The National Weather Service has issued Wind Advisory, Flood Watch and Hazardous Outlook messages for the Greater Vancouver area.
CRESA Emergency Management participated in a briefing with the National Weather Service at 12:30 p.m. today. As this is being written around 1:00 p.m., a decent storm sits off the coast of Oregon and Washington (although many of us are already hearing and feeling strong local winds).
Today’s storm is expected to provide the heaviest winds and rain on the coast; however, winds in the valley are expected to be sustained at 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph from 7p Monday evening through 4a Tuesday morning. We expect to see about ¾ to 1 inch of rain in the valleys and so, urban area flooding may be possible related to clogged storm drains throughout the area.
We have also been informed that an additional storm is expected to roll in on November 19th which may present similar watches as it develops. CRESA Emergency Management will continue to monitor the developing weather situation and provide relevant updates as needed.
Consider preparing for windstorms and knowing where to call when the power goes out! For your preparedness activity today, consider memorizing the Clark Public Utilities PowerLine at 360-992-8000.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
For Emergency Worker Volunteer Updates....
....Check out our "spin-off" blog called http://www.clarkvolunteers.blogspot.com/!
We asked for volunteers earlier this week and our local community has responded. CRESA has received a tremendous level of support from volunteers of many organizations and we are seeking an efficient way to keep in touch with those who are volunteering now and may be interested in future emergency-based opportunities.
The "spin-off" blog is specifically targeted towards volunteers. Information will be posted there regarding current and future emergency worker assignments. And, the forms needed to register as an Emergency Worker Volunteer are available on that site as well.
Being a subscriber to this blog does NOT automatically sign you up for the Clark Volunteers blog.
If you sign up for an email subscription to that blog specifically, you will receive the targeted volunteer information.
We asked for volunteers earlier this week and our local community has responded. CRESA has received a tremendous level of support from volunteers of many organizations and we are seeking an efficient way to keep in touch with those who are volunteering now and may be interested in future emergency-based opportunities.
The "spin-off" blog is specifically targeted towards volunteers. Information will be posted there regarding current and future emergency worker assignments. And, the forms needed to register as an Emergency Worker Volunteer are available on that site as well.
Being a subscriber to this blog does NOT automatically sign you up for the Clark Volunteers blog.
If you sign up for an email subscription to that blog specifically, you will receive the targeted volunteer information.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Many Volunteers Needed
CRESA is currently seeking many local volunteers to assist with various tasks relating to the supporting the H1N1 (Swine Flu) situation. These assignments vary in length and skill set.
We are currently trying to fill many positions related to vaccine clinics and our regional call center.
To volunteer, please fill out the forms on the right side bar to this blog and fax them to 360-694-8802 or email them to ecc.logistics@clark.wa.gov.
Thank you for your interest in helping your community.
We are currently trying to fill many positions related to vaccine clinics and our regional call center.
To volunteer, please fill out the forms on the right side bar to this blog and fax them to 360-694-8802 or email them to ecc.logistics@clark.wa.gov.
Thank you for your interest in helping your community.
H1N1 Vaccine Clinic Open Today from 5p-8p
The Public Health H1N1 vaccine clinic will be open tonight, Monday November 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. The clinic is located at 6100 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver. There is no charge for vaccinations.
Public Health will hold an additional vaccine clinic on Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a location yet to be determined.
Because of the limited supply of vaccine, vaccinations will only be administered to the following priority groups:
Public Health will hold an additional vaccine clinic on Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a location yet to be determined.
Because of the limited supply of vaccine, vaccinations will only be administered to the following priority groups:
- Pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1.
- Healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.
- Children ages 6 months through age 19 in group settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
- Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
- People ages 6 months to 64 years with chronic medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for influenza-related complications including: chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), and immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus)
By vaccinating these groups first, public health protects those at greatest risk while reducing the spread of H1N1 into the community.
If you have concerns about whether you fall into a priority group, call your doctor or the Southwest Washington Regional Call Center at 1-877-510-2772.
Monday, November 2, 2009
H1N1 Evening Vaccine Clinic Nov 4-6
Vancouver, WA -- Public Health will change hours of operation for its H1N1 vaccine clinic to accommodate working parents and prevent children from missing school.
Clinic hours will remain 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
On Wednesday, November 4th through Friday, November 6th, the clinic will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no morning hours.
The clinic is located at 6100 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Washington. This location is served by C-Tran Route #4.
Because of the very small amounts of vaccine received to date in Southwest Washington, Public Health is administering vaccine to the following groups only:
Clinic hours will remain 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
On Wednesday, November 4th through Friday, November 6th, the clinic will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no morning hours.
The clinic is located at 6100 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Washington. This location is served by C-Tran Route #4.
Because of the very small amounts of vaccine received to date in Southwest Washington, Public Health is administering vaccine to the following groups only:
- Pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1.
- Healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.
- Children ages 6 months through age 19 in group settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
- Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
As vaccine production increases over the coming weeks, health officials expect enough vaccine will eventually be available for everyone.
For more information, visit www.FluNewsSWWashington.org or call 1-877-510-2772.
Friday, October 30, 2009
H1N1 Vaccine Clinic Opens Nov 2nd
Clark County Public Health posted a news release yesterday regarding the opening of a Point of Distribution for H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine.
From their press release:
Starting Monday, Nov 2nd, Public Health will offer H1N1 vaccine to priority groups at 6100 Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, Washington. This new vaccine clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.
