Thunderstorms, Lightning & Wildfire Danger

This afternoon the National Weather Service (NWS) held a weather briefing for emergency managers. Their forecast calls for possible thunderstorms and lightning in western Oregon and southwest Washington over the next several days. Fire danger in our area will be high over this weekend and then climb to extremely high during next week. Thunderstorms could bring lightning as well as hail, rain and winds. Lightning could cause wildfires.

Since we are going through a dry spell with warm to hot temperatures the potential for wildfire is high. Additionally, thunderstorms are not a normal event in our area and people may not be prepared. Please refer to the links below for preparedness information on wildfire and thunderstorms.

Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Thunderstorm Safety & Preparedness

Rip Currents

Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches and rivers. These currents often are characterized by a difference in water color or debris that is moving seaward.
When going to the beach or river, be aware of the local conditions and pay attention to posted warning and signs.

If caught in a rip current:
* Stay calm
* Don't fight against the current
* If you can't escape, float or tread water
* Call or wave for help

Remember - if in doubt - don't go out.

from Washington State Emergency Management Division

http://www.emd.wa.gov/

It's Still Hot, Heat Warning Remains

From National Weather Service
230 PM PDT WED JUL 29 2009
..EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR INTERIOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON...
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THURSDAY.
WITH A STUBBORNLY STRONG UPPER LEVEL RIDGE FIRMLY IN PLACE OVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST...HIGH TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON ARE EXPECTED TO REACH OR ECLIPSE TUESDAYS RECORD BREAKING MAXIMUMS.
TEMPERATURES IN THE 105 TO 110 DEGREE RANGE ARE EXPECTED FOR LOWLAND AREAS. THE COAST RANGE AND CASCADES WILL ALSO BE HOT...WITH TEMPERATURES REACHING 95 TO 105 DEGREES TODAY. THE WEATHER WILL BE LESS HOT ON THURSDAY...HOWEVER MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES WILL STILL BE NEAR 100 DEGREES.
IN ADDITION TO THE HOT AFTERNOONS...LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. WITH LITTLE TO NO COOLING INFLUENCE FROM THE OCEAN...AND A SOMEWHAT HUMID AIR MASS IN PLACE...NIGHTS WILL REMAIN QUITE UNCOMFORTABLE AWAY FROM THE COAST. THIS WILL ESPECIALLY BE THE CASE IN URBAN AREAS SUCH AS PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER. THIS LACK OF OVERNIGHT RELIEF MAY MAKE THIS HEATWAVE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN THE CITIES...ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...
AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Kalama Water Restrictions

TO ALL KALAMA RESIDENTS

PLEASE SUSPEND ALL YARD WATERING, CAR WASHING AND OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL WATER USAGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Due to the prolonged dry, hot weather, Kalama water usage is exceeding the ability to keep the two million gallon reservoir filled. Normally the City keeps the reservoir level at thirty to thirty-four (30-34) feet.

Today the reservoir level is at twenty-five (25) feet and dropping, even though it is pumping at capacity 24 hours a day.

The weather forecast is for continued hot temperatures.

WE ALSO REQUEST THAT YOU REDUCE NON-ESSENTIAL LAUNDRY AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD WATER USAGE.

Kalama Public Works can be reached at 360-673-4554 or 360-673-3706 for questions. Thank you for your cooperation to avoid a complete water outage.

Kids' Day Parade Cancelled

The Kids' Day Parade preceding the Cowlitz County Fair has been cancelled due to excessive heat. We urge fair-goers to please stay out of the direct sun, drink lots of water and take frequent breaks. Make sure you and your family wear plenty of high SPF sunblock, sunburns are no fun. It's going to be even hotter today than yesterday!

Just for Fun

Melting in this oppressive heat is not fun, nor is it funny. By this point in the day you are probably dishelved, cranky and most likely damp. If you need a smile, here are two links to visit. Disclaimer: the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management does not condone cooking in your car or on the sidewalk, but we do condone fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

Have you ever wondered how to bake cookies on the dash of your car? Of course you have! (What? Just me?) Click here

Can you fry an egg on the sidewalk? I dunno...click here to find out

If you have nothing better to do, try it and let us know. And also, perhaps question why you have so much time on your hands. Just sayin'.....

