Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA)

Fire Corps and CERT Training Starts Soon

2012-01-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Two great Citizen Corps programs, Fire Corps and CERT, have training sessions starting very soon in Clark/Vancouver.

We’re very excited to announce that Vancouver Fire Department’s Fire Corps has their inaugural training academy starting February 2. Fire Corps volunteers are critical for non-emergency support functions focusing on education and prevention. Their training will include Smoke Alarm awareness and installation, Home Safety and Small Hazard house training, Fire Extinguisher training and much more. In addition, each volunteer in the program will receive CPR, AED and First Aid training. Click here for information on how to register for their program.

Clark County Fire District 6 is starting their spring session of the highly desired Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training on February 16. This 20+ hour course will follow the national curriculum and help Clark County citizens become more prepared to survive disasters and help their community respond in times of great need. The cost is $30 and you must submit your application with payment before you are on the roster. Click here to see their schedule and registration.

If you need more information regarding other Clark County or City of Vancouver Citizen Corps volunteer programs please email Cindy.Stanley@clark.wa.gov.

Register for Emergency Alerts in Clark County

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

SIGN UP HERE
Did you hear that the City of Portland is having a big emergency notification test today? This has created quite a buzz as people scramble to get registered. Do you live or work in Clark County and want to receive emergency notifications for your address? Register your cell phones or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone numbers now.

Although Clark County is not participating in this test we want to ensure that you get notified of actual emergencies in your neighborhood. Examples of situations where we have notified our neighbors of emergency situations include hazardous materials spill, urgent police actions or incidents, lost children and sometimes a lost or endangered adult. You may be asked to evacuate your home immediately, to remain safely inside your premises or be on the lookout for a lost person who was last seen in your neighborhood. Please remember to always keep a pen and paper handy by your phone to record important information that may be relayed and to communicate with your loved ones of these important instructions.

SIGN UP HERE

Follow this link for more information on our notification system.

NWS Cancels Flood Watch for SW Washington

2012-01-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service (NWS) has cancelled the flood watch for Southwest Washington. Only the Cowlitz River at Kelso remains at "action stage" and will remain below flood stage. Only scattered showers are expected today, with a weak cold front arriving tonight which will increase showers and lower temperatures. Further information is available at: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/

Continue to "be prepared" for winter weather emergencies and we at CRESA will continue to monitor for any changes from the NWS.

Storm Parade Starts with Possible Freezing Rain Tonight

2012-01-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

This very active weather pattern will continue for the next several days. We'll have just about all forms of severe weather. Clark County residents should keep tabs on weather, river, and travel conditions and take precautions. Here's the rundown:

Most urgently, there is a Freezing Rain Advisory for areas to the east of I-205 in East Clark County. An ice storm is underway in the Gorge. Forecasters are watching strong, cold east winds push freezing rain father west than was originally forecasted. The freezing rain may get to Camas and Washougal and possibly as far as I-205, starting in the early evening and ending around midnight.

Another storm front will enter the region tonight bringing another .5 to 1" of rain to the inland valleys. No Clark County rivers are expected to reach flood stage at this point.

There is a Wind Advisory in effect from 10 PM tonight through 10 AM tomorrow. Winds 25-35 MPH, with gusts to 40-45. Strongest winds will occur from midnight to 8 AM. This is of particular concern because of the rain saturated soils. Trees may be more likely to break or fall, blocking roads and cutting powerlines.

Another storm system will come to the region on Sunday that will be similar to tonight's storm.

The good news is that in the short term we don't expect any rivers in Clark County to rise to a level of concern.

Longer term, we're keeping an eye on another heavy rain storm around Tuesday and Wednesday next week. As it stands now, forecasters predict this may be similar to the rain storm we had on Wednesday and Thursday this week. This may bring another 1.5 - 3" of rain in the inland valleys.

Helpful Hints

Be very careful if you are travelling in the East County area tonight. If you have travel plans that take you east on SR-14 or Hwy 84, you should reconsider.

