White Swan Fire 2012 (post#3)

(Yakima, WASH-4:13 PM)

The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received word from dispatch that the fire is now contained.

More information will be provided as it is comes in.


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White Swan Fire 2012 (post#2)

(Yakima, WASH-3:15 PM)

   Lower Valley Fire Captain Joel Byam says if the fire jumps one road, homes will be threatened. He says at least 30 trucks are on the scene of the fire with 5 crews from the Upper Valley and 7 from the Lower Valley. Winds were reported at 24 mph and gusts of up 41 at noon today. A 150 acres are burning in White Swan in the area of Wesley Rd. and W. White Swan Rd. Officials say two structures have burned and it is not contained.

School officials at White Swan High School have been tracking the fire, and have canceled after school sports practices and sent all staff home from their White Swan campus, said Henry Strom, superintendent for the Mt. Adams School District.The school already was scheduled for an early release at 1 p.m. Monday, and bus routes for students have not been changed for the fire, Strom said.


  More information will be posted as we have it.

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Whiteswan Fire 2012

Yakima, WASH (12:45)

Just past noon the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management was notified of a large fire on in the Whiteswan area. Whiteswan in an unincorporated city on the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation Reservation.

We will post more information has we have it. The points of contact for the Yakama Nation Office of Emergency Management are:

Arlen Moses-Director-(509) 865-5121 ext. 6036

 HollyAnna Pinkham-Emergency Management Planner (509) 865-5121 ext. 4200

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Damage from the January16-23 Weather Event

(Yakima, WASH-)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has two loan programs which may assist victims of disasters. These are the Physical Disaster Loan Program, which basically requires that 25 residences and/or businesses suffer uninsured loss in excess of 40%; and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which can be requested if 5 or more businesses suffer economic harm from the event, even if they’re physically undamaged. (The latter program is not very well known).


I’m attaching a short survey form for use in supporting an EIDL request. If you believe your businesses in Yakima County was affected by the January 16-23 weather event, please report the impact.                                                           ###
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ESTIMATED DISASTER ECONOMIC INJURY WORKSHEET FOR BUSINESSAccurate responses to the questions below will assist in evaluating a request for a declaration of
disaster.(Please complete and email to : oem@co.yakima.wa.us or post by standard mail to :Y.V.O.E.M ,128 N. 2nd street, suite 110 Yakima, WA 98901)
1. Name of Business Owner:

Name of Property Owner:

Business/Property Address:

Mailing Address:

Telephone Numbers: Business: (    )________                   Home: (      )____________

2. Estimated Adverse Economic Impact:

What period of time was your business affected by the disaster? to

MO/YR MO/YR

Estimate approximate dollar amount of gross sales/receipts for:


Disaster Period $

Corresponding Period Previous Year $

3. Business interruption insurance received or anticipated: $

4. Brief explanation of what adverse economic effects the disaster had on your business:


5. How many persons did you employ prior to the disaster?


How many persons did you employ after the disaster?


If your business also suffered a physical loss, answer the following questions:
6. Estimated dollar loss to:

Real Property (building), if owned: $

Personal property (machinery and equipment,

Furniture and fixtures, inventory, leasehold improvements, etc): $

7. Insurance recovery received or anticipated for physical damage: $

Signature of Business Owner/Representative Date_____________________________

Winter Readiness Reminders



 Yakima, WASH- The State Enhanced 911 Office and local telephone carriers remind citizens in the affected area:



 To stay off the telephone unless you have a critical need to make a telephone call. Remember a FAX or a computer also uses a telephone line and its use may affect your ability to get immediate help in a life-threatening emergency.


 DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need an emergency response from police, fire or emergency medical personnel. DO NOT call 9-1-1 unnecessarily. 9-1-1 lines must be kept open for people who have a true emergency.


 If you experience other types of problems not related to these emergency services, call the appropriate telephone number for those services.


