The West Jefferson County disaster preparedness meeting got underway last Thursday at noon with David Hudson from the Hoh tribe offering a welcome song and opening prayer.
Jimmy Conomos told a bit of history and reviewed the agenda. He described the last time in history that an event like Cascadia Rising occurred and the results. He shared the story of the Thunderbird and Whale.
The comment period was very well controlled with everyone getting five minutes to comment. The comment portion of the meeting lasted until 3 p.m.
Oil City Road resident Carol Young suggested that if Clallam County were to take part of west Jefferson County and Grays Harbor take another, everyone might be happier. She also shared the acronym YOYO as in “you’re on your own” which is what rural residents will most likely experience.
Forks resident Milton Beck shared some history of the 1700 earthquake and tsunami. He suggested everyone prepare a little at a time. He said, “It is not a matter of if, but when.”
Candy Hendrickson from the Quillayute Prairie told the gathering, “You will be responsible for yourself, nobody will be coming to help for a long time.”
Representatives from both Jefferson and Clallam counties participated as well as the park ranger from Kalaloch, the Red Cross, and representatives from the tribes, the Emergency Management director from Quinault, Emergency Management coordinator for the Makah Nation, and a volunteer fire fighter from La Push. There was a presentation about what Cascadia Rising was expected to do.
A Hoh resident commented on how well they are prepared at this point in time as they have enough supplies stored to support their residents for three weeks and they have generators and equipment ready. Also, they teach their children how to hunt and survive without all the modern amenities. Last but not least, they are all armed and capable of hunting.
Comments were made by people from Clearwater that are worried about tsunami debris that is part of the nuclear power plant that was destroyed and that is still floating this way.
Another Clearwater resident was looking for resources to get emergency equipment like generators, first aid supplies and hardware that could be obtained on a very low budget. One of the Pierce County residents responded to this by talking about the fact that their fire department sometimes has surplus equipment and has trouble finding anyone who wants it.
A comment was made about having a landing area for receiving supplies and the Hoh Tribe already has an established area and because of the meeting, the former Allen’s Mill was added to the list of potential sites.
Communications was a No. 1 priority that was repeated several times.
The Olympic National Park ranger talked about the tsunami warning system and the fact that besides people objecting to the signs showing evacuation routes, they don’t respond to the warnings. One of the residents questioned that system and part of its function and the reminder was given that if we have Cascadia Rising, there won’t be any power to run the warning system. Get to higher ground and don’t expect the sirens.
The park service does have plans for just about any emergency but not too many know what they are.
The Jefferson County Sheriff spoke about their resources and the fact that there are only two deputies on this side of the peninsula. So they will be doing what they can but like the other services it will take time for them to get out here.
The Quileute fire chief stressed the need for volunteers and highlighted the fire department as an excellent resource for training and the benefits of volunteering.
John Richmond and Joe Wright of Forks spoke on the training they do to provide communications as amateur radio operators.
Bill Peach, Clallam County commissioner; Clallam County undersheriff Ron Cameron; Jayme Wisecup, Clallam County emergency management coordinator; and finally Kathleen Kler, the District 3 Jefferson County Commissioner, all took a turn speaking.
During the individual discussions afterward, Conomos handed out copies of the Jefferson County after-action report.
