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.