Cowlitz County Emergency Management

Blog Hacked

2016-07-19T09:06:00.001-07:00

It appears our blog has been hacked, so for the time being we are going to suspend this account until we can investigate further.

Paving Ahead!

2016-07-08T07:12:00.002-07:00

Summer kicks off paving projects in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties

Work to resurface more than 32 miles of highway on SR 4, SR 411 and SR 432 begins July 11

KELSO – Time and tires have taken their toll on state highways in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, but help is on the way. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s contractor, Granite Construction Company, will start work to repair the worn and damaged pavement next week.

“These stretches of roadway are showing their age with cracks and ruts lining the highway,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Joanna Lowrey. “We appreciate drivers planning ahead and bearing with us while we do this important work.”

About the projects

SR 4: Kandoll Road to the West Valley Creek Bridge

Beginning Monday, July 11, crews will resurface nearly13 miles of existing pavement on State Route 4, between Kandoll Road and east of Ingalls Road through Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The highway will receive a new coat of oil and gravel chips with this $1.6 million project.

SR 411: First Avenue SW to Interstate 5

Beginning Monday, July 11, crews will resurface more than 12 miles of pavement on State Route 411 between Longview and Castle Rock. This $2.4 million project includes intersection, crosswalk and striping enhancements along the corridor.

SR 432: SR 4 to 3rd Avenue

Beginning Monday, July 11, crews will resurface more than 7 miles of pavement on State Route 432, from SR 4 to 3rd Avenue in Kelso. As part of this $2.5 million dollar project crews will also replace more than 60 broken and unstable concrete panels under the pavement surface.

What can drivers expect during construction?

During all three projects, drivers should add extra time to their trips and prepare for delays due to lane and travel restrictions. WSDOT offers a variety of tools to help drivers:

Lane-closure information is available on the Construction Update & Travel Advisory.
Sign up to receive email updates about these projects and other WSDOT news.
Get real-time traffic information with the WSDOT mobile app and by following WSDOT’s regional Twitter feed.Work on these projects is weather dependent and scheduled for completion in fall 2016.

The End Result This work will preserve highway infrastructure and extend the useful life of the highways. It also creates safer driving conditions for the thousands of travelers who use these stretches of roadway each day.

Hyperlinks within the release:

SR 4 project information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr4/kandollrdvictowvalleycrkbridge/

SR 411 project information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR411/firstavetoi5pavement/
SR 432 project information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr432/sr4toindustrialwaypaving/
Southwest Region Construction Update and Travel Advisory: www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/southwest/construction/
Sign up to receive project updates: https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/wadot/subscriber/new
WSDOT mobile app: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Inform/mobile.htm
Southwest Region Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/wsdot_sw

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 511.

Is Your Pet Prepared?

2016-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every member of your household should be prepared for disasters. That means pets, too!

Just as you would create a disaster supply kit for yourself, be sure to also assemble one for your pet. In addition to having enough food and water to last at least three days, the Ready Campaign recommends:

· Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container as well as records with any instructions;

· Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar, and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit;

· Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency, take your pets and animals with you; and

· Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water.

Note: Please store chlorine bleach safely! Keep products containing hazardous materials such as chlorine bleach in their original containers and never remove the labels; never store hazardous products in food containers; and never mix chlorine bleach with any other household cleaning products. Mixing may cause chemicals to react, ignite, explode, or release poisonous gases that will cause very serious breathing problems or death.

For the full list of items you should include in your pet’s kit, download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners today!

Keep your pet prepared while on the go using the American Red Cross Pet First Aid mobile app. Use this app to help your furry friends during emergencies until you can get to a veterinarian. It’s available for download on Apple and Android devices.

Fireworks Safety

2016-07-01T08:44:00.001-07:00

Fireworks Safety

Stay safe this holiday. Fire and safety experts agree the best way to enjoy fireworks is from a distance. Leave the fireworks to the professionals!

Fireworks are often used to mark holidays and special events. While these displays may be visually appealing, they present dangers for consumer use. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), hundreds of people are injured each Fourth of July while using consumer fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers.

