National Night Out serves up a big blast

The 25th Annual National Night Out (NNO) brought approximately 50 people from all over Wahkiakum County to the fairgrounds in Skamokawa August 5. The usual protocol for NNO is community block parties, however, this year, organizers decided to take a different approach.

NNO has never really taken off locally, said Joannie Bjorge, Chief Civil Deputy and 911 Coordinator for the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s office. “We really wanted to expand it and get more people involved.”

Adding the prepare fair to teach people how to be ready for any type of emergency or disaster is important because as the county has seen in the last few years, anything can happen.

For instance, in the event of an earthquake, should 911 lines be unavailable, people will need to know how to handle an emergency on their own until emergency personnel can be reached.

This was the first prepare fair, Bjorge said. “Cowlitz County did a prepare fair in April, so that’s where we have taken the idea from.”

Aric Cothren, 911 Public Education Coordinator said the most important thing to remember when calling for help is to know the location of the emergency. Especially with children, Cothren said. “Kids should know what their address is.”

It is important for parents to educate their children on where they live. It is also important to teach the appropriate times to use 911. “911 is never a toy!” Cothren said. “It is only used for police, fire and medical emergencies.”

Attendees to NNO were able to gather information on everything from identity theft to how to assemble their own emergency kits.

District 4 Fire Captain Jim Wilson gave demonstrations on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. “Before you attempt to go put a fire out, call the fire department first, then go put the fire out,” he said. Instead of allowing the fire to get out of hand, make sure help is on the way.

Organizers are optimistic about another community wide event for next year, but it all comes down to funding, Bjorge said. Funds come from a citizen core grant in the region.

Each region of the state is allotted a certain portion of money for events like this one and for community emergency response teams, for Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) and neighborhood watch.

“We get dollars for those, if we don’t use them, we lose them, so that is what is paying for this event.” The federal dollars come right out of Homeland Security.

Despite the low turnout, organizers and responders were not discouraged and are already suggesting changes for next year.