With the Japan earthquake making headlines, many Oregonians are wondering whether they'd be prepared if such a disaster were to strike right here at home.
To address questions, the Oregon Red Cross is hosting four free preparedness classes where you can learn how to get ready for unforeseen disasters. Please join us and invite your friends, family, or neighbors, to come on Wednesday, March 30th or April 6th at 5pm or 7pm while the Red Cross addresses questions and gives people the skills and information to get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.
For more information please refer to the flyer found on the Red Cross website: http://www.oregonredcross.org/pdf/Earthquake%20Preparedness%20Classes.pdf
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Japan Radiation Update from CHD Public Health
All,
Below is a summation of talking points about radiation provided by our Health Officer, Dr. Vines. Please note the highlighted update regarding use of potassium iodine.
We recommend you continue to check the state Public Health Division’s “Current Hazard” page (link listed below) for updates related to Japan’s nuclear situation. To avoid filling your mailbox with duplicate emails we will continue to relay updated critical information as needed. Feel free share this information with others.
· Oregon Public Health closely monitoring information on the radiation release reported in Japan.
· According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission the incident does not pose a radiation health threat to Oregonians. Given the thousands of miles between the two countries, Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. West Coast are not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity. This is because even large amounts of radioactive material released would be diluted through wind and air streams before reaching the West Cost of the United States.
· Public health officials monitor information from the Environmental Protection Agency's network of highly sensitive radiation detectors, which provide hourly reports of ambient radiation. The monitors are part of a national network run by the Environmental Protection Agency called "RadNet." There are two monitors in Oregon, one in Corvallis and one in Portland.
· There have been no elevated radiation readings detected in Oregon and air samples remain normal. Given the current size of the release and the distance from Oregon, we do not expect that to change and there is no public health risk to the state. We are also in contact with our federal partners including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
· Potassium Iodine or KI has been in the media as a pill that provides thyroid protection from radioactive material. It is only needed in individuals who are 10-12 miles from the source of an uncontrolled release of radioactivity. The federal government has stockpiles of KI, but there are no plans to use it because of the very large distance between Japan and Oregon. Public health does not recommend using KI and urges caution for pregnant or lactating women, children, and kidney disease patients.
More information at http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx which is updated regularly.
Information line- 1-877-290-6767
Let us know if you have additional questions or concerns!
Best regards,
Anne
Anne Parrott, M.S.
Coordinator: Public Health Preparedness
Columbia County Medical Reserve Corps
Columbia County Push Partner Registry
Columbia County SNS
Columbia Health District - Public Health Authority
Office: 503-397-4651 x2022
Disaster Anniversaries and Reflection
We have a number of major disaster anniversaries in March that spur us to think about why emergency preparedness exists. Here are some past incidents that happened in March and what has come out of them:
* Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (New York City, March 25, 1911): a fire at a factory killed 146 and injured 71, mostly due to a lack of safety plans and escape routes. This tragedy led to a number of changes, including requirements for fire exits and proper escapes for taller buildings.
* Anchorage, Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami (1964): this 9.2 magnitude quake, the second-largest in recorded history, made the Pacific Northwest more aware to the dangers of a tsunami as its waves swept coastal beaches and killed several people. The event would lead the federal government to assist more with major disaster recovery and gave coastal areas awareness to the need for tsunami planning (although it would take more recent events, such as the Indonesian and Japanese quakes and tsunamis, to reinforce the notion).
* Three-Mile-Island Nuclear Plant Partial Meltdown (March 28, 1979): this nuclear disaster, which today pales in comparison to events at Chernobyl and in Japan, really shook the world into considering the worst-case scenarios for nuclear plants and forced emergency managers and plant operators to take more time in properly planning for these types of events. No deaths directly came from this event, although legal claims have been made that the release of radioactive materials did have an effect on the health of some in the area, especially children.
It should not take people dying to get us to wake up and realize that we must plan for the worst while hoping for the best. It is the job of Columbia County Emergency Management to help make sure our community is ready for whatever may come our way. A little money and time spent now saves lots of money and lives down the road.
Emergency planning at home or work does not take that much time to do--it just takes a little effort! For more on how to be ready for whatever comes your way, visit http://www.ready.gov .
* Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (New York City, March 25, 1911): a fire at a factory killed 146 and injured 71, mostly due to a lack of safety plans and escape routes. This tragedy led to a number of changes, including requirements for fire exits and proper escapes for taller buildings.
* Anchorage, Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami (1964): this 9.2 magnitude quake, the second-largest in recorded history, made the Pacific Northwest more aware to the dangers of a tsunami as its waves swept coastal beaches and killed several people. The event would lead the federal government to assist more with major disaster recovery and gave coastal areas awareness to the need for tsunami planning (although it would take more recent events, such as the Indonesian and Japanese quakes and tsunamis, to reinforce the notion).
