West Side Highway

Westside Highway remains closed between Solomon Road and Fisher's Lane.  At this time, WSDOT can only estimate that the road will be closed several days while emergency repairs are made.  For questions about this project, you can call WSDOT at 360-705-7000.

Blustery Weekend

Power outages and downed trees galore in Cowlitz County this weekend!  Our area was battered by gusts of winds from 40-50 mph and the PUD was busy restoring power.  Looks like a return to calm for the rest of week, but the river level remains unseasonably high.

For the most up to date information, be sure to "like" our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CowlitzCountyDEM.

Updated Forecast

The weather forecast keeping getting worse.  Here are expected impacts to Cowlitz County:

*  First weather system will be Friday night into Saturday;
*  Second, stronger system will be Saturday night into Sunday;
*  1.5-4 inches of rain from Friday night to Sunday night.
*  Winds 25-35 mph
*  Sharp rises on smaller creeks; urban street flooding possible.

Due to the upcoming storm system, the scheduled repairs to Westside Hwy between Solomon Road and Fisher's Lane have been postponed to a later date.

However, PREPARE FAIR 2013 has NOT been postponed.  Come see us at Kessler Elementary on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  There will be lots of activities and prizes all about disaster preparedness.  The first 15 people through the door will receive complimentary emergency ponchos! Wooo hoooo!

Wet Weather Ahead

Here is the latest from the National Weather Service regarding an anticipated storm this weekend. I apologize for the all caps, that's how they come from NWS and I didn't have time to re-type. A POTENT FALL STORM WILL SET UP OFF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST THIS WEEKEND AND BRING PROLONGED MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN TO THE REGION. THE FIRST BATCH OF RAIN WILL ARRIVE BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON AFFECTING AREAS FROM THE NORTH OREGON COAST TO THE SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES. BETWEEN 0.75 AND 2.00 INCHES OF RAIN WILL FALL BY DAYBREAK SATURDAY WITH HEAVIEST AMOUNTS OVER THE COAST RANGE AND SOUTHWEST SLOPES OF THE WASHINGTON CASCADES. THE JET STREAM GRADUALLY SAGS SOUTH SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY MORNING AND BRINGS A REINFORCING PUNCH OF TROPICAL MOISTURE. THIS DEEP PLUME OF MOISTURE IS BEING GENERATED FROM FORMER TYPHOON PABUK CURRENTLY LOCATED OFF JAPAN'S EAST COAST. THIS SECOND LEADING EDGE OF RAIN WILL ARRIVE AROUND MID-DAY SATURDAY. MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN WILL THEN GRADUALLY SHIFT SOUTH OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS WITH HEAVY RAIN REACHING THE CENTRAL OREGON COAST BY EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. AGGRESSIVE RAINFALL ESTIMATES BRING SUNDAY EVENING RAIN TOTALS NEARING 10 INCHES FOR SOUTHWEST SLOPES OF THE SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES WITH AREAS NEAR MT HEBO IN THE OREGON COAST RANGE SEEING AROUND 8 INCHES. IN ALL...AREAS ALONG THE FAR NORTH OREGON AND SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST WILL SEE 5 TO 6 INCHES WITH AMOUNTS TAPERING OFF TO THE SOUTHEAST WHERE THE CENTRAL CASCADES RECEIVE AROUND 1.30 INCHES. THE PORTLAND METRO AREA COULD SEE AROUND 3.50 INCHES WITH AMOUNTS TAPERING OFF TO 2.50 INCHES SOUTH OF EUGENE. WINDY CONDITIONS WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 50 MPH WILL ALSO ARRIVE AT THE COAST SATURDAY. WINDS SHIFT INLAND SATURDAY NIGHT WHERE GUSTS TO AROUND 40 MPH. SATURATED SOILS AND GUSTY WINDS AND SUMMER WEAKENED TREES WILL LIKELY LEAD TO ANOTHER ROUND OF TREE DAMAGE AND POWER OUTAGES. HEAVY RAINS COULD ALSO LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLOODING...ESPECIALLY WHERE DRAINS AND CULVERTS ARE CLOGGED. DETAILS ON THIS DEVELOPING STORM ARE FAR FROM CERTAIN WITH SUBTLE SHIFTS IN POSITION AND TIMING EXPECTED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OR YOUR LOCAL MEDIA OUTLET.