Excessive Heat Warning Remains in Effect

From National Weather Service
243 PM PDT TUE JUL 28 2009

..EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR INTERIOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON ...
THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THURSDAY.
HIGH TEMPERATURES YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WERE IN THE 100 TO 105 DEGREE RANGE FOR INTERIOR LOCATIONS. THIS AFTERNOON VALLEY TEMPERATURES ARE ALREADY IN THE TRIPLE DIGITS AT 2 PM...WITH 90 DEGREES AT ASTORIA ON THE NORTHERN OREGON COAST. TODAY AND WEDNESDAY HIGH TEMPERATURES INLAND ARE EXPECTED TO BE AROUND 105 DEGREES. EVEN THE COAST RANGE AND CASCADES WILL BE HOT...WITH TEMPERATURES CLIMBING WELL INTO THE 90S DURING THIS HEAT WAVE.
TEMPERATURES WILL BE A LITTLE COOLER THURSDAY...HOWEVER MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES WILL STILL BE NEAR 100 DEGREES.
IN ADDITION TO THE HOT AFTERNOONS...LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT. WITH LITTLE TO NO COOLING INFLUENCE FROM THE OCEAN...AND A SOMEWHAT HUMID AIR MASS IN PLACE...NIGHTS WILL REMAIN QUITE UNCOMFORTABLE AWAY FROM THE COAST. THIS WILL ESPECIALLY BE THE CASE IN URBAN AREAS SUCH AS PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER. PORTLAND TIED THE ALL-TIME RECORD HIGH MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 74 DEGREES MONDAY NIGHT. OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURES TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT WILL BE SIMILARLY WARM. THIS LACK OF OVERNIGHT RELIEF MAY MAKE THIS HEATWAVE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN THE CITIES...ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Cooling Station Opened in Woodland

If you are sweltering in south Cowlitz County, Woodland has opened a cooling shelter at the Woodland Fire station 91 located at 100 Davidson Ave in Woodland. For more information contact Woodland Fire (360) 225-7076 or the City website at www.ci.woodland.wa.us

Please feel free to pass this info on to family or friends who may need a cool place to hang out for awhile. Also, please check in on any elderly family, friends or neighbors who do not have air conditioning!

Fire Safety Precautions for your Home

Extremely hot and dry weather is keeping fire danger high this summer. With the number of homes built in or near forested areas, wildland fires are a constant threat in our area. When a fire occurs around one of these homes, it often extends into the forestland, threatening other homes and forest resources. Forest fires often threaten and burn homes and structures built in wooded areas if the homeowner has not taken proper fire safety precaution.

Fire safety precautions include:

• Have a cleared area at least 30-feet wide around all structures. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum 75-foot clearance.
  
• Have properly designed driveways that will accommodate fire fighting equipment. The house address should be clearly displayed.
  
• Keep leaves and debris cleared from under decks and porches so that they will not be set on fire by blowing sparks and embers.
  
• Roofs should be of fire-resistant materials. Remove pine needles and leaves from the roof and gutters so that they will not be set on fire by blowing sparks and embers.
  
• Have outside water spigots and at least 100 feet of garden type hose readily accessible for fire control until the fire department arrives.
  
• Should the situation become life-threatening or an evacuation order be given by fire officials, leave immediately and go to the designated evacuation shelter. Do not return until an all-clear message has been given by fire officials.
  
• Dispose of ashes and charcoal briquettes in a metal container and allow them to stay in the container for at least 48 hours. Do not dump hot ashes on the ground.
  
• Use only fire resistant materials on the exterior of your home whether roof, siding, decking or trim.
  
• Protect interiors from sparks and embers by boxing in eaves, screening vents, and underpinning or screening beneath porches, decks, and the house itself. Do not use fiberglass screening.
  
• Chimneys should extend above the roof line and be topped with a 1/2 inch mesh spark arrester.
  
• Keep roofs free of debris. Leaves, pine straw, moss and twigs that collect on the roof and in gutters invite disaster.
  