Be on the lookout for falling trees and exposed powerlines later tonight. To report a power outage in Clark County call Clark Public Utilities at (360) 992-8000.

Also be on the lookout for landslides and other debris flows. These extended periods of heavy rain and snowmelt can often result in landslides.

After a Short Break . . . Another Round of Rain

2012-01-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy soggy day in Clark County. Lots of high water everywhere, lots of flooded basements, and lots of calls to 911 and public works agencies asking for assistance with flooded roads. Fortunately, we haven't had any major damage or serious incidents in this round of wet weather. But there is another round coming.

The Weather Service tells us that the current rain will shift to the east and become lighter into the evening. It's stopped raining here at CRESA. It should come to a full stop in the region by 10 PM. But we will have another heavy rain system Friday afternoon through Saturday morning that could bring another inch or more to the inland valleys.

At this point, no Clark County rivers are expected to flood. However, we remain under a Flood Watch through tomorrow. Keep your eyes out for high water, small stream flooding, bank erosion, and landslides. If you come across high water and you can't get around it, just go another way. Driving through high water can be very dangerous.

Sandbags
Sandbags are available to the public from Clark County Public Works at 4700 NE 78th St., at the main entrance. You might also be able to access sandbags at your hardware store. Call ahead to make sure.

Useful Contacts
Clark County Public Works (360) 397-2446
Vancouver Public Works (360) 696-8177 / after hours (360) 693-9302
Clark Public Utilities - to report power outages (360) 992-8000

Be Aware of Flood Hazards Over the Next Few Days

2012-01-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

We're in for a nice stretch of wet weather over the next few days. We may get up to an inch tomorrow. Heavy rain along with the melting low- and mid-elevation snow that's accumulated over the past few days can sometimes be a recipe for flooding. As of this morning, Clark County is under a Flood Watch through Friday. Minor flooding is possible on faster responding rivers this evening, with slower responding rivers cresting Thursday and Friday. Street flooding and ponding is also a possibility with the slushy snow and heavy rain. If you live near a waterway, be on the lookout for flooding and erosion (keep in mind that these weather patterns can lead to landslides as well). You can monitor river levels on your own through this Weather Service river gauge website.

The overnight storm we had generated a lot of power outages throughout the county. We've been monitoring Clark Public Utilities' progress throughout the day in restoring power. The cool thing is that you can do this to. Check out CPU's Outages Map to see a great visual depiction of the location of outages.

Be Prepared for an Ugly Commute on Wednesday Morning

2012-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Clark County commuters should be prepared for a difficult commute on Wednesday morning. Make sure you have fuel, traction devices, and other emergency supplies in your car. Also, leave plenty of extra time to allow for safe, slow driving. You don't want to be in a rush.

The National Weather Service says that a heavy band of moisture will enter the area tonight over the very cold air in place now. This could result in snow accumulation of 1-3 inches down to the lowest elevations. Most precipitation would fall between midnight tonight and 8 AM Wednesday, which is perfectly timed to interfere with the morning commute.

It is difficult to predict the specific time and location of the transition from snow to rain. It's possible that any snowfall would primarily be to the north and at higher elevations. However, drivers should be prepared for accumulating snow at low elevations.

Will it snow here?

2012-01-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, a little bit of snow is in our forecast. We'll just have to wait to see if it becomes a reality.

The National Weather Service Portland has issed a Special Weather Statement for our area for some possible winter weather conditions. While the cold air is expected to arrive beginning late Saturday, Sunday and into Monday is our best chance for snow down to the valley floor, if at all.

Please take precautions when traveling later this holiday weekend, pay attention to your local evaluation forecast and spend a little time taking stock of how to prepare for winter weather conditions. Keep your gas tank filled with gas, have emergency supplies both at home and in your car and pick up your needed medications before the weather is expected to arrive. This way you can stay safe and dry inside, regardless of what happens.

We have included links to some of our previous blog articles with some great winter preparedness tips.