Get the facts about fireworks safety to share with family and friends. Take a look at this fireworks safety video and visit the CPSC Fireworks Information Center.

Don't Take to the Trails Without These 10 Essentials

2016-06-21T09:56:00.002-07:00

The key to keeping a hike safe and enjoyable is making sure you have the right gear.

Trail shoes or boots
GPS, map and compass. A GPS enabled device is handy, but go old-school too. Always carry a map and compass as a backup should your electronic device die or should the unit be unable to pick up a signal
Extra water and way to purify water should you run out and need to use lake or stream water.
Rain gear and extra clothing. Try to avoid cotton, which keeps moisture close to your skin.
Safety items--such as flashlight, whistle and a way to start a fire.
Extra food
First aid kit
Knife or multi-purpose tool
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Daypack/Backpack

Know Your Role in Wildland Fire Preparedness

2016-06-07T09:02:00.001-07:00

You can take steps to improve your safety and potentially reduce damage to your property by taking personal responsibility and action!

READY: Dispose of or relocate combustible material from around your home. Trim trees and bushes to allow ample space between your home and landscape vegetation.

SET: Arrange your "go kit" with prescription medication, emergency supplies, important documents and other essential items. Create your own wildland fire action plan, involve your family and practice exit plans from your home and from your neighborhood.

GO: Get your "go kit" and leave well before the threat approaches. Stay aware of the situation and cooperate with local authorities during evacuation and re-entry processes.

From www.wildlandfirersg.org

Register for free boating class

2016-06-01T08:15:00.001-07:00

The last free Adventures in Boating certification course until fall, sponsored by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, takes place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Cowlitz County Search and Rescue Building, 1800 Western Lane, Kelso. Early registration is suggested because classes fill up quickly.

Participants who take the one-day class will be certified to operate a vessel in Washington. Classes are open to anyone who needs to obtain a Washington State Boaters Education Card.

All vessel operators 59 years old and younger must have a Washington Boaters Education Card to operate a vessel in the state. For additional information and resources, visit www.boatered.org.

To register for the class, call Deputy Jordan Spencer at 360-577-3092 or send an email to spencerj@co.cowlitz.wa.us.

Grilling Safety

2016-05-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

Many people will be firing up their grills this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

With grilling season set to be in full force, take time to review a few safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to protect yourself and your guests from a fire or burn injuries:

· Only use your grill outside;

· Keep it away from siding and deck rails;

· Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill to keep kids and pets safe;

· Clean your grill after each use to remove grease, which can start a fire;

· Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled;

· Open your gas grill before lighting; and

· Keep an eye on your grill fire pit or patio torches.

Before you fire up your grill, check out USFA’s animation on grilling safety.

May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington State

2016-05-12T12:11:00.005-07:00

VANCOUVER, Washington — May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington, providing residents an opportunity to become more familiar with volcanic hazards in their communities and learn about steps they can take to reduce potential impacts. It is a time to commemorate the May 18, 1980 catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens, which not only caused massive destruction and loss of life but also became a catalyst for a new era of unprecedented scientific discovery, technology development and community awareness.

The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory and a variety of local emergency management agencies are working together with communities at risk across the state to provide timely warnings and reduce the negative impacts of future eruptions. Together, the agencies develop and exercise emergency plans with communities, coordinate communications, conduct public education programs and plan for short- and long-term recovery in the event an eruption or lahar should occur.

On Sunday, May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m., the bulging north flank of Mount St. Helens slid away in a massive landslide. Seconds later, the uncorked volcano exploded and blasted rocks laterally, destroying centuries of forest growth in a span of several minutes. Nine hours of explosive volcanic activity ensued, altering the landscape, and what we know about volcanoes, forever.

Volcano Preparedness Month arrives this year as an earthquake swarm is underway at Mount St. Helens, indicating that the volcano remains active. USGS’s seismic data have shown since 2010 that the quiet Mount St. Helens has a new supply of magma slowly repressurizing the magma chamber beneath the mountain. As was observed at Mount St. Helens between 1987-2004, recharge can continue for many years beneath a volcano and an eruption is not imminent.

