Cowlitz County is Prepared!

For zombies anyway... The Cowlitz Emergency Preparedness Fair 2012 was a GREAT success! There were many interactive booths where fairgoers could learn all kinds of safety and preparedness information. Big thanks to Markus Azeltine for coordinating such an awesome event! To check out more pictures, click here.

Possible Snow Again Tuesday Evening

The National Weather Service gave a briefing on a wind/low elevation snow event that will be coming our way.

Cowlitz County will be on the edge of this system and can expect to see snow Tuesday evening (4p-8p) but little accumulation. The higher hills may receive up to 1”. Most of this event will affect the coast (winds 40mph, 60mph gusts), coastal range (significant snow 8-16” for a duration of 30-36 hours), and the Cascades (mostly Oregon Cascades). Winds in the valley and I-5 corridor are not expected to be higher than usual, maybe a little breezy with gusts around 30.

Take caution if traveling over the coast range or Cascades, be prepared for hazardous travel. Also, the Washington County area of Oregon (Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Banks) is expected to be significantly impacted Tuesday evening but should scour out and change to rain by Wednesday. Stay informed by checking www.weather.gov/portland .

More Winter Weather on the Way

From Portland National Weather Service:

Another winter storm expected Tuesday with low snow levels through Thursday and significant snowfall in the mountains. Another strong but cold storm system will impact SW Washington later Tuesday and especially Tuesday night through Thursday. This storm will bring another significant snowfall to the Cascades, the Cascade Foothills and the Coastal Mountains.

Snow levels with this system will also be very low. Snow levels will be around 500 to 1000 feet across SW Washington and will remain in that range through Wednesday and Thursday. Heavier showers could lower the snow level at times to the valley floor.

At this time, snow amounts at lower elevations are uncertain. Several inches are possible in the hills around the area Tuesday afternoon through Thursday. Be sure to continue to check the latest forecasts and statements concerning new developments on this winter weather event.

What else does my kit need?

The last things you need in your zombie supply kit are as follows:

HYGIENE SUPPLIES: towelettes or baby wipes, garbage bags, hand sanitizer and feminine hygiene supplies. Zombies hate cleanliness and sanitary conditions.

TOOLS: Leatherman tool, wrench, foldable shovel, ax….you know why.

LOCAL MAPS: If you have to exit your zombie-occupied neighborhood in a hurry, it might be nice to know alternate ways around known infestation areas. Also, learn how to read a map. Consider purchasing a compass. Also, consider learning how to use a compass, if you don’t already know.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, GLASSES, DIAPERS, PET FOOD, CASH...anything specific to you and your family that you might need if you had to evacuate quickly or be stuck in your home for an untold amount of time.

Our recommendation is to have two kits. One “STUCK AT HOME” Kit and one “GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE” Kit. The “stuck at home kit” should have plenty of items to keep your family comfortable and safe to stay in your home for a minimum of three days, perhaps without electricity.

The “gotta go” kit should be in a backpack, easily portable and have supplies that you would need to be comfortable and safe away from home. A “gotta go” kit is perfect for keeping in the car. Most people are never far from their vehicle and, in the case of sudden zombie occupation, you can get up and go with your gear already packed. Refuse to be a tasty zombie-snack—get yourself ready TODAY!

Ok, you've learned the basics! Now come check out more preparedness and safety information on Saturday at the Three Rivers Mall. The Zombie Preparedness Fair will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Don't forget to stop by our booth and say hi! Or bring cookies. Whatever.

West Side Hwy closed at Hazel Dell

West Side Highway is closed at Hazel Dell due to a mudslide. Hazel Dell Rd is being used as a detour route. Right now, Washington Dept. of Transportation anticipates that the road will be open again about 2:00 p.m.

*UPDATE: Westside Hwy is now reopened as of 3:15 p.m.

What else do you need in your kit?

FIRST AID KIT: Have a comprehensive first aid kit and guide to basic first aid procedures. Be sure to treat any zombie bites with antibacterial gel immediately….before it’s too late.

WHISTLE: This is a great way to signal for help. Also, zombie ears cannot handle the pitch of a whistle and will stay far away.

DUST MASK: Zombies smell positively putrid, this should help with the stench as well as being useful against airborne contagions, chemicals or volcanic ash.

River Forecast

Rain, rain go away! We have spoken with the PDX National Weather Service and the NW River Forecast Center to check on the weather forecast and the river levels. Looks like the Cowlitz River will crest at 19.9 feet (in Kelso) at midnight tonight, a foot and a half below flood stage and in Castle Rock, the river will crest at 41 feet, seven feet below flood stage.