Want to Be a Reserve Deputy?

Have you ever wanted to be a law enforcement officer? The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for reserve deputies through Oct. 1. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and high school diploma or GED, and pass a physical and written test, as well as an in-depth background investigation. Those who pass will participate in a reserve academy, beginning in January. Reserve deputies must volunteer at least 16 hours each month helping sheriff's deputies with their daily duties, as well as attend bimonthly training sessions. Applications are available at the sheriff's office in the Hall of Justice, 312 S.W. First Ave. in Kelso. For more information, call Deputy Jordan Spencer at 360-577-3092 or visit http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/index.aspx?nid=984 .

Plan to Be Safe

From Washington State Military Dept--Emergency Management Division In the coming weeks we will feature earthquake preparedness and safety recommendations as an optional addition to your ShakeOut participation, which will improve your readiness for a big earthquake or other emergencies. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. The Washington Military Department - Emergency Management Division provides downloadable action plans for how you can plan to be safe from earthquakes, tsunamis, and other hazards, as part of a variety of resources to help you Prepare in a Year. Here are highlights of what to consider when planning for earthquakes: • Identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks or tables, or on the ground next to an interior wall away from windows and things that may fall. • Earthquakes can start fires, so store a fire extinguisher where it can be easily accessed, and learn how to use it (P.A.S.S. - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). • People often cut their feet during or after earthquakes when they get out of bed and walk barefoot on broken glass or other fallen objects. To keep shoes and a flashlight within reach, put them in a bag under your bed. • Access to making long distance phone calls is usually restored first. Choose someone who lives out of the area for everyone in your family to report their status, then learn how to Text First, Talk Second from ShakeOut partner Safe America Foundation. • If you are a person with a disability or need extra help, include your personal support network in your plan and visit EarthquakeCountry.org/disability for a variety of resources. • Find out if you live, work or play in a tsunami zone and make sure everyone knows how to get to higher ground if necessary. To find out if you’re in the zone, visit: https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/geology/?Theme=tsunami_evac

First Responder Training at LCC

This Wednesday morning, September 18th, Emergency Management together with Lower Columbia College, local fire, EMS, law enforcement and SWAT agencies will be conducting a DRILL practicing dealing with an armed intruder to the college campus. Full-scale TRAINING like this is extremely valuable for our first responders. This DRILL has been in the planning stages for many months and is in no way related to the real-life events that have occurred earlier this week on the east coast. This DRILL is part of the continuing effort to ensure the safety and security of the college campus & our community. Please DO NOT be alarmed by the response vehicles and other first responder activities you may see in the area, and if you are a place of business be sure to notify your customers about this event as well. Thank you!

School Emergency Plans

From: A Parent's Guide to School Crisis Planning
If you have children in school here are some tips for what to do in an emergency: In order for the school district's emergency response plans to be effective, they must depend on the cooperation and assistance of many people, such as the police and fire departments. They also depend on the parents to support disaster response efforts. Please observe the following procedures during a crisis situation (your school district policies may vary, but these are fairly standard procedure)

 * Do not telephone the school. They understand and respect your concern for your child, but it is essential that the telephone system be available for emergency communications.

 * Tune your radio to a local radio station or check the district's website for emergency announcements and status reports. You will also receive instructions on where you should go to and how/when you may be able to pick up your child.

*  Do not come to the school or evacuation location until you are instructed to do so.  It may be necessary to keep the streets and parking lot clear for emergency vehicles.  If a building is in a lockdown situation, you will not be allowed to enter.

*  If evacuation is required, students may be transported to a location away from the school.  You will be notified of this through media bulletins, the district message line, and/or the county message line.  Photo ID will be required for student pickup.

*  The media may want to interview you or your child.  Depending on the situation, this may make matters worse.  If in doubt, decline to participate.  The school has a specific person assigned to communicate with the media.

*  Staff have specific assignments and training to respond to situations.  Volunteers should report to the Incident Commander for assignment rather than jumping in to assist on their own.  Good intentions may sometimes complicate the problem.

*  Emergency information should include any special needs or medications that your child requires.

*  Always check in at the office when you visit the school.

*  The school district has a plan to assist with emotional recovery after an incident.

*  It is a good idea to include out-of-state or out-of-area emergency phone contacts.  In some emergencies, long distance service is all that is available.

