Grays Harbor County - Emergency Management

September is National Preparedness Month

Grays Harbor County Emergency Management would like to advise all citizens to become PRO-ACTIVE and prepare for the fall and winter storm season. Essential preparation issues include:

1) Obtain an All Hazard Weather Radio, program it to the proper frequency and change the batteries in it every time we change the clocks. (next time change is Nov. 1^st)

2) Sign up for the Grays Harbor County Notification System (You’ll receive a text message, phone call and an e-mail with information about any weather or disaster related issue)

3) Find out where the closest shelter is located and practice moving to that shelter with your entire family.

4) All members of your family should have a person to call outside of Grays Harbor County to inform of their situation in the event they are separated from your family during an emergency or weather situation.

5) Prepare a GO-KIT backpack with: ** These are minimal amounts **

a) an AM/FM battery operated portable radio

b) Flashlight

c) 1- 2 bottles of water for each person and for each pet in the household.

d) Matches in a waterproof container (plastic bag)

e) Snack bars for your family and a small plastic bag of food for each pet

f) Pocket knife

g) A sweatshirt or light jacket for each member

h) Disposable rain poncho for each member of your family

i) Hand warmer packets

j) Package of sanitary wipes

For more information on becoming PRO-ACTIVE and to sign up for the Grays Harbor County Notification System, please go to the Grays Harbor County Emergency Management website at: http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/DEM/Index.asp or call (360) 249-3911.

Farmer’s Almanac Forecast Contradicts the Climate Prediction Center Forecast … Almost

The Farmer’s Amanac has issued its winter forecast for 2010-2011 and it contradicts the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecast in the area of temperature only. The CPC forecast is for a very cold winter with Canadian winds and temperatures impacting the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, the Farmer’s Almanac forecast calls for much milder winter temperatures, however, BOTH forecasts predict a very wet winter season. In either case, the probability of flooding seems to be the predominant issue which will impact Grays Harbor County.

Flooding never occurs alone. Other issues such as landslides, heavy rain, wind, downed trees, road washouts, and power outages all arrive together. Now is the time to prepare for these issues. The storm season will arrive quickly. Those prepared will greatly reduce the impact of these events upon their family, pets, home and business.

Here is a site for Personal and Financial Disaster Preparation templates. They are exceptional and FREE!

Interesting and frightening video of a Sneaker Wave in July of 2007 in Ocean Shores, WA