* Three-Mile-Island Nuclear Plant Partial Meltdown (March 28, 1979): this nuclear disaster, which today pales in comparison to events at Chernobyl and in Japan, really shook the world into considering the worst-case scenarios for nuclear plants and forced emergency managers and plant operators to take more time in properly planning for these types of events. No deaths directly came from this event, although legal claims have been made that the release of radioactive materials did have an effect on the health of some in the area, especially children.
It should not take people dying to get us to wake up and realize that we must plan for the worst while hoping for the best. It is the job of Columbia County Emergency Management to help make sure our community is ready for whatever may come our way. A little money and time spent now saves lots of money and lives down the road.
Emergency planning at home or work does not take that much time to do--it just takes a little effort! For more on how to be ready for whatever comes your way, visit http://www.ready.gov .
Friday, March 25, 2011
Announcing: Prepare to Be Your Own Hero Class
With seeing the reality of what an earthquake can do in Japan, the preparedness information in this seminar is priceless.
Please RSVP for this much asked for seminar which is open to CERT, Citizen Corps, and the public.
What: Prepare to Be Your Own Hero
Topics include:
1. Building an Evacuation Kit
2. Personal Evacuation Procedures
3. Individual and Family Evacuation Planning
4. Family Reunification Planning
5. Evacuation with Pets
When: Monday, April 18th, 2011 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Best Western Oak Meadows Inn
585 S. Columbia River Hwy.
St. Helens, OR 97051
Cost: $5
* All who attend will receive a $5 voucher towards any emergency
supplies they order.
RSVP: Holly, St. Helens CERT Coordinator, at: hollyh427@yahoo.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lewis and Clark Bridge Delays
Expect some delays, even stoppages, on the Lewis and Clark bridge over the next few months.
http://tdn.com/news/local/article_e06dedf4-51c8-11e0-95d4-001cc4c03286.html
Lewis and Clark Bridge painting will resume Monday, expect minor delays
http://tdn.com/news/local/article_e06dedf4-51c8-11e0-95d4-001cc4c03286.html
Friday, March 18, 2011
Oregon Public Health Current Hazards Page
The State of Oregon's Public Health Division has started a "current hazards" webpage to discuss things such as the radiation issue in Japan and other health issues.
The page is at:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx
The page is at:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Upcoming Classes
We have some exciting classes coming up. Sign up now!
Flood Fight Design and Planning Workshop
Date: Monday, March 28, 2011 - 18:00 - 20:30
Join us for the Flood Fight Design and Planning Workshop hosted by Les Miller, P.E., Flood Preparedness Program Manager from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District.
When: Monday March 28, 2011 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Columbia 911, 58611 McNulty Way, St. Helens, OR
To Register: Complete your registration on our Survey Monkey registration page: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NWTDSGL
Cost: Free
Shelter Operations and Shelter Simulation
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 09:00 - 16:00
Join us for Shelter Operation and Shelter Simulation!
When: Saturday April 30, 2011 from 9 AM to 4 PM
Where: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Training Room, 58443 Old Portland Road, St. Helens
To Register: Complete your registration on our Survey Monkey registration page: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N9SK9QT or Call Emergency Management at 503-366-3931
Cost: Free
Length: 7 hours
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
CANCELED: High Wind Warning
The high wind warning has been canceled as of 5 PM 3/15/2011.
Thanks,
Columbia County Emergency Management
Thanks,
Columbia County Emergency Management
High Wind Warning for Columbia County: March 15, 2011
High Wind Warning for Columbia County for March 15, 2011 until 9 PM this evening. Most of the area affected will be higher elevations, such as Vernonia and Mist.
For more information, please visit: http://weather.gov/portland .
--Columbia County Emergency Management
+++++++++
For more information, please visit: http://weather.gov/portland .
--Columbia County Emergency Management
+++++++++
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
341 PM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
...QUICK BURST OF STRONG WINDS TO AFFECT COAST AND COAST RANGE
THROUGH THIS EVENING...
.LOW PRESSURE OFFSHORE IS PUSHING STRONG WINDS ALOFT DOWN TO THE
SURFACE THIS AFTERNOON. INITIALLY THESE STRONG WINDS WERE ONLY
OCCURRING IN THUNDERSTORMS...BUT NOW THEY ARE BECOMING MORE
WIDESPREAD ALONG THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL OREGON COAST AND COAST
RANGE. EXPECT STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS AT TIMES THROUGH THIS EVENING
BEFORE WINDS DECREASE LATER TONIGHT.