Preparing for future eruptions

New this year is funding for aerial lidar images, which display ground features in spectacular detail and ease the work of ground-based geologists. A Colombia-USA binational exchange is in progress between officials of the two nations responsible for volcano preparedness and interpretation. Volcano emergency coordination plans are being updated at Mount Rainier. Agencies are developing new products for public education presentations, as well as posting signs in communities.

The USGS CVO, the PNSN and the National Science Foundation-funded EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory work to improve eruption forecasting and warning capabilities for Cascade volcanoes as part of the National Volcanic Early Warning System. They continue to monitor Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range for signs of unrest. The monitoring network operated by USGS and PNSN enhances the likelihood of detecting preliminary signs of increasing volcanic activity at any of the Cascade Range volcanoes.

The USGS CVO website has information about Volcano Preparedness Month events, as well as the USGS volcano-monitoring program and the hazards in the Washington and Oregon. Register for weekly updates and occasional Information Statements from the USGS Volcano Notification Service.

Find information updates about volcanoes and read about science in action at USGS Volcanoes on Facebook.

PNSN tracks earthquake activity in the Cascadia region including those under the Cascade Volcanoes on their Volcano Seismicity web pages.

Washington state’s Emergency Management Division website has a section about the state’s volcanoes as well as volcano preparedness measures. There are also educational materials for children on its publication section. Follow the agency’s Twitter feed for breaking news and information.

DNR’s Division of Geology and Earth Resources has developed a new website and a blog that include maps, assessments and other information to inform landowners, residents, community planners and emergency personnel about the risks related to volcanoes, lahars and other natural hazards in Washington state. DNR will also be producing more detailed maps of lahar zones and geologic hazards near communities from new lidar images taken this spring under a program created by the Washington legislature.

Eruptions at Mount St. Helens have demonstrated the importance of scientists working in close partnership with emergency and land management agencies to prepare for future eruptions. That includes installation of comprehensive monitoring networks, developing and practicing emergency plans, and supporting community education.

Seth Moran, scientist-in-charge at the USGS CVO, notes, “We’ve seen from other volcanic eruptions that scientists and public officials must work together in response planning well before a volcanic eruption begins. We cannot wait around for indications of volcanic reawakening. Our work together needs to be done now.”

USGS provides science for a changing world. Visit USGS.gov, and follow us on Twitter @USGS, and our other social media channels.

Free Boat Inspections

2016-04-14T08:21:00.002-07:00

Attention Boat Owners:
It’s that time of year again. The weather will start to get nice and the local rivers and lakes will soon be booming with sport and recreational boats. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend an invitation to all boat and personal watercraft owners. Come out to the Willow Grove Boat launch or the Kalama Marina on Saturday June 4th, between the hours of 10AM and 2PM for your free marine vessel safety inspection.

Each vessel that passes inspection will receive their 2016 Marine Safety Decal. Additional boating information will also be available.

For additional information contact Dep. Jordan Spencer at the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office at 360-577-3092

Are your documents in order?

2016-04-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

Securing Your Financial Documents

Many Americans experience the challenge of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently.

Taking the time now to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind. In the event of an emergency, it will also ensure that you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay.

The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) can help you financially prepare if a disaster or other emergency strikes your community. The EFFAK contains four important steps to financial preparedness:

· Assemble your important documents and contacts;

· Review your insurance policies and financial paperwork to be sure that they are still accurate and current;

· Store paper and electronic copies of all files in safe locations; and

· Revisit and update your EFFAK on a regular schedule. (Updates are especially important when certain changes in your life occur, like a change in marital status, birth of a child, and opening or closing accounts.)

April is Financial Literacy Month. This month is a great opportunity to review and update your EFFAK. You can find more financial preparedness resources online.