 If you pick up your telephone to make a call and do not hear dial tone, DO NOT HANG UP. Simply wait a few seconds, and you will get dial tone and be able to make your call.


Residents in the state should consider the following preparedness actions:


 Listen to radio or television stations for local information and weather reports.


 Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook or heat indoors.


 If you must travel, assemble an emergency auto kit, stay on main roads, follow traffic instructions.


 If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen up to two days.


 Provide assistance to your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
 
   Winter weather could mean power outages and increased chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. That kind of poisoning is the result of poorly ventilated generators or using charcoal or gas grills to cook or heat indoors. For more information about how to prepare for winter storm power outages and avoid carbon monoxide hazards, check these web links from Washington Emergency Management Division:



• http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus_winter2011.shtml


• http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus_winter2011.shtml#COSafety


• http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus_winter2011.shtml#PowerLines


• http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus_winter2011.shtml#FoodSafe



Prevenga el Envenenamiento de Monóxido de Carbón
¿Qué es el monóxido de carbono?

In Spanish /Espaniol

Unwanted Guests

Northwest Farm and Ranch Report / KayDee Gilkey

January 05, 12

The Northwest’s high quality soil which makes our agriculture so productive is also conducive to cultivating higher quality, and therefore more expensive, marijuana. Drug trafficking organizations have now found it easier, less dangerous, and more profitable to grow closer to their market in the Pacific Northwest, especially in rural areas.


CR Katlin, Homeland Security Planner for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, shares what the challenges are monitoring large geographic area owned by multiple jurisdictions.

   "Eastern Washington offers the narco-criminals a vast rural region of private agricultural, tribal, state and federal lands. These mostly un-patrolled sanctuaries are the home of undermanned/ underfunded county and tribal law enforcement agencies. With in Yakima County alone there are 15 municipal jurisdiction, eight counties on the border, one sovereign nation, 806 square miles owned by Feds and 363 square miles owned by state. All this makes for an abundance of jurisdictionally hazy border lands to set up grow operations.”

Katlin says a property owner’s discovery of any unfamiliar fertilizer, garden hoses,camouflage netting, "Keep Out" signs, guard dogs or unusual structures can indicate the presence of a marijuana grow operation. He urges property owners NOT to investigate any suspicious activity but rather to report it immediately to local or state law authorities.



Click on the play button to listen to report.

Download Report: 01-05-12NWFR Unwelcome GuestsWEB.mp3

Is Your Farm or Ranch Disaster-Ready?

Northwest Farm and Ranch Report/Date: January 03, 12
by KayDee Gilkey
-------------------
No one can predict when disaster or an emergency will strike. However, farmers, ranchers and other business owners can be prepared for possible disruptions by creating a business continuity plan.


KR Catlin, Homeland Security Planner for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, explains some of the pieces of a standard Continuity of Operations Plan (or COOP).

"The things to look for in your COOP plan is to train family or employees on a regular basis about what to do during a disaster or emergency. Acquiring and maintaining needed safety equipment and emergency supplies that you would need for your family or to keep your operation going. Showing your family or employees how to be prepared at work and at home so they are better equipped to help the farm respond and recover from an emergency or disaster. You need to Identify the key assets, people, or resources that if lost would shut your operation down; and then plan on how to eliminate some of that risk if they are lost. Also you need to conduct and assess regular evaluations by just sitting down with family/ employees and asking, 'what would you do?' to determine the readiness of your farm or facilities."

Catlin stresses it is important to consider your region and what type of disasters would most likely impact your business and then plan accordingly. A free online resource www.readyrating.org is designed to help interested businesses develop COOP plans.