They are not issuing any advisories at this point and do not anticipate any major weather shenanigans over the weekend.

What Do Zombies Want?

Well, that's easy enough to figure out. So, how can you best prepare yourself and your family to survive the inevitable zombie invasion?

Here are recommended items to include in a basic zombie prep kit:

WATER: Did you know that zombies HATE water? Well, they do. It’s best to store at least one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days.

FOOD: It’s not safe to roam the streets in search of Big Macs or Mocha-chip Frappacinos during a zombie invasion. Make sure you have enough food on hand (that can be prepared without electricity) to feed your family for at least three days.

LIGHT: Zombies are creatures of the night, hence, they have a great disdain for light. Have plenty of battery-powered flashlights and extra batteries on hand. It’s also a great idea to have an LED headlamp to keep your hands free to protect your brains, if needed.

Check out out tomorrow to get the next three items you simply MUST have!

Megaquake Potential

Megaquake....it sounds like a straight-to-DVD movie or a delicious new treat from Dairy Queen, doesn't it? It's a bit more sinister than softserve. Here is an interesting article about how our local fault line is similar to the fault in Japan, but much bigger. Click here and take a minute to check it out and get more informed about the ground under your feet.

Zombie Statistics

Don't be average! Come check out the 2012 Cowlitz County Emergency Preparedness Fair and be slightly above average!

I don't like this trend

No, not the trend of pajama jeans, though that trend is just as disturbing. I'm talking about the amount of earthquakes going on the last few days. This map shows all earthquakes registering 3.0 and above for the past week, the red indicates 4.5 and above. I know that small earthquakes happen in and around our area all the time, but I'm not real thrilled with the larger size and frequency of these.

This data comes from a smart phone app called EarthquakeAlert. They get their data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

So, the next time you roll your eyes when I run around and scream "O..M..G, ya'll gotta be prepared for earthquakes---aaaahhhhh!!!" Remember that there's a reason we say things like that. Though, there's no reason why we'd adopt such a strange vocal pattern to do so.

9 More Days....

Are you ready to take the next step in preparedness? Of course you are! Come join us at the Cowlitz County Emergency Preparedness Fair 2012.

Find out about how you can prepare for real emergencies like earthquakes, floods, power outages, fires and, of course, zombies at the Cowlitz County Emergency Preparedness Fair 2012 at Three Rivers Mall on Saturday, February 25th from 11am to 2pm. Don’t forget to stop by the information booth near Fred Meyer Jewelers and pick up a passport for a chance to win an iPod Touch, 72-hour emergency bag, mall gift cards and other cool prizes. There will be fun games for kids, face painting and lots more.

In addition to the fun activities and games, a zombie-themed Public Service Announcement (PSA) will be filmed on site the day of the event. If you want to be an actor or an extra please bring a donation of pet food to benefit the Humane Society.

The Cowlitz County Emergency Preparedness Fair is the Eagle Scout Project of Markus Azeltine from Boy Scout Troop 702 of Longview and is sponsored by the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management.

Preparedness doesn't have to be scary! Stop by our booth and learn how simple it can be. Mention that you learned about the fair on the blog and get a FREE PRIZE! For real. And no, it's nothing lame like a high five or something.

10 More Days.....

Til the zombies invade the Three Rivers Mall......All will be revealed tomorrow!

Thinking Outside the (Candy) Box

Check out this great article from FEMA's blog about fantastic Valentine's Day (or anytime) preparedness ideas. Click here.

The Zombies are Coming!

11 more days.......Stay tuned for more info!

Boating Safety Class at Bob's

This Saturday the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 71 of Longview/Kelso will offer a class to enable Washington and Oregon residents to earn the required Boater's Safety Card. The class will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Bob's Sporting Goods in Longview.

The class will cover boating safety skills, equipment requirements, regulations and navigation rules. The cost is $10 per student. Space is limited! To register call Dick Mullinax at 360-931-0845.

Guns & Hoses Flag Football Game

Looking for something to do on Saturday? Why not help out the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and attend the 4th Annual Police vs. Fire Flag Football Game!! The game will be Saturday, February 4th at 4:00 p.m. at Kelso High School's Schroeder Field. Admission is only $1 and all proceeds go to charity. There will be raffle tickets available for great prizes such as an Xbox 360, a Great Wolf Lodge getaway package, gift cards and much more. Check it out!