Is Your Home Ready For Winter? (2010)
Winter Weather Enroute? (2011)
Winter Weather Advisory Issued (2010)

Stage 1 Burn Ban Declared for Clark County

2012-01-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County effective now through Saturday, 14, 2012 at 1 pm. This is due to stagnant weather pattern forecasts and rising fine particle pollution levels. The use of all fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves and inserts and all outdoor burning is prohibited. If wood burning is your only adequate source of heat, you are exempt.

When the burn ban is lifted, the SWCAA has many tips on their website to burn wood more efficiently. See their following articles on their home page. "Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood & Get a Moisture Meter", "Clean Air Tips" and "Top 10 Cleaner Wood Burning Tips".

Citizens invited to apply for police NOW program

2012-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Police can’t be on every corner, but you can!

Neighbors On Watch (NOW), the Vancouver Police Department's citizen patrol program, is accepting applications for volunteer citizen patrollers through January 26, 2012. Applicants must live in the city limits, be a U.S. Citizen, and be at least 21-years old. NOW volunteers receive specialized training to become “extra eyes and ears” in the community, as part of the police department’s Community Oriented Policing efforts.

Currently the NOW program has 87 civic leaders who represent 39 neighborhoods. All NOW volunteers are asked to commit to patrolling at least four hours per month. Citizen volunteers receive a minimum of 26 hours of training in observation skills, police radio communications, crime detection, personal protection and how to report crimes or suspicious activity. All training is provided by the Vancouver Police Department at no cost to the volunteer.

NOW is helping keep things safe while you shop this holiday season. Take a look at this recently filmed video depicting NOW volunteers in action: Operation Christmas Presence!

For more information about the NOW program, visit this Web page or contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Cheney at (360) 487-7467 or by e-mail at Kelly.Cheney@cityofvancouver.us.

Hi-Fidelity Alerts and the Future of Public Warning

2012-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

This morning at about 11 AM CRESA conducted a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that went out live on Portland TV and radio stations. Maybe you heard it. It was a first live test of a new system we have for activating EAS alerts. Like any first test, it wasn't without glitches. The first attempt went out without any voice message on just a few stations. But the second time around was pitch perfect.

Since the mid-90's, we've relied on a two-way radio system for sending alerts to broadcasters who then turned it around through their broadcast signal. With that system, by the time the voice message went through multiple radio systems it sounded pretty horrible to the listener. At times, it could be almost unintelligible. Not exactly what you want in a system that's meant to give people life-saving instructions. Now that two-way radio-based system becomes a backup to our new system that uses the internet to communicate our alerts to TV and radio broadcasters. This allows us to send crystal clear audio to broadcasters and the public. This is what we tested this morning.

These are the first steps toward our transition to the new national system for public warning called the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). In the current phase, both Washington and Oregon are working to finish the integration of this new warning standard into the current EAS system. But that only addresses TV and radio stations. What's perhaps more exciting is that in near future you'll see this system integrate text messages, voice messages, messages to your computer or mobile devices via social media or via new apps, and to new and existing devices such as tone alert radios.

A lot of work is being done at the local, state, and federal level to implement IPAWS. It represents a very powerful partnership between the public and private sectors to improve our ability to warn you of an emergency. If you want to learn more, here is more information about IPAWS.

Did you know that right now there are a number of things that you can do to ensure that you can access emergency information? To learn about these check out CRESA's Alerts and Warnings website.

As We Close Out 2011....

2011-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Creative Commons via webdesignhot.com

While the year is not quite over, this will likely be CRESA's last post of 2011. In reviewing this past year, we thought it would be interesting to share some fun agency highlights.

We will wait until the year officially closes to gather the specific 9-1-1 statistics so you can expect additional numbers once those are tabulated.

But, some memorable community highlights of notable events within Clark County that engaged CRESA included:

In January, we saw the sinking of the Davy Crockett Barge: While this event was managed by the US Coast Guard and the Washington State Department of Ecology, CRESA Emergency Management Duty Officers received regular updates & ensured that regional partners were kept informed.