High Wind Warning

2016-03-13T09:40:00.001-07:00

The High wind warning includes Cowlitz County today. Strongest winds should be between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. with gusts between 35 mph and 50 mph. Entire forecast from the National Weather Service:https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=1226145

Check those smoke detectors!

2016-03-11T08:17:00.001-08:00

Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 13. It’s time to turn your clocks forward. It’s also a great opportunity to test your smoke alarms.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to check your smoke alarms at least once a month, by pushing the test button on the alarm. USFA estimates that more than 2,500 people die in home fires each year in the United States largely due to non-functioning smoke alarms. A functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death.

USFA offers these life-saving tips to protect your family from a home fire:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom;

• Install interconnected smoke alarms in your home, so when one alarms sounds they all sound; and

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or older.

You can find more information to protect your household against a fire on the USFA website.

Volcano Views and Brews

2016-02-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

The Mount St. Helens Institute Presents:

A Special Volcano Views and Brews

co-hosted by the City of Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center

Major Dynamic Floods in the Portland-Vancouver Area

Missoula Floods, Vanport Flood of 1948, and the 1996 Flood

with Portland State University Geology Professor Emeritus

Dr. Scott Burns

*Special Location - Water Resouces Education Center*

**note this is the only Views and Brews in February**

This unique event celebrates the Institute's and Water Resouces Education Center's shared 20th anniversaries and remembers the historic flood of 1996 that occurred mere weeks before the Water Center's opening! Attendees are also encourage to view the Vanport and Columbia River floods exhibit on the first floor of the Water Center. Food and beverages (non-alcoholic and beer) will be available for purchase.

Lecture Description

The Portland-Vancouver area has been shaped by many floods over several million years. The majority of the landforms were formed in a series of 40 floods that brought water into the area at velocities over 50 mph and shaped the area. Major erosional valleys, pendant bars of sediments, and deposits owe their origin to these floods called the Missoula Floods. Much of the talk will be about these events which are some of the greatest geological happenings in North America's history. In 1948, an incredible flood caused the flooding of Oregon's second largest city, Vanport, which was in the Columbia River Flood Plain. And finally, in 1996, the area had another rain on snow event that caused a huge set of floods in the area. Come hear Prof. Scott Burns of Portland State University talk about these three major floods.

Scott Burns Biography

Scott is a Professor Emeritus of Geology and Past-Chair of the Dept. of Geology at Portland State University where he just finished his 25th year of teaching. He was also Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at P.S.U. from 1997-1999. He has been teaching for 45 years, with past positions in Switzerland, New Zealand, Washington, Colorado and Louisiana. He is a 6th generation Oregonian who grew up in Beaverton. Scott specializes in environmental and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and Quaternary geology. In Oregon, he has assisted with projects involving landslides and land use, environmental cleanup of service stations, slope stability, earthquake hazard mapping, Missoula Floods, paleosols, loess soil stratigraphy, radon generation from soils, the distribution of heavy metals and trace elements in Oregon soils and alpine soil development. He has been active in mapping landslides in the Pacific Northwest since his return to Portland. He has authored over 100 publications, including "Cataclysms on the Columbia, the Great Missoula Floods." He is also well known for his long history studying wine and terroir - the relationship between wine, soils, geology and climate.

Upcoming Events

March

Vancouver and Longview-

"Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens"

with author Steve Olson.

Portland- TBA

About Volcano Views and Brews

This popular lecture series about volcanic topics began in 2007 and continues every month. Fascinating topics, lively speakers as well as excellent food and libations make for an enjoyable and horizon-widening evening.

When and Where

Special Location!

Tuesday, February 16

Water Resources Education Center

4600 SE Columbia Way

Vancouver, WA

$5 suggested donation

Doors at 5:00pm, presentation at 6:30pm

Food and beverages (non-alcoholic and beer) will be available for purchase

All ages welcome

How much?

The $5 suggested donation

allows us to offer these talks!

The Mount St. Helens Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding and stewardship of the earth through science, education and exploration of volcanic landscapes.

The Mount St. Helens Institute is proud to operate under a special use permit from the US Forest Service and is a equal opportunity education provider.

