to people charged with responding and maintaining order, it can feel like a split second.

There are a lot of moving parts to an effective emergency response. I would encourage anyone who would like to see firsthand how to manage and respond to a major disaster to volunteer for the Red Cross. You will see why it takes time and how much planning goes into opening and then maintaining an emergency shelter. Or volunteer as a fire fighter or a reserve police officer. You will see why the initial response takes time and coordination to be effective.

We all get annoyed at bureaucratic red-tape and endless procedures and protocols that only slow down actual progress. Trust me, I feel your pain. But in some instances, the protocols for disaster response are there for a reason. When we don't take time to coordinate what resources respond where, we end up with 300 gloves, when we needed 300 cots or responding to a school where a few people were hurt when more urgent help was needed at a nursing home.

There are other issues that can slow response, especially following an earthquake. In most plans, after an earthquake of 5.7 or greater, bridges must be inspected by a certified engineer to determine if they are safe for use. If a shelter needed to be opened, it too must be inspected to ensure it's structural integrity was not comprised by the earthquake. This takes time, but is a better alternative than opening a shelter, a safe-haven for people that are frightened and displaced from their homes and having it collapse and create a secondary disaster.

I'm not saying that every emergency response is perfect. In fact, following every disaster from something as small as a few homes engulfed in flames to an unthinkable scenario like Hurricane Katrina, there can be examples of inadequate, inefficient, downright inept decisions. But again, in every disaster response, there are examples of clear thinking, proactive measures and heroism, it's just harder to spot them because when things move along as they should, you don't stop to think about why they're moving.

So, yes, it may seem like we're asking a lot when we suggest you spend your hard-earned money on an 72-hour supply of clean water, non-perishable food, flashlights and first aid supplies that you may never use in your lifetime. But, if the time comes, you'll understand why 72-hours on your own and a good helping of patience, is not too much to expect.

Free Boat Inspections

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office will be providing free boat safety inspections Saturday, July 16th at Willow Grove Boat Launch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is welcome to bring their boats and personal watercraft. There will be free handouts and other boating safety information available.

Once inspected, each boat that passes the inspection will receive a 2011 Marine Safety Inspection Decal.

The boating inspection checklist includes:
* Registration Numbers: Properly displayed.
* Current Decal: Properly displayed.
* Certificate of Numbers (Registration): On board the vessel.
* Mandatory Education Card: For operators 35 years old and younger.
* Motor Vessel Checklist: For rentals.
* Personal Flotation Device (PFD): USCG approved and proper size.
* Personal Flotation Device: Adequate number and in good condition.
* Personal Flotation Device: Type IV for vessels 16' and over.
* Personal Flotation Device: Worn by children 12 and under.
* Fire Extinguisher: Approved and charged.
* Muffler: Adequate condition.
* Lights: Properly displayed (night only).
* Distress Signals: Adequate working order.
* Flame Arrestor: Clean and adequate.
* Sound Device: Horn/Whistle/Bell.
* Ventilation/Blower: Adequate and operable.
* Ski Flag: Properly displayed.
* Carbon Monoxide Decal: (Gas only; no PWC)
* Personal Watercraft (PWC): Lanyard and operators 14 and older.
* Aquatic Invasive Species: Clean hull.

Power Outages

Lots of power outages this morning. 750 PUD customers near Beech Street and Oregon Way in Longview are out of power and 185 customers along Westside Hwy, Casey Road, Chapman Road, Barnes and Imboden are also without power this morning. Estimated timeline for repair is 2-4 hours.

--Update--Gotta love our PUD, both outages were fixed well before estimated timelines. Thanks for keeping us "electrified!"

Pet Prep!

Don't forget your pets when you're working on your Disaster Plan! Click here to sign up for a free "Pet Rescue Alert" sticker from the ASPCA. This sticker lets first responders or rescuers know that there are pets inside. Also, take a moment to read over the ASPCA's pet disaster preparedness tips. Fluffy will thank you!

Burn Ban Begins this Friday

An outdoor burn ban begins this Friday. All land clearing, residential and tree burning will be restricted. For all the details check the SW WA Clean Air Agency website here or call the Fire Marshal's office at 577-3052.

Longview Fibre to test mill evacuation sirens

Longview Fibre will be testing its evacuation alarm at 7:10 p.m. on the following dates: July 15, 17, 19 and 21. The alarm will be tested at 7:10 a.m. on July 22nd. These sirens can be heard quite a few miles away from the mill in all directions.

Eat pancakes--help kids!

Sounds like a win-win to me! The Safe Kids Applebee's fundraiser breakfast is this Saturday, July 16th. Safe Kids volunteers will begin serving pancakes and sausage at 8:00 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. $5.00 tickets are being sold at the Kelso Police Department, Longview Fire Department & Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

Safe Kids mission is to prevent unintentional injury to children. The money that is raised through donations and fundraisers is used to purchase bicycle helmets, car seats and life jackets that are distributed in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties.