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The original item was published from 6/15/2022 8:43:00 AM to 6/23/2022 12:00:04 AM.

Newsflash

Sheriff - Emergency Management Daily Briefing

Posted on: June 15, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Emergency Management Daily Briefing

Little change for the next couple of days. Today: mostly cloudy with high temp in the mid-60s and low in the low 50s. Chance of showers tonight and Thursday with mostly cloudy skies on Friday. Light winds, generally 10mph or less. Showers this weekend.

Active Incidents

Sever Weather Damage 21-18 Emergency Proclamation by the Governor:  Covers the severe wind and rainstorm event that began on November 12, 2021.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-18%20-%20Severe%20Weather%20Damage%20%28tmp%29.pdf


UPDATES:  


ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Wind northwest 15-25 knots diminishing to northwest 10-15 knots early this afternoon then becoming southeast 5-15 knots later this afternoon.  Wind becoming light Wednesday morning.
SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) is open; however, there are several areas that will need to have emergency repairs this spring/summer/fall.  Traffic control lights are placed at those locations.  Long delays should be expected especially over long weekends and holidays.  In addition to emergency repairs there are areas where normal road maintenance is scheduled along with several culvert replacements for fish passage.  Check WSDOT website for current conditions before traveling.

Inland Whatcom County Weather

Today and Friday are expected to be mostly cloudy with the remainder of the time putting out a chance for showers.  With the showers will come temperatures that remain in the mid 60s for the most part; Sumas and Maple Falls may see a temperatures around 70 on Friday.  Lows will drop down to the low 50s or some 40s in the higher elevations, Newhalem, for example.  The wind will continue to remain light, generally 10 mph or less from a southerly direction. Point Roberts may see a few gusts of wind reaching 15 mph or so.

Rivers and Streams

Overall trend of the river and stream level is lower over the next week. Biggest concern would be the Nooksack River temperature as the snowmelt will keep the river water very cold. Be very careful if planning any activity in the water as hypothermia can occur quickly.   Remember, you can always go to the Public Works website and check the river levels - https://www.whatcomcounty.us/666/Forecasts-Current-River-Conditions.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Surface high pressure across the coastal waters  will make way for a surface low moving into the region today. The  surface low will then remain situated across the region through  much of the week.   Winds. Today: S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 to 2 ft. Tonight: W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. A slight  chance of showers in the evening then a chance of showers after  midnight.  Tomorrow: S wind to 10 kt rising to 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. A chance of showers.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW after midnight. Wind  waves 1 to 2 ft. 

Tide Information





DATETIMEHIGH TIDELOW TIDE
June 15, 20220032
7.54
June 15, 2022
04329.02
June 15, 2022
1234
-3.83
June 15, 2022
204310.25
June 16, 2022
0135
7.56
June 16, 2022
05208.78
June 16, 2022
1322
-3.65
June 16, 2022
213110.35
June 17, 2022
0240
7.32
June 17, 2022
06138.31
June 17, 2022
1411
-3.06
June 17, 2022
221710.31


Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Wildfire Preparedness

While we have been extremely fortunate concerning the risk for wildfire to date, things could change rapidly with dry, hot weather. Now is the time to inventory your home environment to see what wildfire risks you can mitigate.  To that extent, the following information was taken from the National Fire Protection Agency on wildfire preparedness. Additional information about the wildfires and the Firewise program can be found at the NFPA website:   https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

1. HOME IGNITION ZONES:  To increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire, choose fire-resistant building materials and limit the amount of flammable vegetation in the three home ignition zones. The zones include the Immediate Zone: (0 to 5 feet around the house), the Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet), and the Extended Zone (30 to 100 feet).

2. LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE:  To reduce ember ignitions and fire spread, trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck and prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet (depending on their height) from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes. Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches in the Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house). Keep your landscape in good condition.

3. ROOFING AND VENTS:  Class A fire-rated roofing products, such as composite shingles, metal, concrete, and clay tiles, offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.

4. DECKS AND PORCHES:  Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks and porches and between deck board joints.

5. SIDING AND WINDOWS:  Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials; radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding such as brick, fibercement, plaster, or stucco, and use dual-pane tempered glass windows.

6. EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACCESS:  Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access.

7. FINAL THOUGHTS:  

  • Develop, discuss, and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Include details for handling pets, large animals, and livestock.
  • Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a predesignated meeting place.
  • Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay—don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from the fire.
  • Conduct an annual insurance policy checkup to adjust for local building costs, codes, and new renovations. n Create or update a home inventory to help settle claims faster.

 

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.


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