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Press Release

 

February 28, 2001, #1

1:00  p.m.

 

TO:      Local Media, Fire Stations and Community Groups

 

The Thurston County Emergency Operations Center activated shortly after this morning’s earthquake. Field reports indicate:

 

--Highway 101 Bridge closed to one lane. Northbound Highway 101 north of Hwy 8 junction is closed due to landslide. Detour route is set through McCleary. 

--No reported loss of life in the Thurston County area.

--County engineers are inspecting area bridges and county buildings.

--4^th Avenue Bridge is closed.

--Many intersection signal lights are out in the Olympia area.

--Martin Way closed from Ensign to Lilly Rd.

--Deschutes Parkway between Thurston County Courthouse and Downtown Olympia should be avoided. 

--Lane closure at Madrona Beach Rd at Hwy. 101. Officials advise motorists to avoid the area. 

--Thurston County Jail and Juvenile facilities are safe and intact.

--The Evergreen State College has been evacuated.

--Holmes Island Bridge near Long Lake is closed.

--Affllerbaugh Rd. in Lacey area is closed.

 

Lester Olsen, director of Thurston County Emergency Management, has declared a Declaration of Emergency. Citizens are advised to be on the alert for aftershocks. Citizens are urged to call 911 only in the case of life-threatening emergencies. This precaution will help keep the 911 lines open. Avoid unnecessary travel.  If you smell gas, shut of your intake valve. Information is available by calling 754-3360.

 

The Thurston County Chapter of the American Red Cross will open an emergency shelter for people displaced by the earthquake at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 1515 Harrison Ave. on Olympia’s Westside. Call the Red Cross at 352-8575 for details.