How to be notified with disaster warnings

October is Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month, and each week I have discussed a different aspect of how you and your family can become more prepared for disasters or emergencies.

This week I would like to start by thanking our community for taking part in the first county wide test of the Emergency Community Notification System (ECNS). I initiated the system Sunday evening with great success. If you did not receive this call you may need to register your number. All hard wired landline telephone numbers are automatically added to the system. It is very important for all residents to register their V.O.I.P. and/or cellular telephones by visiting the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) website at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html and click on the “Alert Wahkiakum County” picture.

This week I am going to discuss the National Weather Service’s Advisory, Watch, and Warning as they relate to flooding and the NOAA Weather radio network.

This network allows Wahkiakum DEM and the National Weather Service to issue urgent and emergent messages through any weather radio that is equipped with tone alert capability and that is monitoring frequency 162.400. We are fortunate that this transmitter is located in Naselle and covers Wahkiakum County well.

These radios are widely available and retail for around $20. I recommend that all businesses and residents obtain one.

The most common alerts issued within our County are flood related:

• FLOOD ADVISORIES - An event could develop in the next 36-72 hours with the possibility of life threatening situations if caution is not exercised.

• FLOOD WATCH - A flood is possible but not certain within the next 12-48 hours. Be alert, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and be prepared to take immediate action if the watch is upgraded to a warning.

• FLOOD WARNING - A severe or dangerous weather event is occurring or is imminent in the next 12 hours. TAKE ACTION NOW!

CAUTION: Weather reports and historical data are predictions. Each flood event is different and water may take a different course or rise more rapidly and to higher levels than in previous years.

If you have any question or for more information on the item I have discussed in this article contact me at 795-3242, 465-2202 or visit my website at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html .