In March, Japan experienced their 9.0 Magnitude Earthquake & Tsunami. This event affected emergency managers everywhere as it is similar to the anticipated outcomes of what could occur when the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault rips the earth someday. This scenario is also of value to local planners with regards to planning for debris management.

In April, we began to see some late-season flooding along the Columbia River. Fortunately, the impacts were not damaging enough to declare any area a disaster, but the Vancouver Marathon did have to reroute their runners in June to stay out of the inundated park areas.

May was a busy month for CRESA. On May 19th, CRESA staff managed and participated in the 140 Character Conference which was the first 140 Conference to focus on the impact of social media in the public sector. This event brought together 58 speakers in 8 hours who spoke on all aspects of how this emerging form of communication changes everything for the future of crisis communications. Videos of each of the presentations are still available at http://nw.140conf.com/ by clicking on the Morning Schedule and Afternoon schedule

On May 25th, an important workshop was held regarding redesigning the Emergency Medical Service delivery system. At this meeting, over 80 folks participated in hearing about the different available models for ambulance coverage. This effort will certainly inform additional work that will carry into 2012 for our EMS program.

And finally, the end of May saw CRESA's long-time director, Tom Griffith, retiring. In December, the Administrative Board finalized the appointment of Anna Pendergrass as our new director. We look forward to kicking off the new year under her leadership.

In September, CRESA participated in over 28 community events to celebrate National Preparedness Month, the 10-year anniversary of 9/11/01 and National 9-1-1 Day to honor emergency dispatchers. This included our local Open House in addition to many other exciting events including the hosting of our online game, 30 Days, 30 Ways which had its own website this year.

Volunteers throughout Clark County gave of themselves selflessly to assist with a number of special missions, coordinated through CRESA. These included Chief Ralph Painter's Memorial Service, Mass Casualty Drills for our fire departments, 140 Conference, National Preparedness Month events, the Lethal Vapor Hazardous Materials Full-Scale Exercise and the Army's Mass Decon Full-Scale Exercise. Beyond these large scale events, there were many everyday events that are simply too numerous to count.

We are blessed here at CRESA to be a part of an amazing community in Clark County and SW Washington. Each day our employees and public safety agencies throughout this community dedicate themselves towards the hard work necessary to ensure that we prepare, respond and are ready to recover when disaster strikes.

To everyone who reads these words, volunteers with our community programs, or work with us, we wish you a joyous and safe New Year! Please do us a personal favor and be responsible about how you celebrate. We'd prefer to have a quiet night here at CRESA.

Last Week of the Year Will Be Wet & Windy

2011-12-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

Creative Commons via saveonlinestore.com

We hope that each of you are enjoying a good holiday seasons with your loved ones. Unfortunately, this week is kicking off with a weather notice.

At this point, we just have a "Special Weather Statement" from the National Weather Service which says that there is a strong jet stream bringing a series of wet & windy storms "in rapid succession" to the Pacific Northwest.

Coastal areas can expect 3-5 inches of rain and we'll likely see more than 2 inches of rain in the valley areas. While we don't expect widespread flooding, the rivers and creeks could rise rather quickly. For Friday & Saturday, snow levels will drop below the passes if you are traveling in the higher elevation areas.

As you are out and about this week, plan for some rather wild weather. And, as always, CRESA Emergency Management will be keeping a special eye on these storms and any impacts that they might bring to our area.

Remember, if you experience a power outage, call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-8000 to report it.

Clark Public Utilities also maintains a nice map of outages which can be consulted at anytime to see if there are any live outages in your area at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/yourhome/outages/outages-map

Stage 1 Burn Ban Lifted at 4p Today

2011-12-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

According to our partner at Southwest Clean Air Agency (http://www.swcleanair.org/), the burn ban will be lifted at 4:00 p.m. today. Here is the information directly from their website:

December 20, 2011 - Due to the forecast for more active weather patterns and improving air quality conditions, the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is removing the Stage 1 Burn Ban for Clark County effective 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. The restrictions on using wood stoves and fireplaces in Clark County will then be lifted. This afternoon residents may once again use their wood stoves and fireplaces, but are asked to burn as cleanly as possible.