• Safely dispose of stove, fireplace, and grill ashes. First place them in a metal bucket, soak with water, and then bury them in mineral soil.
  
• Never store flammable material like firewood or lumber under or near your home. Keep it at least 100 feet away from the house, but never uphill because burning material will roll.
  
• Faucets should be located on each side of your home and near any outbuilding. Install them, too, in areas of the yard where fire hazards exist,or where wildfire could enter your yard. Have a coiled hose attached to faucets on opposite sides of your home.
  Hand tools such as rakes, shovels, and axes should be readily available along with a ladder that will reach your roof.
  
• Make sure firefighters can identify the entrance to your home by marking the drive with a sturdy, easy to read sign that gives your name and address. For your personal safety, plan an alternate escape route in case your primary access is blocked by fire or smoke.
  
• Protecting your home from wildfire starts with the trees around it. Pay particular attention to the trees within 100 feet of your house. The wider the spacing between trees, the better; Hardwood trees tend to be less flammable than conifers.
  
• Rid trees of moss, abandoned nests, dead limbs and other flammable material;
  Remove limbs within 15-20 feet of the ground;
  
• Remove limbs that extend over your roof, or those directly above or within15 feet laterally of a chimney.
  
• Your yard should serve as a firebreak. If you have a grass lawn that is dormant in winter, mow it closely after all growth has stopped and bag the cuttings.
  
• Rake all leaves or needles that are within 30 feet of a structure.
  
• Use bedding mulch or straw sparingly close to buildings.
  
• Certain popular shrubs are highly flammable. Select the least flammable shrubs that will achieve the desired effect in your landscaping.

Links for more information:
Click here for information on large fires in Washington state and prevention information.
Click here for information on current fire danger and burning regulations. Click here for detailed instructions on how to protect your home and how wildfires are fought.

Information from Department of Natural Resources.

Week 3 Shopping Tips

It’s Tuesday, it’s HOT and it’s time for your Week 3 shopping list mission! So, if you’ve been faithfully reading and following my advice, you should now have containers, water, food and other various and sundry items (if you haven’t been faithfully reading, gasp, go back and do so at once!) So, now comes week 3 and it’s time for some more food to keep your family nourished in case of an emergency. As you roam the aisles in search of bargains this week, throw in these extra items for your emergency kit:

1 jar of jam or jelly
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box saltine crackers
1 large can of juice (and a manual can opener)
Instant coffee/tea/powdered drinks (hello TANG!)
4 cans of ready-to-eat soup

All of these won’t cost a fortune and will keep you fed when the lights are out. The amounts of food given are for a family of 3-4. Obviously, if your family is larger, you may want to consider more food. Unless…Donner…party of 8….?

Hot Temps and Fire Danger

Longview Timberlands to close some land to public
Monday, July 27, 2009 3:42 PM PDT
By Andre Stepankowsky
http://www.tdn.com/
Continued hot, dry weather has prompted Longview Timberlands to close all its Oregon and Washington timberlands to public access starting Tuesday, the company announced Monday afternoon.“Conditions are extremely dry in the Pacific Northwest, and long-range forecasts indicate the hot spell will continue for some time,” Blake Rowe, president of Longview Timberlands, said in a written statement issued Monday. His announcement came just as temperatures in Longview nudged past 100 degrees, according to staff at the city’s water treatment plant, the area’s official weather recording station. That temperature eclipsed the city’s previous record high for July 27 — 99 degrees in 1998.
More hot weather is expected through midweek, and no rain is in the forecast. After an exceptionally cold and rainy spring, the Longview area has had particularly arid weather for more than two months. Since May 21, the city has recorded only 1.39 inches of precipitation, less than half of normal for that period.“The public’s cooperation in staying out of the tree farms during the hazardous forest-fire period will be much appreciated,” Rowe said, saying the closures will remain in effect until “substantial rains reduce the wildfire threat.”
Longview Timberlands, formerly Longview Fibre Co., owns about 332,000 acres of timberland in Oregon and 321,000 acres in Washington. It is the first large area timberland owner to shut lands down this summer due to high forest fire danger. Other landowners typically follow suit, but Weyerhaeuser had not shut down its lands to public access as of midafternoon Monday.
Forecasters expect temperatures in the triple-digit range again Tuesday and Wednesday, though they will moderate into the low 90s Thursday and low 80s on Friday, according to The National Weather Service.Longview’s high temperature marks to beat are 103 degrees for Tuesday date (set in 1958) and 100 degrees for Wednesday’s date (set in 2003), according to the weather service.