ORZ001>004-160400-
/O.NEW.KPQR.HW.W.0011.110315T2241Z-110316T0400Z/
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...
NETARTS...PACIFIC CITY...LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...
CAPE FOULWEATHER...YACHATS...FLORENCE...VERNONIA
341 PM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL OREGON COAST AND COAST RANGE...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING.
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH...
ESPECIALLY IN EXPOSED LOCATIONS.
* TIMING: NOW THROUGH 9 PM THIS EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: VERNONIA...LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...CAPE
FOULWEATHER...YACHATS...FLORENCE...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...
TILLAMOOK...NETARTS...PACIFIC CITY
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED
OR OCCURRING. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS
OF 58 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE
Special Weather Statement: 3/15/2011
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
1140 AM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
ORZ001>008-010-012-WAZ020>022-039-040-160045-
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-LOWER COLUMBIA-
GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-
SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY-NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
CASCADE FOOTHILLS IN LANE COUNTY-WILLAPA HILLS-
SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-
GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...
LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...FLORENCE...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...
GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...ST. HELENS...CLATSKANIE...
HILLSBORO...PORTLAND...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...SALEM...
MCMINNVILLE...DALLAS...EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...SANDY...
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK...SWEET HOME...VIDA...LOWELL...
COTTAGE GROVE...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...RAYMOND...LONG BEACH...
CATHLAMET...LONGVIEW...KELSO...CASTLE ROCK...VANCOUVER...
BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL...TOUTLE...ARIEL...COUGAR
1140 AM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED THROUGH THIS EVENING...
AN INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE ATMOSPHERE WILL LIKELY LEAD TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. THUNDERSTORMS MAY BECOME INCREASINGLY STRONG AS THE AFTERNOON PROGRESSES...WITH LOCAL GUSTY WINDS AND HAIL POSSIBLE. THERE IS ALSO AN ENHANCED POSSIBILITY OF
FUNNEL CLOUDS THIS AFTERNOON. FUNNEL CLOUDS OFTEN DO NOT TOUCH THE
GROUND. HOWEVER...IF THEY DO TOUCH THE GROUND THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND CAN BE DAMAGING.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
1140 AM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
ORZ001>008-010-012-WAZ020>022-039-040-160045-
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-LOWER COLUMBIA-
GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-
SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY-NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
CASCADE FOOTHILLS IN LANE COUNTY-WILLAPA HILLS-
SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-
GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...
LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...FLORENCE...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...
GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...ST. HELENS...CLATSKANIE...
HILLSBORO...PORTLAND...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...SALEM...
MCMINNVILLE...DALLAS...EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...SANDY...
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK...SWEET HOME...VIDA...LOWELL...
COTTAGE GROVE...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...RAYMOND...LONG BEACH...
CATHLAMET...LONGVIEW...KELSO...CASTLE ROCK...VANCOUVER...
BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL...TOUTLE...ARIEL...COUGAR
1140 AM PDT TUE MAR 15 2011
...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED THROUGH THIS EVENING...
AN INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE ATMOSPHERE WILL LIKELY LEAD TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. THUNDERSTORMS MAY BECOME INCREASINGLY STRONG AS THE AFTERNOON PROGRESSES...WITH LOCAL GUSTY WINDS AND HAIL POSSIBLE. THERE IS ALSO AN ENHANCED POSSIBILITY OF
FUNNEL CLOUDS THIS AFTERNOON. FUNNEL CLOUDS OFTEN DO NOT TOUCH THE
GROUND. HOWEVER...IF THEY DO TOUCH THE GROUND THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND CAN BE DAMAGING.
Nuclear Concerns FAQ from Oregon Health Authority
March 14, 2011 EVENT IN JAPAN AND MONITORING IN OREGON: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. Are there radiological dangers in Oregon due to the nuclear release in Japan?
A. No. We are 4,700 miles away from Japan and any airborne particles are not expected to reach us. There is no indication at this time that there is any health risk.
Q. What happened at the nuclear facility in Japan?
A. The major earthquake damaged nuclear facilities in Japan. In response, Japanese engineers are taking emergency measures to prevent a serious release of radioactive materials. At this time, there are no health risks for Oregonians.
Q. How does this event differ from the Cherynobyl nuclear reactor meltdown event in 1986?
This event is entirely different than what took place in Chernobyl. Unlike Chernobyl, there has been no catastrophic failure.
Q. Are Oregonians on the coast at greater risk than people inland?
A. No. No radiation has been released into the atmosphere that can reach us anywhere in the state. Therefore, there are no current health concerns for any Oregonians on the coast or inland.
