Whatcom Ready

The "big one" is coming - we just don't know when. That's why on the third Thursday of October we encourage participation in the Great ShakeOut. At 10:19 am on 10/19, join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety. shakeout.org/washington/

Happening TODAY (Wednesday, October 4) at 11:20 a.m. More details are available here: fema.gov/sites/default/…

STATE GRANT IMPROVES COMMUNITY’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITY SHERIFF’S OFFICE USES FUNDS FOR RESPONSE TRAILERS, COMMUNICATION TOOLS, DRONES, MORE Details here: tinyurl.com/m23buudx

On this last day of September, we share our final preparedness tip to round out National Preparedness Month. Tip #11: You can help. There are lots of emergency volunteer opportunities throughout the community. Visit this page for more information: whatcomcounty.us/4249/68526/Eme…

We continue to share preparedness tips and tools through September, National Preparedness Month. Tip #9: It's always a good idea to document your home and possessions before a disaster (like a flood) happens. It is hugely helpful to have this information when reporting damages.

Emergency Preparedness Tip #8: What to do before, during, and after a flood can be found in a newsletter published by @WhatcomCoPWA Find important contacts and emergency preparedness and safety information. You can find the latest newsletter here: tinyurl.com/a662tb5a

September is National Preparedness Month. Tip #7: While Mt. Baker is iconic and beautiful, it's also an active volcano. For info on how to be prepared for an eruption, visit the @whatcomsheriff Division of Emergency Management volcano hazard page here: whatcomcounty.us/2030/Volcano

We continue to share preparedness tips and tools through September, National Preparedness Month. Tip #6: @Firewise USA Programs offer assistance in helping you and your neighbors protect your homes and reduce wildfire risk.

Preparedness Tip #5: Whatcom Conservation District has resources like homeowner assistance to improve the safety of your home and presentations on wildfire risk and preparedness. whatcomcd.org/wildfire

We continue to share preparedness tips through September, National Preparedness Month. Tip #4: Visit @waEMD for publications and documents: mil.wa.gov/publications and become familiar with Whatcom County's Natural Hazards Explorer here: tinyurl.com/29f5ht6r

We continue to share preparedness tips through September, National Preparedness Month. Tip #3: Know your evacuation routes and assembly points. Practice and become familiar. More information from @fema can be found here: ready.gov/evacuation

September is National Preparedness Month Tip #2: Be Two Weeks Ready. You may need to be on your own after an emergency. Be ready with enough food, water and supplies in sufficient quantity to last two weeks. Get your guide here from @waEMD mil.wa.gov/asset/5ba420cd…

As September is National Preparedness Month, we will be sharing preparedness tips all month here and at WhatcomReady.org Tip #1: Download your Prepare in a Year Guide from @waEMD. Get yours here: mil.wa.gov/personal

**UPDATE** Lake Whatcom Park and a portion of the Hertz Trail will reopen to the public today at noon. Hertz Trail remains closed from approximately mile 1.7, at the second bridge, to the end of the trail. Please do not go past any trail closed signs in place for public safety.

SOUTH LAKE WHATCOM FIRE UPDATE Friday, 8:00am The heli will be in the fire area this morning from 10AM to noon to try to cool some internal hot spots. STAY AWAY FROM THE SOUTH END OF THE LAKE. The fire went down to 40 acres due to better GPS mapping. Evacuation level is now at 1.

Firefighters made good progress on #LakeWhatcomFire yesterday. Today, they continue to secure line on south end by residents and will begin mopping up. After recon flight, it's mapped at approx 45 acres. Level 2 evacs in place as firefighters secure some containment.

Coal Creek fire update from @waDNR_fire The fire is several miles up Sumas Mountain from the nearest residences, closer to Bell Creek than Coal Creek. It is now 100% contained. They have a 10-person hand crew and two engines putting out hot spots.

S LAKE WHATCOM FIRE UPDATE: Wed, 4:00 pm @waDNR_fire ground crews made some progress in containing the fire today. Lk Whatcom continues to be closed b/c of fire debris. Blue Canyon Rd, Lk Whatcom Park, S Lk Whatcom boat launch and Hertz Trail remain closed. Level 2 evac remains

Overnight, #LakeWhatcomeFire stayed w/in the same footprint of 20-30 acres. DNR has 3 hand crews that include 1 hotshot crew, 7 fire engines, possibly air attack today if clouds stay high enough. Sheriff is keeping level 2 evacs in place as precaution.

Blue Canyon Fire update from @waDNR_fire Wed 0830 -A new team is being briefed. We expect a fire update soon -Blue Canyon Rd and South end of Lk Whatcom: closed -Level 2 evac for Blue Canyon Rd residents remains -Lk Whatcom Park, S Lk Whatcom boat launch and Hertz Trail: closed