Upcoming Out-of-County Classes

Our disaster preparedness partners have informed us about several upcoming training opportunities.

• CERT Train the Trainer- Hosted by Marylhurst College, August 3-5th

• Mt Hood Community College, Disaster Skills Training and Practical Exercise series. MRC members are strongly encouraged to attend as well as CERT to attend (this training would qualify as a CERT Practical), Sunday, June 19th (Fathers Day) from 0800-1230

• A Moulage Class (realistic injury creation) - Same day as the Mt Hood Community College Disaster Training listed above - Sunday, June 19th (Fathers Day) from 0800-1230 (students will have to choose one or the other).

Registration is open to anyone. Please see the flyers below for specifics on each class.

High River Levels--Use Caution Around Water

The National Weather Service (NWS) has informed us that the Columbia River will continue to run high for the rest of the week into the weekend, and will likely reach flood stage. However, there is no cause for worry at this time.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend means outdoor recreation for many people. However, with high, swift river conditions, it's important to use extra caution around water. The water level will be higher up on banks and and move faster, carrying debris. If you plan on being near the Columbia this week or weekend, be aware of what the river is doing and watch your footing around the water.

Columbia County Emergency Management is working with the NWS to closely monitor the river levels and we will issue updates as necessary.

You can stay informed of river conditions via the NWS Northwest River Forecast Center website.

Zombie Apocalypse

Yes, that's right. Now even the CDC is encouraging folks to get ready for when the brain-eaters attack. Check out the CDC's page for how you can prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse and other, not so far-fetched, disasters. Click on the picture below to go there.

31st Anniversary of Mt. St. Helens Eruption

Thirty one years ago Mt. St. Helens reminded the world of the very real power and threat of volcanoes.

If you weren't alive to see the blast, or just want to relive it, KGW has compiled a page of video clips and photos of the eruption and subsequent ones in the years since. Click here to visit the KGW page.

The Boston Globe has a page with additional, poignant shots of the eruption and aftermath. Click here to view them.

Some of those who lost their lives in the eruption were representatives of a volunteer group that EM works with very closely-amateur radio operators. To read more about the ham radio operators that died in the eruption, click here. Their story is the third entry on the page.

Finally, do you know what to do the next time a local volcano erupts? Our local Oregon Red Cross has a wealth of information on how to prepare. Click here to visit the Red Cross page.