Heat Warning Remains in Effect

from National Weather Service
..EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT WEDNESDAY FOR INTERIOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON...
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT WEDNESDAY.
THE HOTTEST WEATHER OF THE SEASON IS DEVELOPING IN THE INTERIOR OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON THIS AFTERNOON...AND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AT LEAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON ARE ALREADY IN THE MID 90S AT ALL INTERIOR LOCATIONS. WITH A FEW MORE HOURS OF WARMING LEFT THIS AFTERNOON...WE MAY EVEN REACH 100 DEGREES TODAY. TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY ARE EXPECTED TO BE EVEN HOTTER...WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE INTERIOR VALLEYS EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 100 AND 105 DEGREES. EVEN THE COAST RANGE AND CASCADES WILL BE HOT...WITH TEMPERATURES CLIMBING WELL INTO THE 90S DURING THIS HEAT WAVE.
ONLY THE IMMEDIATE COAST IS LIKELY TO ESCAPE THE BRUNT OF THE HEAT...WITH TEMPERATURES THERE LIKELY STAYING BELOW 90 DEGREES.
IN ADDITION TO THE HOT AFTERNOONS...LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT. WITH LITTLE TO NO COOLING INFLUENCE FROM THE OCEAN...AND A SOMEWHAT HUMID AIR MASS IN PLACE...NIGHTS WILL REMAIN QUITE UNCOMFORTABLE AWAY FROM THE COAST. THIS WILL ESPECIALLY BE THE CASE IN URBAN AREAS SUCH AS PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER. OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURES TONIGHT AND TUESDAY NIGHT WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE 60S...BUT DOWNTOWN AREAS MAY NOT FALL BELOW THE LOWER 70S. THIS LACK OF OVERNIGHT RELIEF MAY MAKE THIS HEATWAVE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN THE CITIES...ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...
AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

It's Gonna Be a HOT ONE!

We just wrapped up a weather briefing with Portland's National Weather Service and it looks like we are in for some scorching days in the near future. The hottest days appear to be Monday and Tuesday with temperatures at or over 100 degrees. Wednesday has the potential to remain in the high 90's and the temperature will begin to decline after that. The nighttime temperatures will remain in the upper 60's, so there won't be much relief there. For tips on staying cool click here . As my re-write of Gloria Gaynor's song in the previous post was so well-received, I will now regale you with my rewrite of Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff." Enjoy and stay cool!

Hot One

It's gonna be a HOT ONE baby this weekend
Gonna need some A/C baby tonight
Gonna be a HOT ONE later this weeeeek yeah
Gonna be a hot one, gonna be a hot one at night

Lookin' for some friends with air conditionin'
don't want a sweltering night on my own
Anyone says "It's a dry heat", I won't be listenin'
Heat makes me cranky, you'd best watch your tone

Gotta have some ice cream baby this evening
I want some iced tea baby tonight
Find me a nice pool baby this weekend
Gotta find a pool, gotta find a pool TONIGHT

I Will Subscribe

Have you ever found something really cool on the Internet, but then you were never able to find it again? Well, if you are reading this blog, you've found something really cool. DON'T let it get away! So, how can you prevent this sad dilemma? You can subscribe! Subscribing to the blog is easy, it's free and it benefits both the blogger and the reader. It's beneficial for you to get updates automatically when a new blog entry is posted, thus making you happier, smarter and perhaps better looking*. It's beneficial for me because it gives me a nice reader base to show off to my superiors. See? Win-win. You can subscribe by entering your email in the box on the right hand side of the blog. You will receive an emailed link to confirm your subscription. Then, like a magical fairy bearing emergency info and updates, you will receive an email with any entries for that day. If that isn't enough to make you want to be a subscriber, maybe this little ditty set to the tune of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," will seal the deal:

I WILL SUBSCRIBE

First I was afraid,

I was petrified.