For those who heat with wood, please remember that it is always illegal to produce excess chimney smoke and to smoke out your neighbor. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. 'We want to thank those citizens who have complied with the recent burn bans and ask that when they do burn, that they use only dry, seasoned firewood and follow clean burning practices.' said Robert Elliott, Executive Director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency.

As of Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., in areas of Clark County where burning has not been permanently banned, outdoor burning will again be allowed with the proper permits. However, burning at any time adds to the air pollution levels in your local community, and residents are encouraged to seek alternatives to burning throughout the year. When outdoor burning does take place please note that only natural vegetation may be burned and a smoke nuisance may not be caused. State law prohibits the burning of garbage, home-repair debris, and other prohibited materials at any time. Burn barrels of any kind are also prohibited by state law.

Safety Reminders During Holiday Fun

2011-12-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

As we all celebrate the holidays this week and next, we'd like to share some holiday preparedness tips from the American Red cross at www.redcross.org/homefires

Place holiday trees, candles, and other decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Groovy Doo-Doo

2011-12-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Last night 61 Clark County Citizen Corps, CERT, Medical Reserve Corps and community members learned about Disaster Sanitation: What to do about Pee and Poo. Shown in the picture is Carol McCreary of the Portland Advocacy group PHLUSH (pronounced Flush). Carol taught the group about the twin-bucket toilet system (used in the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake areas) that you can have in your own preparedness and home kits if your utilities are disrupted due to a large-scale disaster.

The group was also instructed by Nathan Weed, Clark County Public Health and Captain Frank Mazna, Vancouver Fire Department about best practices in a disaster for hygiene, preventing disease outbreak and how to fend for yourself in a disaster.

The event was sponsored by CRESA and the Clark County Citizen Corps group. If you want to be invited to the next community preparedness education class or have emergency preparedness topic ideas that you would like to see presented in 2012, please email cindy.stanley@clark.wa.gov.

CRESA Leading Hazard Mitigation Planning Updates

2011-12-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to provide strategies for creating a resilient and sustainable community by addressing the hazard vulnerabilities prone to strike Clark County. Disasters exact a heavy toll o communities when they occur, destroying life, property, crucial infrastructure, harming natural systems and disrupting local economies sometimes permanently. This plan will help prevent lives, homes and businesses from being damaged by disaster and help return to normal after the chaos of a disaster.

CRESA is leading the Hazard Mitigation planning effort for the Clark County area to update the expired 2004-2009 plan. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee consists of representatives from CRESA, County departments, local business, the educational service district and Vancouver Fire. There will be several benefits as this process unfolds:

Clark County will be eligible for an addition 15% post-disaster FEMA reimbursement above the normal 75% to total 90% FEMA reimbursement.

Clark County will qualify for currently untapped Hazard Mitigation Assistance federal grant funds for Hazard Mitigation construction projects tied to the plan goals, objectives, strategies and mitigation action plan.

Public involvement in Hazard Mitigation planning during the plan review process.

Utilize existing plans and programs to eliminate duplication of planning efforts and foster collaboration between County departments, CRESA, subject matter experts and the general public.

Reassess the plan in light of a disaster occurrence, such as an earthquake or major flood, convening within 15 days as appropriate.

If you are interested in more information on Hazard Mitigation planning view CRESA's emergency plans page here. Included on this page is the project plan, Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee contact list (included in the project plan), kickoff meeting minutes from 12/01/2011 and the expired 2004 plan.

If you want more information about the public involvement in this process, feel free to contact the project manager Scott Clemetson with CRESA Emergency Management at 360-992-6289 or email Scott.Clemetson@clark.wa.gov.

Burn Ban Canceled

2011-12-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

According to the Southwest Clean Air Agency and due to favorable weather patterns and improving air conditions, the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Burn Ban for Clark County are now lifted. Residents may once again use their wood stoves and fireplaces, but are asked to burn as cleanly as possible.

For more information visit the Southwest Clean Air Agency website.

