Shopping Tips, Pet Kits and Tornadoes....Oh My!

Did you know that 70 years ago on this very day, the cinematic masterpiece The Wizard of Oz premiered? Since a major thematic element of this film is a tornado, obviously it has many ties to the field of emergency management. Right? Let’s recap the emergency management failings:

*Uncle Henry and Aunty Em’s house did not have proper foundation. If it was up-to-code, it would have weathered the tornado much better. Since it was their house that killed the Wicked Witch of the West, they could have very easily been charged with manslaughter or sued for negligence.

*Had Dorothy received proper disaster training, she would have known to stay away from the window and thusly, would not have been knocked unconscious.

*Uncle Henry and Aunty Em should have been consulting their NOAA weather radio and monitoring updates on weather conditions and warnings in their area. Had tornado sirens been in place, they would have had more warning.

*If Dorothy had had a portable 72-hour kit ready for evacuation situations, she would have been much better prepared for her journey down the yellow brick road. Also, since she obviously loved Toto, she should have had a pet emergency kit as well.

Let’s all learn from Dorothy and be better prepared citizens. I’m sure that I have now ruined a childhood classic for you, but there’s no excuse not to be prepared for emergencies!

So, with that segue, let’s get to your weekly 72-hour kit shopping mission! This is a light week, so your wallet will thank you. On your next jaunt to the market, toss in some pain-reliever (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, whatever works for you), some anti-diarrhea medicine (seriously, a disaster situation is not a good time for this particular ailment) and an extra supply of any important prescription medications. This last part can be tricky, as most insurance providers and pharmacies are reluctant to give any extra than what you need. The best thing to do is talk to your pharmacist and tell them your situation and that you want to be prepared in the event you can’t get to the pharmacy to refill your prescription. Even if the best that they can do is give you 3 or 4 days worth, it’s better than nothing! That’s all you need to add this week. I bet that kit is looking pretty awesome by now. You’ll be the envy of all your neighbors and their little dog too!

Woodland Phone Service Restored

Phone service to Woodland residents has been restored. Thank you for your patience.

Disruptions such as this are very problematic at the time, but please use this as an opportunity to consider phone outages in your family emergency plan. Email and/or phone service can be compromised in a variety of disasters, or as in this case, it can be the disaster. More information on a Family Communications Plan can be found here.

Woodland Area Telephone Outage

WOODLAND (WA.) AREA TELEPHONE SERVICE OUTAGE..EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Posted: August 24th, 2009 3:34 PM
August 24, 2009 @ 3:30 p.m.

911 calls in the Woodland area are now being routed to the Woodland Fire Department. A Cowlitz County 911 emergency dispatcher is on duty at the fire department to handle emergency fire, police, and medical calls.

If you are in the Woodland, Wa., area and need emergency assistance, Dial 911. However, if you receive a constant busy signal or no answer to your call, the alternate emergency number is 360-225-7076.

If neither of these options works for you, go to your nearest police or fire station to seek help.
The Woodland area is experiencing a mass telephone outage event today. While sometimes sporadic and intermittent, it appears that calls cannot be made from Woodland prefix phones to locations outside of Woodland. In some cases, some Woodland phones cannot call out at all. This outage also appears to be affecting some cellular phone service as well as some internet service.
Time estimates to repair the problem have been reported as anywhere between a few hours to sometime tomorrow. We are attempting to narrow down a projected repair timeline…however this outage is affecting several different telephone companies and cellular carriers.

All fire stations in the City of Woodland and Cowlitz County Fire District 1 are being manned by volunteers in the event of walk-in traffic seeking help.

Emergency Community Notification System

Emergency Community Notification Public Sign-Up Page

Cowlitz County has implemented an emergency community warning system that is able to send emergency messages via telephone, cellular phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and email to residents and businesses within the county. This system may be used by emergency response personnel to notify specific homes and businesses at risk with specific information about the emergency event. You will only be called when the associated address will be impacted by an emergency.