It is always a good idea to check in with your particular school to get a refresher on their emergency plans.

Flooding Prompts Massive Evacuations in Colorado

Thousands of residents are being evacuated in Colorado due to widespread flooding. It floods around these parts, would you be ready to leave at a moment's notice? If not, check out this website: http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family and learn more.

Power Line Safety

If you see a power line on the ground, DO NOT TOUCH it with anything. Expect every power line to be “live.” If a power line falls across your vehicle, DO NOT GET OUT! Take care not to touch any of the metal frame. Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police and wait until emergency help arrives. To report downed power lines call Cowlitz PUD:(360) 423-2210 or WA toll free 1-(800) 631-1131

What's for Dinner?

If you're anything like me, you probably hear this at least once a day. On a normal day, I'm assuming you usually have an answer. During a disaster though, would you know what to say? Here are some tips and ideas for food storage. Emergency, long-term storage food is commercially available, but the regular canned, dry and other food in your pantry can make for perfectly good emergency food storage. Try to keep a two-week supply on hand. Have food that your family likes, that are easy to make and need no refrigeration. Do not forget any special dietary needs in your family. Make sure to have a manual can opener and a supply of disposable utensils and plates as well. Supplements such as vitamins and protein are good additions. Practice "First In, First Out" technique. As you add new items to your pantry, place them in the back. Use older items (the first in, first out rule) before the use-by date. This way, your storage will naturally rotate and stay fresh. Inspect foods for signs of spoilage. Throw out cans that are swollen, dented or corroded. Shelf life for common foods (unopened) Six months: powdered milk, dried fruit, crackers, pretzels One year:canned meat, soups, vegetables, nuts and juices, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, vitamins Can be store indefinitely in proper containers and conditions:wheat, white rice, dry pasta, soybeans, instant coffee, tea and cocoa, vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, honey

All About Lightning

Lightning strikes about three million times a day on earth. In addition to its electric charge, a bolt of lightning can reach a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hotter than the surface of the sun! About 80 people are killed by lightning in an average year in the United States. Many more are injured, often seriously and long term. This makes lightning among the most dangerous of natural hazards. Stay aware of the weather forecast for your area, especially if you have outdoor activities planned. If you see dark, threatening clouds or hear thunder, it is time to prepare: * Every 5 seconds you can count between a lightning bolt and its thunderclap is one mile between you and the lightning. Since lightning can strike miles away from its cloud, don't consider yourself face. If you hear thunder, it is best to take shelter in a building or fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car. * If you are on the water, try to find land nearby to take shelter. * Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing can conduct the electricity from a strike to you. * Unplug all electrical equipment, a lightning strike can damage it or someone using it. * If you have to take shelter outside, stay away from large metal objects. Avoid lone trees in open spaces. If in a forest, take shelter in a clump of shorter trees. If nowhere else is available, go to a low spot and crouch down. Do not lie down and beware of standing water. * If someone has been struck by lightning call 9-1-1. If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, begin CPR. Check for burns. Caution, make sure they are not electrically charged before touching the victim.

Safeway Coupon

I found a $10 off of a $50 purchase at Safeway coupon in the paper the other day. You know what that means?! I can rotate the 10 gallons of water that I have in the garage that expires this month, use it to water the garden and buy 10 more gallons with a year shelf life, at no extra cost other than the $50 in food that I needed anyway. Put those coupons to good use and add to your disaster supply kit!

Create a Personal Support Network

If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, make a list of family, friends and others who will be a part of your plan. Talk to these people and ask them to be part of your support network. Share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your group, including a friend or relative in another area who would not be impacted by the same emergency who could help if necessary. Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home, school or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster. Make sure that someone in your personal support network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. Teach them how to use any lifesaving equipment or administer medicine in case of an emergency. If you use a wheelchair, oxygen or other medical equipment, show friends how to use these devices so they can move you if necessary or help you evacuate. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network. Inform your employer and co-workers about your disability and let them know specifically what assistance you will need in an emergency. This is particularly important if you need to be lifted or carried. Talk about communication difficulties, physical limitations, equipment instructions and medication procedures.

Can you be on your own for a week?

From www.ready.gov 

If you take medication or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible to have a week-long supply of medication and/or supplies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare.

If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. 
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.

In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home. Also, have copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards readily available. If you have a service animal, be sure to include food, water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other emergency pet supplies.