Thinking I could never remember to check the blog

without a guide.

But I spent so many nights

Wondering how I could be so wrong

And I grew strong

And I learned I didn't even have to log on

No, no not I

I'll just subscribe

As long as I know how to type

I know I'll stay online

I've got to know which roads are closed

I've got to know the latest tips

I will subscribe

I will subscribe

Hey HEY!

*These statements are not approved by the FDA

Swimming Safety

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).

Preparedness Shopping List--Week 2

It's Tuesday, so you know what that means! Garbage day, Law and Order: SVU and of course....week 2 of our Preparedness Shopping List. As you are making your shopping list for your next jaunt to your local grocer, add these items to the list:

* 3 Gallons of water (add extra if you have pets)

* Granola bars

* Cereal

* 4 cans of fruit

* 4 cans of vegetables (something that you and your family will eat, no need to torture yourself with lima beans if you'd rather starve than eat them)

* 4-5 cans of meat (doesn't have to be unidentifiable mystery meat, there are some very tasty varieties of canned white meat chicken, etc.)

And that's it. Put all these new treasures into the large plastic tote that you bought last week and you're on your way. You're that much closer to an awesome emergency kit. We're so proud!

Updated Special Weather Statement

1004 AM PDT MON JUL 20 2009
..WARM WEATHER EARLY THIS WEEK...
HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD OVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TODAY AND PERSIST THROUGH MIDWEEK BRINGING ANOTHER ROUND OF WARM TEMPERATURES TO THE REGION. DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURES OVER THE INTERIOR WILL BE IN THE LOWER 90S TODAY AND TUESDAY...AROUND 12 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL. A WEAK WEATHER DISTURBANCE MOVING INTO THE REGION LATER WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY MAY USHER SOME COOLER MARINE AIR INLAND. FORECAST MODELS ARE MORE UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE PROSPECT FOR HOT WEATHER LATE THIS WEEK.
DURING PERIODS OF HOT WEATHER...BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS.
TRY NOT TO OVER EXERT YOURSELF DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY AND REMEMBER TO WEAR A HAT AND USE PLENTY OF SUN SCREEN IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE.

Burn Ban Now In Effect

WAC 173-425 bans the use of a burn barrel and prohibits the burning of all material, except natural vegetation grown on the property and firewood (defined as bare, untreated wood, not dimensional lumber). This regulation also prohibits burning during periods of impaired air quality and prohibits outdoor burning from becoming a nuisance to surrounding neighbors and businesses. Fire safety burn-bans may also be called by county or local fire protection authorities. Please check the Southwest Clean Air Agency website for further information.

Stock your kit---the low stress way!

Putting together a well-stocked disaster supply kit doesn't have to be an overwhelming and costly task! If you just put a few extra items in your shopping cart over the next 12 weeks, you will find yourself with an amazing resource to help you withstand whatever disaster is thrown your way. It may be sunny today, but that dismal winter weather will return---it always does... Remember our motto--the only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness! Example: the electricity is out for two days and you're stuck at home. Disaster would be if you had no emergency lighting, blankets, water or ready-to-eat food. Major catastrophe. Adventure would be to light some candles, eat some camping food and tell ghost stories. Wholesome fun for the whole family, right?! A day at Disneyland, it's not, but it's better than sitting in the dark, while hungry and cold. Make sure that dreary image stays with you on your next trip to the grocery store. So, here is "Week 1" of your 12-week shopping guide. Just toss in these extra goodies each week, you'll barely notice the extra cost and one day you might be very glad to have them. You can thank me later.

WEEK 1

* 2 boxes of large plastic zip bags (to keep things organized and waterproof)

* 2 rolls aluminum foil (for emergency cooking)

* 2 boxes heavy duty garbage bags (for sanitation, garbage, shelter, whatever)

* Large portable plastic tote with lid (to store everything in)

See that wasn't so bad! Check us out next Tuesday to see your next mission...

