Flood prep, response, on Community Health committee's minds

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg Community Health and Protection Committee met Tuesday, January 18, with discussions centering around flood preparedness and response.

Chairman Jillian Henze gave a brief report on the current COVID-19 situation in the area. As of Monday, January 17, there were 1,216 active cases in Walla Walla. Of those cases, 1,208 were in-home isolation, while eight were hospitalized. As of Tuesday, St. Mary Medical Center had only one ICU bed open and had implemented visitor restrictions.

Referencing a video shared with her by a former CEO at the Washington State Hospitality Association, Chairman Henze said that case counts are still important. The government will closely monitor hospitalizations to determine any shutdowns or actions. Last week, Governor Inslee paused all non-emergent surgeries for four weeks, hoping to resume the surgeries after the current COVID-19 surge slows.

Walla Walla County provided the City of Waitsburg with 1,000 KN95 masks. The city has given nearly 300 away since receiving them late last week. Masks are available, free of charge, at City Hall.

Henze announced that the city’s emergency phone list had been updated and posted on the city’s website. She thanked Bill Rodgers and Kate Hockersmith for updating the list. Hard copies are posted at Waitsburg schools and City Hall.

She said the Waitsburg Christian Church board asked if generators should be included on the “available for use” list. Jim Romine said it was unlikely someone could spare a generator, as the owner would likely be using it during an emergency. He added that it would not hurt to add it to the list.

Pastor Cameron Hedges gave a brief update on the FEMA training he went through. The Waitsburg Christian Church has agreed to act as an emergency shelter in the event of a flood, and members have been organizing supply lists and undergoing training to be more prepared.

Jim Romine shared that the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office and the College Place Police Department were obtaining and training with interactive body cams. Romine said the cameras are activated by different motions, including unholstering a firearm and turning a car’s emergency lights on.

Henze said that the fire district has been going through in-depth training already this year, and there is a complete training schedule moving forward. Romine added that it has been great to see how busy the maintenance days have been at the station.

During a discussion about the recent snowstorm, Terry Lawhead commended the city employees for keeping downtown as clear as they could. Romine acknowledged neighbors, including resident Jeremy Elsey, who helped with the sidewalks through town as needed.

The completed flood response plan, home preparation tips, evacuation routes, and a “Who Does What’’ list can be found at http://www.cityofwaitsburg.com, under the “Services Tab.”