The system is already programmed with landline phone numbers (both listed and unlisted) from phone company records. HOWEVER, unless you take the actions described below, it cannot contact your cellular phone, VoIP phone or email address. To ensure that you receive these warnings you will need to register the telephone numbers for your cellular phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, and email address.

If the call is picked up by an answering machine it will leave a message and not retry the call. If the number is busy or does not answer, the system will make two additional attempts. Also, this system can contact TTY/TDD devices used by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Common reasons to sign up:

• Receive emergency information affecting your home
• Receive emergency information for locations other than your home (like your business or another family member that you care for)

Type of information you may receive:

• Police needing your help to solve crimes or find missing persons
• Knowledge about a hazardous situation near your home (fire, hazardous materials release, or police response activities)
• Emergency protective measures during a disaster

To register your cellular phone, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, and e-mail address create an account by visiting www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/dem .

By creating an account, I consent to the terms and conditions as listed here:

The Cowlitz County Emergency Community Notification System is provided by Twenty First Century Communications of Columbus, Ohio. By signing up for this service, I am giving Twenty First Century Communications express consent to contact me for the purposes of emergency notification on any of the devices I am registering.

Creating an account allows me to update my contact information if I move or my phone numbers or e-mail address changes. I understand at this time, a maximum of one cellular phone number and one VoIP phone number can be associated with each e-mail address. I understand to add additional phone numbers I need to set up another account with a different email address.

The information is being submitted over a secure, encrypted connection. Cowlitz County and Twenty First Century Communications will not share or distribute personal information gathered by the form and will use it solely for the purpose of providing emergency notifications. Neither Cowlitz County, nor any of its agencies and affiliates, or their employees, makes any assurances, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided by submittal of this form.

NOTICE: ALL NEW ACCOUNT INFORMATION IS LOADED INTO THE SECURE DATABASE ONLY ONCE PER MONTH. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY (of up to 31 days) IN RECEIVING EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS.

Preparedness Shopping List Time!

We have hit the halfway mark in your Preparedness Shopping List Challenge! Today is Tuesday, it’s the 18th of August, and it’s Celebrate Bad Poetry Day! (I’m serious). In honor of this illustrious holiday, my shopping tips will be in iambic pentameter in the proverbial style of William Shakespeare.

Come, let DEM be your shopping guide
Your first item? Hydrogen Peroxide
Can be effective for stopping bleeding
If it is first aid you might be needing

Your next kit item is deodorant
The fam smelling nasty? No, they needn’t

Last thing to add ‘fore I bid thee adieu
You must purchase a bottle of shampoo
Can’t have greasy locks in emergencies
You might be on TV for the world to see!

Thank you, thank you…(dodging rotten tomatoes) If you do it right, your grand total could be less than five bucks. Now isn’t lessening the threat of gangrene, smelling fresh and having shiny hair worth that? I should hope so. Throw ‘em in your kit and call it a day.

Heat Advisory Remains in Effect

From National Weather Service Portland

..HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING...
..EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING. AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING.
A HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE INTERIOR OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. TEMPERATURES WILL BE CLOSE TO 95 DEGREES IN MANY AREAS OF THE INTERIOR THIS AFTERNOON.
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE INTERIOR OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON FOR WEDNESDAY.
TEMPERATURES OVER MUCH OF THE INTERIOR OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON WILL APPROACH OR POSSIBLY EVEN REACH 100 DEGREES ON WEDNESDAY.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HEAT ADVISORY OR AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUNSHINE...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Another Reason to Have A Solid Emergency Plan!

Click here to read an interesting article about the very real possibility of a huge earthquake hitting the Seattle area. New technology has afforded scientists the opportunity to better study the intersections of the North American and Juan de Fuca Plates. And wouldn't you know it....that intersection happens to be about 120 miles north of our fair county. Not to be all "chicken little" on you, but the evidence for a large scale earthquake hitting near our area is compelling. Sure it may never happen in your lifetime (you hope!), but wouldn't you rather be prepared for something that may not happen, rather than not being prepared at all? Heck yes! For more information on earthquake preparedness click here. Do it. I'll know if you don't.