Quick Links

Our Website

Become a Member

Stay Connected

Fire Safety

2016-02-03T08:02:00.001-08:00

Most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fire. Common causes of fires at night are carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without spark screens or glass doors, and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles. These fires can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder for a long period before being discovered by sleeping residents.
Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.
Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
Do not cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

If you smoke, smoke outside. Most home fires caused by smoking materials start inside the home. Put your cigarettes out in a can filled with sand.
Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. The cigarette really needs to be completely stubbed out in an ashtray. Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
Check for cigarette butts. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast. Don't put ashtrays on them. If people have been smoking in the home, check for cigarettes under cushions.
Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
Check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community.
Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
Never burn trash, paper, or green wood.
Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.
Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

Children

Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Teach children not to pick up matches or lighters they may find. Instead, they should tell an adult immediately.
Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.
Check under beds and in closets for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.

Cowlitz County Search and Rescue Donations

2016-01-26T11:08:00.002-08:00

We've received lots of questions about phone and mail solicitations from Cowlitz County Search and Rescue. These are not from our group, they are from a third party fundraising organization and the dontation gets distributed around the state. To ensure that 100% of your donation goes to Cowlitz County Search and Rescue, please use their website: http://www.cowlitzsar.org/ or call our office at 360 577-3130 for more information.

Storm Update from KLOG

2015-12-22T09:52:00.002-08:00

Wind Wham

Posted on 22nd December 2015 at 09:38

Work continues on dozens of power outages and road blockages that were caused by yesterday’s windstorm in the local area, an event that downed trees all over Cowlitz County. PUD line crews and road crews have been on the move since about 1:30 yesterday afternoon, when the winds first hit. Large swaths of the county are still without power, and PUD officials say that it still may be several hours before repairs are complete. The latest numbers show that about 15,000 PUD customers got knocked out yesterday, and that number was cut to about 2,000 by this morning. Some of the damage resembled the 1962 Columbus Day storm, with trees falling onto houses and cars in multiple locations around the region. At this point, there are no reports of injury connected to this damage. The Cowlitz PUD says work is continuing as quickly and as safely as possible, to try and get power restored to everyone. City and county road crews are also working as quickly as possible to clear trees and limbs from the streets. Be aware and be patient as these crews work to restore electricity and road access.

The peak wind gust recorded in this area was 46 miles an hour, recorded at 2:15 pm at the Southwest Washington Regional Airport in Kelso. There was also a 46 mile-an-hour gust in Lexington, 34 miles an hour in Longview, 31 miles an hour in Kalama, 23 miles an hour in Castle Rock, 29 miles an hour at the station next to the Lewis and Clark Bridge, and 64 miles an hour up on Abernathy Mountain.
Longview was particularly hard-hit, with a number of large trees coming down; if a city-owned tree has come down onto your home or vehicle, you’re advised to call 442-5803 to file a report and to get on the list for removal. Trees in the planting strips along city streets are owned by Longview, and city crews will be responsible for their removal. Again, call 442-5803 if a City of Longview-owned tree came down onto your home or your vehicle.

There’s actually a name for yesterday’s weather event, which the Weather Service describes as “straight-line winds.” They say that these straight-line winds are generated by thunderstorms, but they aren’t associated with rotation, like a tornado. They’re associated with the “outflow and downdraft” components of a thunderstorm. NWS officials say that these winds can cause the same kind of damage as a tornado, but all of that damage falls in the same general direction. These winds are also called “Derechos,” and can be much more devastating than yesterday’s event.

What Are Straight Line Winds?

2015-12-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Wondering what on Earth that wind storm was all about today? According to the National Weather Service, what we experienced is called "straight line winds." To learn more about this weather phenomenon click here: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/Image/dvn/downloads/quickfacts_Straightline_Wind_Derecho.pdf

Recognizing Frostbite

2015-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Recognizing Frostbite

The official start of winter begins December 21, but some parts of the country are already experiencing severe winter weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. One of the most common problems is frostbite.