Q. Are Oregon officials currently monitoring radiation levels in Oregon? Air and Water?
A. Yes. Radiation levels have been continuously and routinely monitored by Oregon Public Health and EPA for twenty‐five years. If the situation in Japan worsens and the potential risk to Oregonians changes, public health officials will inform the public.
Q. What is Potassium Iodide?
Potassium Iodide (KI) is an iodine supplement that is available over the counter, such as ThryoSafe and ThyroShield. KI is used around nuclear releases to block the uptake of radioactive iodine in the body.
Q. Do I need to take KI to protect against radiation exposure?
A. No. KI is only appropriate within a very close proximity to a nuclear event. Because we are about 4800 miles away there is no need for protection. In fact, using KI when inappropriate could have potential serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding.
Q. Are there any protective measures I should currently take?
A. No, not given our current situation. If the potential risk to Oregonians changes, local Oregon officials will inform you of the appropriate precautionary procedures.
Q. How do I get more information?
A. Monitor the Oregon Health Authority website @ http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx
Q. Are there radiological dangers in Oregon due to the nuclear release in Japan?
A. No. We are 4,700 miles away from Japan and any airborne particles are not expected to reach us. There is no indication at this time that there is any health risk.
Q. What happened at the nuclear facility in Japan?
A. The major earthquake damaged nuclear facilities in Japan. In response, Japanese engineers are taking emergency measures to prevent a serious release of radioactive materials. At this time, there are no health risks for Oregonians.
Q. How does this event differ from the Cherynobyl nuclear reactor meltdown event in 1986?
This event is entirely different than what took place in Chernobyl. Unlike Chernobyl, there has been no catastrophic failure.
Q. Are Oregonians on the coast at greater risk than people inland?
A. No. No radiation has been released into the atmosphere that can reach us anywhere in the state. Therefore, there are no current health concerns for any Oregonians on the coast or inland.
Q. Are Oregon officials currently monitoring radiation levels in Oregon? Air and Water?
A. Yes. Radiation levels have been continuously and routinely monitored by Oregon Public Health and EPA for twenty‐five years. If the situation in Japan worsens and the potential risk to Oregonians changes, public health officials will inform the public.
Q. What is Potassium Iodide?
Potassium Iodide (KI) is an iodine supplement that is available over the counter, such as ThryoSafe and ThyroShield. KI is used around nuclear releases to block the uptake of radioactive iodine in the body.
Q. Do I need to take KI to protect against radiation exposure?
A. No. KI is only appropriate within a very close proximity to a nuclear event. Because we are about 4800 miles away there is no need for protection. In fact, using KI when inappropriate could have potential serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, electrolyte abnormalities and bleeding.
Q. Are there any protective measures I should currently take?
A. No, not given our current situation. If the potential risk to Oregonians changes, local Oregon officials will inform you of the appropriate precautionary procedures.
Q. How do I get more information?
A. Monitor the Oregon Health Authority website @ http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx
Public Health Information about Japanese Nuclear Threat
This is information from CHD Public Health regarding concerns about radiation from Japan's failing nuclear facilities. In sum, there is no likely risk to Oregonians. If there was a risk, our public health partners would react very quickly to it.
Please feel free to contact Anne Parrott, the public health preparedness coordinator, if you have questions about health effects or contact us regarding any other disaster-related questions at 503-366-3931 or emergency.management@co.columbia.or.us .
Thanks,
Columbia County Emergency Management
>>>>>>
All,
There is much concern and confusion in our communities regarding the risk of radiation exposure in the Pacific NW and the possible need to begin taking potassium iodide/iodine to lessen the risk of developing future health problems due to radiation exposure. We have been informed by our federal and state Public Health experts that it is highly unlikely that Oregon citizens will be at risk for radiation exposure from the Japanese nuclear reactor malfunctions and the only people who should take potassium iodide/iodine are those that are within a few miles of the nuclear site. They have also warned us that potassium iodide/iodine can present health risks to pregnant women, women who are nursing and people with diabetes.
We encourage you to share this information with your staff/employees, community partners, family, friends, etc.
Anne Parrott, M.S.
Coordinator: Public Health Preparedness
Columbia County Medical Reserve Corps
Columbia County Push Partner Registry
Columbia County SNS
Columbia Health District - Public Health Authority
Office: 503-397-4651 x2022
Email: aparrott@chdpublichealth.com
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Columbia County Emergency Management will also try to present.....
Columbia County Social Services Provider Agencies for kids and adults, will be hosting three FREE informational panel discussions on services available to any person with any type of disability (for example; physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, developmental, etc.)