MRE Recall

From CRESA blog
The Food and Drug Administration issued a press release on the voluntary recall of Dairy Shake Milk Powder yesterday due to the possible presence of Salmonella.The reason this is important to emergency management is that some Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE's) contain this product. The military has issued a Class 1 Recall for their MRE's and is discouraging consumption of this product. If you have MRE's stored as part of your 72-hour kits, please check them for this product.

STP Bike Race this weekend

The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is coming up this weekend. This is the largest multi-day ride in the Northwest. The Cascade Bicycle club estimates that nearly 10,000 riders will make the 200 mile trek this year. Make sure to watch out for cyclists, especially around Westside Highway. It may be an inconvenience to drivers, but just remember to chill out, it's only once a year!

We're havin' a heat wave....

During a Heat Wave

--Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible, and in the shade if you go outside.

--If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air conditioned mall, library or other public place.

--Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

--Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Limit alcohol, which speeds dehydration.

--NEVER leave children or pets alone in the car, even for 5 minutes.

--Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.

--Take a cool shower or bath.

Terms to Know

Heat Wave: Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity.

Heat Index: The relative humidity added to the air temperature--how hot it feels.

Heat Cramps: Muscle pains due to exertion--the first sign of heat-related problems.

Heat Exhaustion: A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat.

Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition occurring when the body's temperature control system shuts down. Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once.

Be Careful with Fire on Public Recreation Land

Press Release from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA—As the Fourth of July weekend approaches with drier-than-normal conditions in some parts of Washington, state land managers ask those heading outdoors to be careful with fire.

People cause 85 percent of Washington’s wildfires, and caution and common sense are the keys to preventing damage, state land managers agree. Obeying fire restrictions and not letting a campfire get out of control are among the most important steps outdoor enthusiasts can take to preserve recreation lands.

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firefighters protect more than 12 million acres of private and state-owned lands, including lands managed by WDFW and state parks. Wildfires take a steep toll on state resources, devastating public recreation lands, destroying wildlife habitat and requiring costly firefighting efforts. The risk of a wildfire sparked by human activity goes up in prolonged dry weather or on a windy day.

Fire-danger levels and burn ban information is available at http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx.

The Fourth of July holiday brings extra risks from fireworks, even though fireworks are not allowed on state public lands. Many state lands have additional restrictions on fire use. Campfires and other kinds of open fires are not allowed on many of the 900,000 acres of wildlife lands managed by WDFW. On WDFW lands where campfires are allowed, they usually are restricted to metal fire rings and must be kept to less than three feet in height and diameter.

Specific rules by location can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/public_conduct.html. “Even where campfires are allowed, it’s important to pay attention to weather conditions before heading out,” said Jennifer Quan, lands manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Many of Washington’s 121 state parks allow campfires, but only in metal fire rings or grills in established campgrounds or picnic areas. Campers and picnickers are reminded to be careful with barbecue grill ashes and briquettes by drowning them with water and disposing of them properly in either a campfire ring or a designated container provided in some parks.
During high fire-danger periods, bans on any open flame including campfires may be in place at specific parks. State park managers work with DNR and county fire districts to set fire restrictions at individual parks based on conditions in and around the park. These restrictions may allow only gas stoves or briquettes in conditions where there is high fire danger. Campfire information for specific parks is available by calling park offices.

Those recreating outdoors should follow these DNR campfire safety tips:
--Never start a campfire when wind is strong or local conditions are so dry that fire danger is high
--Use a screen over and around a campfire to minimize sparks flying out
--Keep fires less than three feet in height and diameter
--Keep five gallons of water and a shovel nearby
--Never leave fires unattended
--Extinguish a fire by drowning it thoroughly with water, stirring until cold, and then drowning it again
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call 1(800) 562-6010 or 911.

Always heed the advice of a pants-wearing bear carrying a shovel. At least that's my motto....

Be Safe this Independence Day!

Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks

From CRESA blog

For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends, but Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires. Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries. Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few fireworks safety tips. (From FEMA Website)

Who is at Most Risk?
*In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries.
*56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
*49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations.
*The risk of fireworks injury was 2 ½ times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population.
*Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 56% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.

By the Numbers: Fireworks
30,100 = Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
9,500 = Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks each year
11 = Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2007
$34 million = Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks in 2006

Bottom Line: Please be careful with fireworks!