Are you ready to evacuate in an emergency?

2011-12-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

Have you registered your cell phone with your Clark County address?

Today, CRESA prepared and sent an emergency message to some Washougal residents on behalf of the Washougal Police due to an urgent potential life-threatening police and fire emergency. The residents were told to “evacuate immediately” away from this area. Anyone that could not safely evacuate was told to secure their home, stay low and away from the windows. Would you know what to do if you got this message? Here are some tips.

Always keep paper and pen by your phone to accurately record the instructions.

Although it may be cute, never let small children answer the phone.

Be prepared to evacuate and leave your home immediately, if instructed.

Keep an emergency kit in your car, including food, water and blankets.

Keep your important medication ready to evacuate with you.

Inform your family members after you have been evacuated of your current location and situation.

Follow the instructions of first responders on how to keep informed of the situation.

CRESA Alerts. Could we notify you of an emergency in your neighborhood on your cell or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone? Register your cell phone or non-traditional land line phone numbers with your home or business address today. If you have a traditional land-line phone there is no need to register.

CRESA Employees Give Back

2011-12-05T16:39:00.001-08:00

CRESA employees are awesome and always willing to support the community in a number of creative ways. Over the years, employees have conducted clothing drives, step forward to assist families in need and often strive to find fun ways to reach out and support their local community.

Today, employees stepped forward to support two key community projects: The Children's Sharing Project and the Dough for Doernbecher. These two projects are an annual tradition for CRESA.

The Children's Sharing Project provides presents for needy children throughout Clark County. Employees voluntarily choose gift cards with wishes on them from various families. This year, employees fulfilled the Christmas wishes of 23 different families.

Dough for Doernbecher is a fundraiser that Rivermark Credit Union puts on every year which raises funds for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Employees support this fundraiser by buying 5-pounds of cookie dough in either chocolate chip or sugar cookie varieties. For employees who are doing holiday baking, this helps save precious time during the holidays while supporting a great cause. This year, 155 pounds of dough were purchased to support Doernbecher.

Volunteering at CRESA is always something that occurs over and above the daily expectations here at CRESA. While it is never compelled, we just wanted to say THANK YOU publicly. Seeing the giving hearts of employees is just one of the many reasons we appreciate our staff.

Air Stagnation Advisory and Stage 2 Burn Ban Issued

2011-12-05T15:09:00.001-08:00

Today the National Weather Service issued an Air Stagnation Advisory for Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal until 4 p.m. Friday. This advisory is issued when limited movement of an air mass is exptected to allow polution levels to increase and persist for at least 72 hours. As a caution, anyone with sensitivity to air polution should take the necessary precautions to stay healthy.

In a related news release, the SW Clean Air Agency issued a Stage 2 Burn Ban for all of Clark County through the work week. This means the use of all fireplaces, wood stoves, etc. (including certified) is illegal unless this is your primary source of heat. For more information, see their website here: www.swcleanair.org.

Burn Ban in Clark County

2011-12-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

The SW Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 burn ban in Clark County until further notice. For more information, see their website here: http://www.swcleanair.org/Clark.asp.

CRESA Board appoints Anna Pendergrass Agency’s new director

2011-12-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

Vancouver, WA – The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency executive board today named Anna Pendergrass, a 35-year veteran of the emergency services field, director of the regional public safety agency.

Pendergrass has served as the agency’s interim director since the June retirement of Tom Griffith, who held the position for 11 years. Her appointment is effective today; a final employment agreement is pending.

CRESA provides 9-1-1 dispatch, emergency and disaster management and technology services that maintain emergency radio and computer systems. It also oversees the ambulance contract for Emergency Medical Service District 2. Its service area is all seven Clark County cities and the county’s unincorporated area.

The agency also hosts the Region IV Homeland Security Office, which coordinates Homeland Security efforts in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.

Pendergrass’ lengthy experience, ideas and understanding of the agency, its first responder partners and the community’s needs made her appointment the logical and fiscally prudent choice, said Don Chaney, chair of the agency’s executive board.