Because of the very small amounts of vaccine received to date in Southwest Washington, Public Health is administering vaccine to the following groups only:
From their press release:
Starting Monday, Nov 2nd, Public Health will offer H1N1 vaccine to priority groups at 6100 Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, Washington. This new vaccine clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.
Because of the very small amounts of vaccine received to date in Southwest Washington, Public Health is administering vaccine to the following groups only:
- Pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1.
- Healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.
- Children ages 6 months through age 19 in group settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
- Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
As vaccine production increases over the coming weeks, health officials expect enough vaccine will eventually be available for everyone.
For more information, visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/ or call 1-877-510-2772.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What To Do When You Get Sick!
Region IV Public Health, which serves SW Washington, added a great matrix to their website today to aid individuals in assessing whether individual's flu symptoms warrant a call to 9-1-1, their health provider or simply care at home.Check out the matrix HERE for more information! And share this with your friends, family and networks so that everyone has the information they need to make the right decision.
Friday, October 23, 2009
H1N1 Website and Call Center
For H1N1 Information in SW Washington, a central website has been created for consistency among the 4 counties.
Please visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/ for the latest information. CRESA will continue to share emergency information and will repost information to this blog, but updates specific to H1N1 will be centralized by Region IV Incident Command at the above website.
A SW Washington Call Center is also available at 1-877-510-2772. This call center is only currently staffed Monday-Friday from 8a-5p.
Please visit http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/ for the latest information. CRESA will continue to share emergency information and will repost information to this blog, but updates specific to H1N1 will be centralized by Region IV Incident Command at the above website.
A SW Washington Call Center is also available at 1-877-510-2772. This call center is only currently staffed Monday-Friday from 8a-5p.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Prioritized distribution of H1N1 vaccine continues
Public health officials in Southwest Washington are working to distribute the H1N1 flu vaccine to clinics and hospitals as rapidly as the supply is made available for distribution.
Washington State Region 4, comprising Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties and the Cowlitz Tribe, has a total population of more than 530,000 people but has only received about 14,500 doses of H1N1 vaccine to date. This is enough vaccine for less than 3 percent of the population. Given the small initial shipments, health officials have determined that the best way to protect the public is to target vaccination efforts toward the most vulnerable populations.
Today, Region IV placed an order for 4,900 doses, the maximum amount allocated by the state for the region. Also today, Public Health delivered 550 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine to pediatricians in the region to give to high-risk children. Tomorrow an additional 1500 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine and 600 doses of H1N1 nasal mist will be provided to medical practices for high-risk children and health care providers.
Early vaccinations will be prioritized for:
1. Pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1;
2. Healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity;
3. Children ages 6 months to 19 years in congregate settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread;
4. Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
Due to the current shortage, H1N1 vaccine will be distributed only to these groups. It is anticipated that over time an adequate supply of the vaccine will be available for every person in the four-county area. For more information, visit www.flunewsswwashington.org or call 1-877-510-2772.
Washington State Region 4, comprising Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties and the Cowlitz Tribe, has a total population of more than 530,000 people but has only received about 14,500 doses of H1N1 vaccine to date. This is enough vaccine for less than 3 percent of the population. Given the small initial shipments, health officials have determined that the best way to protect the public is to target vaccination efforts toward the most vulnerable populations.
Today, Region IV placed an order for 4,900 doses, the maximum amount allocated by the state for the region. Also today, Public Health delivered 550 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine to pediatricians in the region to give to high-risk children. Tomorrow an additional 1500 doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine and 600 doses of H1N1 nasal mist will be provided to medical practices for high-risk children and health care providers.
Early vaccinations will be prioritized for:
1. Pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1;
2. Healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity;
3. Children ages 6 months to 19 years in congregate settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread;
4. Parents and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, so they don’t pass the virus to their infants.
Due to the current shortage, H1N1 vaccine will be distributed only to these groups. It is anticipated that over time an adequate supply of the vaccine will be available for every person in the four-county area. For more information, visit www.flunewsswwashington.org or call 1-877-510-2772.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Southwest Washington receives smaller amount of vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that it anticipates 29 million doses of H1N1 vaccine by the end of the month instead of the 40 million originally expected. The manufacturing process was slower than expected.
As a result, the 19,400 doses anticipated for Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties next week has been reduced to 5,000 doses. With this smaller allocation, Public Health is limiting vaccine administration to vaccine clinics in several schools, childcare centers and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic.
Early vaccinations will be prioritized for pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1; healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity; and children in congregate settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
“It’s very difficult to predict how many doses will be available in the weeks ahead. We know that this can create some frustration for healthcare providers and anxiety for people wanting to get vaccinated. All of us are waiting for vaccine supply to increase,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Region IV Health Officer.
As vaccine continues to arrive in Southwest Washington, information will be posted at http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/. Residents can also call 877-510-2772.
As a result, the 19,400 doses anticipated for Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties next week has been reduced to 5,000 doses. With this smaller allocation, Public Health is limiting vaccine administration to vaccine clinics in several schools, childcare centers and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic.
Early vaccinations will be prioritized for pregnant women because they are at high risk of complications from H1N1; healthcare workers because they can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients and also because increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity; and children in congregate settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
“It’s very difficult to predict how many doses will be available in the weeks ahead. We know that this can create some frustration for healthcare providers and anxiety for people wanting to get vaccinated. All of us are waiting for vaccine supply to increase,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Region IV Health Officer.
As vaccine continues to arrive in Southwest Washington, information will be posted at http://www.flunewsswwashington.org/. Residents can also call 877-510-2772.
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