Swine Flu Alert Level Raised

The World Health Organization has now raised the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, alert level to 6, giving the illness pandemic status as it has now spread to 74 countries. It is the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. Officials are maintaining, though, that the flu is not deadly and can be easily treated, though it has resulted in 141 deaths since the outbreak began in April.

While all of this may seem like much ado about nothing, it is still important to practice common-sense rules about germs to prevent the spread of illness: wash hands regularly with soap and warm water, use hand sanitizer if water is not available, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are ill and learn about safe food practices.

Driving Safety

Week 2 of National Safety Month focuses on driving safety. To keep things in the realm of Emergency Management, today's blog focuses on flood water safety. Turn Around Don't Drown is a NOAA National Weather Service campaign to warn people about the dangers of walking or driving through flood waters. Floods are one of the deadliest and most costly of all natural disasters. A great deal of these tragedies are totally preventable.
From the National Weather Service:
Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: Turn Around Don't Drown™. The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

Follow these safety rules:

• Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown™
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown™
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued in Clark County

The National Weather Service issued a Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Clark County at 4:53 p.m. This is a serious storm. You are advised from the National Weather Service to stay inside, away from windows. You can expect to see ¼” (quarter inch) sized hail and 60 miles per hour winds that can do damage to buildings. At this exact time, the system is over Sandy moving northwest at 15 miles per hour.

Tornados can be spawned during severe thunderstorms. NO TORNADOS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT THIS TIME.

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect through 9 p.m. tonight.

Severe Thunderstorm Alert

There is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for several counties in Oregon. There have been no warnings for Cowlitz County yet, but the National Weather Service has stated that the storm is moving quickly to the northwest and has the potential to drop a great deal of rain with strong winds shortly. The National Weather Service advises to stay inside or move to a place of safety as this storm has produced hail, thunder and lightning. Stay tuned to radio or television for more information.

June is National Safety Month

The Month of June is designated as "National Safety Month" and each week has a different theme. This week's theme is "Workplace Safety." As this is such a broad topic that can differ from workplace to workplace, I have chosen to focus on personal disaster preparedness. In the event of an earthquake or other large scale disaster, there is always the possibility that you could be stuck at your workplace for a few days (Yikes, I know). We recommend keeping a personal disaster supplies kit for work with the following items:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
  Use the flashlight to find your way if the power is out. Do not use candles or any other open flame for emergency lighting.
  
  
• Battery-powered radio
  News about the emergency may change rapidly as events unfold. You also will be concerned about family and friends in the area. Radio reports will give information about the areas most affected.
  
  
• Food
  Enough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals), is suggested. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. The following items are suggested:
  Ready-to-eat canned meals, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
  Canned juices.
  High-energy foods (granola bars, energy bars, etc.).
  


• Water
  Keep at least one gallon of water available, or more if you are on medications that require water or that increase thirst. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
  


• Medications
  Include usual non-prescription medications that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc. If you use prescription medications, keep at least three-day’s supply of these medications at your workplace. Consult with your physician or pharmacist how these medications should be stored, and your employer about storage concerns.
  
  
• First Aid Supplies
  If your employer does not provide first aid supplies, have the following essentials:
  (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes. (1) 5” x 9” sterile dressing. (1) conforming roller gauze bandage. (2) triangular bandages. (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.(1) roll 3” cohesive bandage. (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes. (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves Adhesive tape, 2” width. Anti-bacterial ointment. Cold pack. Scissors (small, personal). Tweezers. CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
  
  
• Personal hygiene items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, soap, contact lens supplies, and feminine supplies.
  


• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) .
  Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear, including a long sleeved shirt and long pants, as well as closed-toed shoes or boots.
  


• If you wear glasses, keep an extra pair with your workplace disaster supplies.



• Whistle. If you find yourself trapped by debris, a whistle is the best way to be heard by rescuers. Shouting is a last resort as it not only can cause exhaustion, but could cause the victim to inhale a great deal of harmful dust and toxins.

Your kit should be adjusted based on your own personal needs. This sounds like a huge amount of stuff to keep under your desk, but you'd be suprised. My kit fits in a small duffle bag and sits under my desk. Your co-workers might think you're a paranoid weirdo, but think of how jealous they will be when you are eating a nice warm meal in clean clothes after an earthquake traps you all in the office. You will be elected supreme ruler of the survivors and after the dust settles, might just be promoted to assistant manager!

Summer Weather 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.

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.

Special Weather Statement

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
456 PM PDT MON JUN 1 2009
WAZ019-023-039-040-020045-
GREATER VANCOUVER AREA WA-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS WA-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES WA-WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WA-
456 PM PDT MON JUN 1 2009
..SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN SKAMANIA...
SOUTHEASTERN COWLITZ AND EASTERN CLARK COUNTIES UNTIL 545 PM PDT...
AT 455 PM PDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM COUGAR TO TRAPPER CREEK WILDERNESS...AND MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 10 MPH.
HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH IN DIAMETER IS EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS...
ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.
* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
TRAPPER CREEK WILDERNESS...
COUGAR...
YALE LAKE...
YALE AND CHELATCHIE...
THIS STORM MAY INTENSIFY...SO BE CERTAIN TO MONITOR LOCAL RADIO AND TV STATIONS...AS WELL AS LOCAL CABLE TV OUTLETS...FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
LAT...LON 4621 12210 4569 12197 4565 12234 4616 12248 TIME...MOT...LOC 2355Z 021DEG 7KT 4609 12233 4591 12207
$$
WEATHER.GOV/PORTLAND