Her proposals for enhancing public services and ability to immediately step into the position will provide the agency and community with continued stable, high-quality and reliable emergency services, he said.

“Anna’s experience, intelligence and bearing qualify her for this appointment,” Chaney said. “She projects and acknowledges a passion for service to the Clark County community. She has our full confidence.”

As director, Pendergrass will be responsible for all aspects of emergency management and Homeland Security, technical services and administrative duties.

Among her duties, she will continue to seek grants and other financing for agency services and cost savings and regional cooperation in matters such as upgrading the agency’s radio and telephone systems.

Board member Ben Peeler, chief of North Country Emergency Medical Service, said Pendergrass taking the helm of CRESA will be “a seamless transition.”

“From a responder’s perspective, she has the historical knowledge, knows all employees and has great rapport with the partners, or responding agencies,” he said. “She’ll do a great job.”

CRESA recruited and hired Pendergrass as operations manager in 2004. In that position, she oversaw the day-to-day functions of the emergency dispatch center, where 9-1-1 calls are received and from where operators send police, fire and medical experts in response.

She also oversaw employee training and continuing education programs, as well as performance quality assurance and accreditation for the agency and dispatchers.

Earlier, Pendergrass – a certified Emergency Medical Technician – served as supervisor of American Medical Response’s regional dispatch center in Portland. She also worked as AMR’s communications director, securing National Academy of Emergency Dispatchers certification for the center.

Pendergrass began her career in Grant’s Pass, Ore. as a dispatcher for Josephine County. During her 23 years with the county, she also served as the sheriff’s administrative assistant, managing employees and a $12 million budget. She later was administrator for the records and dispatch divisions as well as interim 9-1-1 director.

###

Contact: Don Chaney, chair, CRESA executive board, (360) 834-3242

Volunteers Needed This Week

2011-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Local Fire Departments (Vancouver Fire, Clark County Fire District 6 and Clark County Fire & Rescue) are finishing up some all important exercises this week and need your help. We need 9 more volunteers to act as live victims for their Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Exercises.

They practice handling incidents before the "real world" situations occur in our community. For all three days of the exercise, the time is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the old City of Vancouver City Hall Building, 210 E. 13th Street (between Broadway and C Streets).

We’re looking for:

2 more volunteers for Tuesday, November 29 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1 volunteer for Wednesday, November 30, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7 volunteers for Thursday, December 1.

You’ll need to wear old clothes and it is recommended you bring a lunch as you’ll likely get "Moulage (Stage Make Up) applied to make your pretend injuries look more real. Others who have already volunteers said the experience "was fun and rewarding". We will take the first volunteers that email us, so please do not show up unless we have confirmed you via email. If you are interested, email cindy.stanley@clark.wa.gov and indicate your name and which day you are available.

Several times a year we get requests for “Victim Volunteers” from the fire departments. If you can’t volunteer this time but want to be on a waiting list for the next exercise? Email cindy.stanley@clark.wa.gov and indicate that you wish to be on a waiting list for the next exercise.

During Storms: Who Can We Call?

2011-11-22T16:24:00.001-08:00

Today, we've seen some pretty significant rain and wind here in Southwest Washington. Weather like this always presents some questions about who to call during potentially dangerous situations that may not quite rise to the ranks of being life-threatening.

For Power Outages:

Call 360-992-3000 to report any power outages.
To see an active power outage map, click on this link: http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/yourhome/outages/outages-map

To Report a Gas Odor:

Contact Northwest Natural Gas at 1-800-882-3377

To Report High Water Situations:

Call 360-696-8177 inside the City of Vancouver, from 7:30a-4:30p. After Hours, call 360-693-9302.
Call 360-397-2446 if you are in the unincorporated areas of Clark County.
If you live inside other city limits, contact the public works department of your city.

Hopefully, these numbers can be of assistance during this and other storms that we experience within the next few months. Also, to stay on top of the weather, we always recommend checking www.weather.gov/portland to see the latest updates.

For life-safety concerns, always call 9-1-1.