Another Hot Spell is on the Horizon

from the National Weather Service Portland
..ANOTHER HOT SPELL EXPECTED THIS WEEK OVER SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON...
ONE MORE HOT SPELL IS ON TAP FOR SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON THIS WEEK. THE FIRST DAY OF THE WARM UP WILL BE MONDAY...WHEN AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES OVER THE INLAND AREAS ARE EXPECTED TO APPROACH 90 DEGREES. THE HOT SPELL WILL CONTINUE TUESDAY WITH AFTERNOON HIGHS OVER THE INTERIOR APPROACHING 95.
COASTAL TEMPERATURES MAY GET CLOSE TO 80 AS WELL ON TUESDAY. WHAT CURRENTLY LOOKS TO BE THE HOTTEST DAY OF THIS STRETCH...INTERIOR AREAS ON WEDNESDAY MAY AGAIN APPROACH OR FLIRT WITH 100 DEGREES.
WHILE WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL HOT SPELLS ALREADY THIS SUMMER...
REMEMBER TO DRINK PLENTY OF CLEAR LIQUIDS AND STAY HYDRATED THIS WEEK. AVOID EXERTION DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY. USE PLENTY OF SUN SCREEN IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE.

Silver Lake Algae Bloom Update

Local Health Department still monitoring Silver Lake for Cyanobacteria
From Cowlitz County Health Department Press Release 8-14-09

The Cowlitz County Health Department continues to monitor Silver Lake weekly for cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae which can produce toxins hazardous to humans and their pets. Last week water samples collected at Streeters, Kerr and Silver Lake Motel showed microtoxin and anatoxin levels well below thresholds that are considered unsafe. Tests for cyanobacteria levels and toxins on samples collected from Kerr and Streeters earlier this week are still pending.

“The lake is looking visibly better,” said Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines, “and we will continue to monitor until levels of cyanobacteria are known to be at safe levels.” The Health Department will provide updates to the public as test results return.

The cautionary signs posted by the Cowlitz County Health Department are the first of three levels of warning with respect to health threats associated with cyanobacteria presence in lakes. There are currently no formal restrictions on use of the lake for swimming or other activities, but the signs will remain in place until cyanobacteria levels are below the safety threshold determined by the World Health Organization.

If toxin levels exceed the accepted safety thresholds, the caution signs may be replaced by more strongly worded warning signs. If toxin levels were to reach dangerous levels, the lake could be closed to swimming.

Public health officials continue to recommend:

· No swimming or wading
· No wind surfing or sail boarding
· No water contact for animals
· Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing


Public water systems and private wells in the areas around the lake are not affected by the lake water and remain safe to drink.

Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.

Algae blooms may be caused by a combination of factors including temperature and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers and waste from humans, animals, and agriculture.

Cowlitz County Health Department is not aware of any other potential blue-green algae blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algae blooms and to report them at (360) 414-5583. Conditions may include:
· Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
· A thick mat or foam on the beach
· An unpleasant odor
· Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which have long, bright green strands.
· Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals

More information on algae can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.

Texting 9-1-1?—NO WAY!

From Washington State Emergency News/Enhanced 9-1-1

If you have an emergency, call – don’t text—9-1-1 on your phone. Washington State’s current 9-1-1 telephone system is designed around voice communications. Until upgrades are in place, Washington’s 9-1-1 system cannot deliver text data to 9-1-1 call centers around the state. So for now, if you have an emergency, you must make a voice call to 9-1-1 and be ready to provide your name, location and type of emergency. For more information on this subject, you are encouraged to contact your local County 9-1-1 program or your local 9-1-1 public education coordinator.

Preparedness Shopping List---Week 5

It’s Tuesday again, seems to happen every week. Moreover, it’s time for another edition of Preparedness Shopping! This week we focus on Health and First Aid, a must in disaster situations. While you’re gathering up your coupons for another shopping excursion, pencil these items on your list:

*Hand Sanitizer (great for killing germs and actually pretty good as a fire starter)
*Toothpaste and toothbrushes for every member of the family (they will thank you, trust me!)
*First aid tape, gauze and bandages
*First aid guide (can be purchased at any bookstore, camping supply store or online at Red Cross store for $2.95)

Alright, let’s recap. If you’ve been with me since the beginning, you’ve got containers, food, water, utensils and now you can kill germs, start fires and perform some basic first aid, all with minty fresh breath. Go you!