Click on the play button to listen to report.
Download Report: NWFR01-03-12COOPweb.mp3

Anatomy of a Disaster

Yakima, WASH-
From time to time our office is asked, "what type of assistance is there for disaster victims"? Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. Every disaster must meet certain criteria for certain levels of governmental assistance. Below is a basic guide on what may be available:

Immediate Emergency Help:  The American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other volunteer organizations can and will provide immediate aid in the way of clothing, emergency food, medical assistance, emergency shelters, clean-up help, transportation help and furniture.   This assistance is available upon request from individuals or government agencies.  American Red Cross: 509-457-1690, Salvation Army:  509-453-3139.

Federal Disaster Assistance:

This can be provided through the Stafford Act when the President declares a major disaster. The request must be made from the governor of the affected state, to the President. The governor must receive the request by the local jurisdiction impacted by the disaster.  Assistance provided includes minimal assistance for housing repairs, housing replacement, rental assistance and help with medical, dental, and funeral expenses, vehicle repair/replacement, transportation, and certain other personal property losses. 

Registration: When the president declares a disaster, that includes the Individuals and Households Program, FEMA sets up a toll-free registration number (800-621-3362) where individuals and households can begin to apply for immediate assistance.  Internet registration can also be made at www.fema.gov/assistance/  or www.disasterassistance.gov . If you do not register, you will not get help.  

Individual and Household Program consists of Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance                              

HA assists eligible individuals/households with housing needs like financial assistance to rent alternative housing, repair owner occupied private residences and to replace owner occupied private residences ONA awards are available to qualified individuals/ households who have serious, disaster-related needs and expenses for which assistance from other federal, state, or voluntary agencies disaster programs are unavailable or inadequate. These needs typically fall into the categories of medical, dental, and funeral expenses, as well as personal property, transportation, and other necessary expenses or serious needs. This program is only available when the president declares a disaster.

In the absence of insurance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has two loan programs that could help a community in lieu of a presidential declaration. SBA Physical Loss Disaster Loans program provides low interest loans to eligible individuals and businesses that have incurred disaster damage.  Loans are intended to help victims repair or replace damaged property to a pre-disaster condition.SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): EIDL provides low-interest loans to eligible small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of physical damage.  It provides loans for operating expenses until business recovers.  For more information about SBA loans, go to: www.sba.gov/financialassistance/.

Farm Service Agency Loans:  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency loans to help farmers and ranchers recover from physical and production losses, to repair or replace farm property and supplies, or repay farm operating debts incurred during the disaster year.  For more information about FSA loans, go to: www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA and click on State Offices.

NOV. 9 Emergency Alert Test

Washington D.C. - The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will be carried out on November 9, 2011. For more information about the test or access to the participant reporting system, please click here.


The FCC, in conjunction with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NWS), implements the EAS at the federal level. The President has sole responsibility for determining when the EAS will be activated at the national level, and has delegated this authority to the director of FEMA. FEMA is responsible for implementation of the national-level activation of the EAS, tests, and exercises. The NWS develops emergency weather information to alert the public about imminent dangerous weather conditions. Unlike the 60 second test of years past this test will be 3 minutes long. Television and radio broadcasts will be stopped during this time period.

Prepare/ Update Your Emergency Plan This October

OCT. 4, 2011-Yakima, WASH.

    As we approach fall/ winter weather Yakima Valley O.E.M. reminds you that when a major disaster occurs, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs. It is important to be prepared to take care of your family. Plan to be on your own for at least three days.

This month start to prepare for any emergency if you have not done so already. You can do it by:

• Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.

• Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.

• Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents.

• Make a family plan . Involve all key people in planning.

• Check your home for potential safety hazards.

• Put together a disaster kit . Plan to have supplies for yourself and your family for at least 3 days following a disaster.

• When planning, consider the special needs of kids, disabled, seniors, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Learn more at our website: http://www.yakimacounty.us/oem/checklist.htm

Yakima County Small Stream Flood Advisory

Yakima County Small Stream Flood Advisory

(YAKIMA, WASH)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON :

* SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR RAIN AND MELTING SNOW IN...