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Signs of frostbite include:

· White or grayish-yellow skin area;

· Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy; and

· Numbness.

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care immediately. If medical care is not available, follow these important tips from the CDC, including:

· Get into a warm room as soon as possible;

· Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes, unless necessary. Doing so can increase the damage; and

· Immerse the affected area in warm water.

For more information about frostbite and how to prevent it, check out this video from the National Weather Service.

Updated Weather Forecast

2015-12-17T12:33:00.002-08:00

The Department of Emergency Management attended another briefing from the National Weather Service today. They didn’t make any changes to the rainfall total, however, they did make a revision to their wind forecast.

The Lower Columbia area can expect gusty conditions beginning around 6:00 p.m. tonight and lasting until 2:00 a.m. Gusts are expected to be anywhere 30-45 mph. This is also when we can expect the period of heaviest rain. The rain will begin to taper off tomorrow.

The Cowlitz River was downgraded from “Flooding Possible” to “River to Monitor.”

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

2015-12-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Winterize Your Vehicle

You may have prepared your home for winter weather; now it’s time to prepare your car. Seasonal changes also mean changes to your emergency supply kit.

America’s PrepareAthon! encourages you to update your vehicle’s emergency kit with several items, including:

· A shovel;

· Jumper cables;

· A bag of sand or cat litter; and

· Warm clothes.

Avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Before you hit the road, have a mechanic check items on your vehicle, including:

· Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing;

· Battery and ignition system – terminal should be clean;

· Brakes – check for wear and fluid level; and

· Tires – make sure they have adequate tread.

For more ways to prepare your car for winter weather, check out the How to Prepare for a Winter Storm guide from America’s PrepareAthon!

Why Does It Take So Long to Reopen a Road?

2015-12-16T12:26:00.001-08:00

Great info from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
http://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-reopen-some.html

Beacon Hill Closure at 100 Block

2015-12-16T08:29:00.002-08:00

From Cowlitz County Department of Public Works: Temporary Road Closure at Beacon Hill Road in Longview. The removal of a wood platform from the elevated rail line will require the closure of a portion of 100 block of Beacon Hill Drive, beneath the rail line.

The closure will occur on Saturday, December 19th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A detour route around the project site will be available and will be clearly signed.

Please use caution near construction zones and obey the directions of traffic control personnel.

Commissioner's Office Allows Free Waste Disposal For Those Affected by Flooding

2015-12-15T16:26:00.001-08:00

The Board of Cowlitz County Commissioners has agreed to provide vouchers for free disposal of waste, storm debris and demolition/reconstruction material generated as a result of the storm event of December 8^th, 2015.

This voucher will be retroactive to the 8^th of December. Residents can fill out a card at the three locations listed below and take the voucher to Waste Control. For those who disposed of storm-related waste prior to today, you can be reimbursed by providing a receipt from Waste Control and filling out the card provided at any of the three locations listed.

As per usual requirements, Waste Control will check ID to verify residency. If you have questions about this program please call the Commissioner’s office at 577-3020.

Cowlitz County Public Works: 1600 13^th Avenue, Kelso, WA

Cowlitz County Assessor’s Office: 207 N. 4^th Avenue, Kelso, WA, 2^nd Floor

Cowlitz County Building and Planning Office: 207 N. 4^th Avenue, Kelso, WA 1^st Floor

Another Round of Rain

2015-12-15T14:07:00.001-08:00

Latest from National Weather Service: The rain begins late Wednesday night and will continue into Thursday night, with a total of anywhere between 2 and 2 ½ inches in that 48 hour period. The heaviest rain is predicted to be on Thursday, lasting possibly through Saturday, potentially causing flooding of streets and rivers.

The heavy rain increases the potential for landslides, downed trees and clogged storm drains. Expect rises on the Cowlitz River, as well as local streams. Thursday will also bring breezy conditions, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.

This is a good time to check your emergency supplies, both in your home and in your car. It is always a good idea to be ready to be on your own for 72 hours following an emergency. For a list of preparedness items, check out www.ready.gov.