WHO IS INVITED?
ü Individuals (Veterans, Seniors, Adults, Children, etc.) with any type of disability
ü Parents of individuals with disabilities
ü Teachers of individuals with disabilities
ü Care givers of individuals with disabilities
ü and professionals delivering services to individuals with disabilities
MEETINGS TO BE HELD:
1.) April 5th from 7-8 p.m. at the Clatskanie District Office
555 Bryant in Clatskanie
2.) April 12th from 7-8 p.m. at Vernonia Middle School cafeteria
249 Bridge Street in Vernonia
3.) April 19th from 7-8 p.m. at Columbia Community Mental Health’s
Community Room
58646 McNulty Way in St. Helens
FOR MORE, CALL NANCY AT 503-438-2223
Friday, March 4, 2011
Agricultural Disaster Declaration for Columbia County: March 4, 2011
Columbia County Receives Agricultural
Disaster Assistance Declaration
March 3, 2011 – St. Helens, OR – Columbia County farmers are eligible for disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for potential losses from January’s storms.
President Barack Obama declared a disaster for several Oregon counties, including Clatsop County, on February 17th for damage from rain and landslides that occurred January 13-21, 2010. This declaration included programs from the USDA. Due to the way the USDA disaster declaration process works, farmers in counties contiguous to those counties declared are also eligible, making the declaration applicable to Columbia County.
This declaration opens up certain types of assistance for farmers, according to Derek White with Columbia County Emergency Management, whose agency deals with major emergency preparedness and response. “Farmers here are able to apply for disaster assistance from the Farm Service Agency. That assistance, if the applicant is eligible, ranges from emergency loans to supplemental revenue assistance payments”, White says.
Farmers have until October 17th, 2011 to apply. Assistance applications must be filed at the nearest Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, which is located at:
Washington County FSA
1080 SW Baseline, Suite B2
Hillsboro, OR 97123
For questions about the program, please contact the Washington County FSA office at 503-648-3174.
For more about Columbia County Emergency Management, check out its blog at http://columbiacountyem.blogspot.com or call 503-366-3931.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Amber Alert From Chehalis
Amber Alert issued for boy taken from Chehalis
columbian.comAn Amber Alert has been activated in the search for a 34-year-old man who allegedly abducted his 4-year-old son this morning from the Human Response Network family counseling offices in Chehalis.
The Washington alert was backed by one in Oregon activated at 12:21 p.m.
Dustin Reed is reportedly driving a black 1995 four-door Infinity with license plate number 617TQP. His son’s name is Jacek.
Police believe Reed has family in the Centralia area. His vehicle was last seen heading toward Interstate 5 from the counseling offices.
Reed is believed to be on military leave from Kentucky. He allegedly took his son by force and may have injured him during the abduction while placing him in the car.
No weapons were used during the incident.
Jacek is about 44 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a red mark under his left eye and was wearing a blue-gray Mario T-shirt, blue flannel jacket, blue jeans and blue boots.
Dustin Reed is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a black leather jacket and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washington State Patrol at 360-748-8605 or call 911.
Update on Roads: 3/1/2011 at 11:30 AM
Here are updates on roads around Columbia County:
Turley Road, between Daisy Lane and Church Road--power line down along roadside; fire and PUD crews en route.
Nick Thomas Road: now open.
Walker Road, north one-half mile of Beaver Homes Road: closed, blocked by fallen tree.
See previous blog post for other road conditions.
Turley Road, between Daisy Lane and Church Road--power line down along roadside; fire and PUD crews en route.
Nick Thomas Road: now open.
Walker Road, north one-half mile of Beaver Homes Road: closed, blocked by fallen tree.
See previous blog post for other road conditions.
Road Update: March 1, 2011
Some road issues as of 9:30 on 3/1/2011:
OR 47, Mist-Clatskanie: Chains required for vehicles towing or over 10,000 GWV.
US 30, 1 mile east/south of Goble: minor delays with flaggers on-scene.
Apiary, Karth-Schaffer: Tree, power lines on road. Traffic slow at this time.
Nick Thomas Road off Neer City Road: Closed by fallen tree.
Girt Road: Closed by fallen trees.
Please report road obstructions on County roads to 503-397-5090.
OR 47, Mist-Clatskanie: Chains required for vehicles towing or over 10,000 GWV.
US 30, 1 mile east/south of Goble: minor delays with flaggers on-scene.
Apiary, Karth-Schaffer: Tree, power lines on road. Traffic slow at this time.
Nick Thomas Road off Neer City Road: Closed by fallen tree.
Girt Road: Closed by fallen trees.
Please report road obstructions on County roads to 503-397-5090.
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