YAKIMA COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON….UNTIL 1115 AM PDT FRIDAY

* NUMEROUS SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS ACROSS WESTERN YAKIMA COUNTY

HAVE SEEN RAPID RISES WITH MINOR FLOODING REPORTED ON COWICHE CREEK

AND WENAS CREEK.

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL OF 0.50 TO 1 INCHES IS EXPECTED ALONG THE CREST

OF THE CASCADES.  THE RAIN AND MILD TEMPERATURES WILL CONTINUE TO

CAUSE INCREASED RUNOFF WITH MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE ON THE SMALL

STREAMS AND CREEKS ACROSS WESTERN YAKIMA COUNTY.  THE WATER LEVELS

ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE BY LATE FRIDAY.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT TAKES ONLY A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.

WHITE SWAN RECOVERY

-White Swan, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation/ Washington State

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received calls regarding questions and concerns about the White Swan Fire. While we supported efforts at the fire, we would like to remind readers that it did not occur directly with in our jurisdiction. It happened with in the confines of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.

     The Nation managed the incident. Our office and numerous valley First Responders supported the Yakama Nation, just like the Nation has and would support the cities of the valley in similar circumstance. The Yakama Nation as a sovereign entity, is in charge of this event. All questions regarding recovery efforts need to be directed toward the Tribe and the Yakima Nation Office of Emergency Management.

   If people would like to show there support to the victims of the White Swan Fire we have a list of donation sites and support events.Several places are accepting donations of money, clothing and other useful items for families affected by Saturday’s fire. Officials say the greatest needs are for children’s clothing and diapers. Locations and fundraisers include:



--Toppenish Armory, 326 S. Division St. The armory also will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner today.


--White Swan Methodist Church.


--Winter House in White Swan.


--The Trading Post in White Swan.


--EZ bucks in Toppenish and Wapato.


--Top Stop in Toppenish.


--The Yakama Nation has set up a bank account at Bank of America called White Swan Fire Relief Fund.


--The Wapato High School boys and girls basketball teams will hold a spaghetti fundraiser dinner from 5:30-8 p.m. today in the Wapato High School cafeteria.

Rivers Crest and Stay High-Update on Weekend Flooding

Yakima, WASH- Jan. 18, 2011


   As the Valley begins to dry out from a wet weekend, the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management asks all citizens to be mindful of flood safety.

   Yakima County rivers have crested and while river levels will stay high for the following day, they should then begin to recede.  Any non-agricultural business/ property damage that occurred as a result of the local flooding this weekend should be reported the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management at 509-574-1920.

   Yakima Office of Emergency Management reminds you of what you should be doing before, during, and after a flood:

Before

• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and identify earthen, irrigation, hydro-electric, etc. dams, that are upstream from your area, and could be the source of potential problems.

• Know the terms "Flood Watch", "Flood Warning", and "Urban and Small Stream Warning".

• Plan what you would do if asked to evacuate.

• Consider purchasing flood insurance.

• Take steps to flood proof your home.

• Keep all insurance policies and your household inventory in a safe place.

During

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television stations for information.

• Be aware of streams, drainage canals and areas known to flood suddenly.

• People living in low-lying areas are encourage starting moving property away from the river bank and keep an eye on river levels. Motorists are also reminded not to drive through flooded areas, but instead to “turn around, don’t drown”.



• Livestock owners should also make sure higher ground is available for their animals, if living in flood prone areas.





• Secure your home. If time permits, secure items located outside the house.

• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.

• Fill your car with fuel.

• Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

• Stay away from flood waters.

• Do NOT attempt to drive over flooded roads. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

After

• Stay away from flood waters.

• Stay away from moving water. Moving water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded and may have weakened road surfaces.

• Stay away from and report downed power lines.

• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.

• Continue listening to the radio for event and assistance information.

• Consider health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.

• Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters.

• Call your insurance agent.

• Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.

• Don't throw away damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.

• Report damages of property or business to local Emergency Management Office.