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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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!
*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!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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!
* 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!
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