Public Health Warning Remains in Effect

From Cowlitz County Public Health Press Release 8-6-09

Public health warning remains in effect despite visible improvement in Silver Lake conditions

Signs posted by Cowlitz County Health Department warn the public to avoid direct contact with water remain at Silver Lake. The presence of blue-green algae was confirmed late last week by the Washington Department of Ecology. Tests for toxins produced by blue-green algae including microcystin and anatoxin take approximately five days and are still pending.

“The posted signs are intended to inform the public of the possible risks associated with exposure to lake water,” explained Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines, “the decision to swim in the lake is up to the individual.” The caution signs represent the first of three levels of warning with respect health threats associated with blue-green algae presence in lakes.

The Washington Department of Health has investigated reports of four illnesses and one report of illness in a dog, all associated with Silver Lake exposure, and considers them suspicious for microcystin toxicity. The Department of Health is looking into sending blood samples from one of the individuals to the Centers for Disease Control for microcystin testing and confirmation.

Investigation by Cowlitz County environmental health specialists this week along with reports from citizens who live near the lake confirm that the water is visibly clearer. “Fortunately we have not received any more reports of illness potentially related to lake exposure,” Vines said. “The problem is,” she continued, “algae are more likely to release toxins into the water as they die off.”

Scientists do not know exactly when or why blue-green algae release toxins. Cowlitz County Health Department will remove the cautionary signs once testing shows levels of algae below the accepted safety threshold of the World Health Organization. The Health Department will visit the lake twice weekly for visual inspection and water sampling. If toxin level testing shows unsafe levels, the Health Department will post new signs with a stronger warning to the public and, if toxin levels are dangerously high, may prohibit swimming in the lake.

Because exposure to blue-green algae can cause disease, public health officials continue to recommend:

· No swimming or wading
· No wind surfing or sail boarding
· No water contact for animals
· Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing


Drinking water from public water systems or private wells in the areas around the lake is unaffected by the lake water and remains safe to drink.

Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.

Algal blooms may be caused by a combination of factors including temperature and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers and waste from humans, animals, and agriculture.

Cowlitz County Health Department is unaware of other potential blue-green algal blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algal blooms and to report them at (360) 414-5583. Conditions may include:
· Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
· A thick mat or foam on the beach
· An unpleasant odor
· Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which has long, bright green strands.
· Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals

More information on algae can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.

Algae Bloom on Silver Lake

A large scale algae bloom is growing on Silver Lake. A news release from the Cowlitz County Health Department advises people to avoid swimming in the lake due to toxic cyanobacteria. The Health Department release can been seen here and a Daily News article can be seen here. This health warning will remain in effect until water test show that the toxin levels no longer exceed Washington State guidelines.

Week 4

It’s Tuesday, it’s August 4th, it’s National Mustard Day. It’s also time for week 4 of our preparedness shopping trip adventures! I hope you’re ready for another scintillating shopping list. If you’ve been following these posts, you should already have containers, water, food and the like. Now it’s time to add in some helpful tools and utensils that will be necessary to your kit.

* 2 packages of eating utensils, paper cups and paper plates
* Tissues
* 2 rolls of paper towels
* 4 rolls of toilet paper
* Liquid dish soap
* Matches (waterproof is a good idea)
* Latex or Nitrile gloves
* Unscented liquid bleach (for water purification or other cleaning)

If you take the time to shop around at dollar stores, canned food warehouses or other discount-type establishments, you could get all this for under $20. Shelling out a crisp Jackson now could make you very thankful later!

For a link on how to purify water using bleach, click here. Also, come visit us at the National Night Out Event in Tam O’Shanter Park tonight from 6:00pm-8:00pm and participate in giving crime a going-away party. Mention the blog and win a cool prize!! For real!