Westside Stories

When the unexpected happens - such as a winter storm knocking out power, floodwaters blocking rural roads, or a wildfire getting too close - there's one person whose phone never stops ringing: Wahkiakum County's Emergency Management Coordinator Austin Smith.

It's a title that sounds bureaucratic, but the job is far from it. Smith's responsibilities include planning, prevention, response, and recovery from disasters that could overwhelm the county's typical resources. In a small county like ours, disaster doesn't have to mean a Hollywood-scale event. Sometimes it's as simple as rising water isolating families along the Grays River or a windstorm knocking out the power.

Smith's job covers it all, from natural disasters like flooding and landslides to man-made crises such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and the rapidly emerging risks tied to artificial intelligence. His role is to consider every imaginable "what if" scenario. It's not just about the big ones, like the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that looms large in every Pacific Northwesterner's imagination, but also the small-scale, everyday emergencies that hit closer to home.

Funding for Wahkiakum's Emergency Management program comes mostly through FEMA grants, with a small contribution from the county. Federal, state, and county directives require that such a program exist, and in Wahkiakum County, it operates under the umbrella of the sheriff's office. Smith isn't a law enforcement officer, but he works closely with them.

For the past year, Smith has been part of a particularly forward-thinking project: building an emergency food supply large enough to feed 500 people for two weeks at three meals a day. "If we had a catastrophic event that cut off supply lines, at least we'd have something ready to feed those in the most need," he said.

Preparedness goes beyond filling the pantry or stashing bottled water. It's about knowing what to do, who to call, and how to help. Smith has worked with the Department of Natural Resources on wildfire safety workshops and hopes to bring more town halls to the county. His advice is practical and straightforward: if the road's washed out or the lines are down, make sure you and your neighbors can get by until help arrives.

Raised in Naselle and a proud graduate of Naselle High School, Smith's family roots stretch deep in this region. His parents live in Grays River and, though he now resides on Puget Island, the West End remains important to him.

Before stepping into emergency management almost two years ago, Smith spent several years as a 911 dispatcher and a corrections officer with the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Department. The shift from working nights at a desk to coordinating large-scale emergency efforts has been rewarding and fulfilling. "The best part is the freedom and flexibility," said Smith. "I get to work with a lot of different people on different projects instead of being tied to a headset."

Those people range from local volunteers to national agencies. Smith serves as the liaison between Wahkiakum County and FEMA, the state's emergency management office, the Red Cross, and many other partners. The job also requires ongoing training and education. It involves staying current on everything from communication systems to disaster relief to cybersecurity. It's a huge responsibility, and "huge" might actually be an understatement. The position effectively puts him on call 24/7 with his phone and laptop always within reach, even on vacation. He oversees alerts and warnings, from automated weather messages to emergency notifications that require immediate action like evacuation or shelter-in-place orders. Last year, he expanded those capabilities by getting certified in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which allows him to push alerts directly to cell phones, FM radios, and even cable TV within specific geographic zones.

He's also quick to point out that emergency response isn't a one-man show; volunteers are vital. "We can always use help in the Emergency Operations Center," he said. "Volunteers track hours, collect information from people who want to donate or pitch in, answer phones, keep records, and, of course, make sure the coffee keeps flowing. That's the most important job as far as I'm concerned."

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to him directly at 360-795-7876 or em@co.wahkiakum.wa.us to learn more.

Talking with Smith, what strikes me most isn't just the technical side of his work; it's the sense of calm competence he carries. In a world where disaster headlines scroll across our phones daily, it's reassuring to know someone local is thinking through every worst-case scenario so the rest of us can sleep a little easier.

Westside Happenings

Veterans Day is on Nov. 11, and there are two opportunities on the West End to honor those who have served.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, American Legion Post 111 will host its annual Veterans Breakfast at Rosburg Hall from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast is $8 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under, and free for veterans.

On Monday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m., Naselle School will hold its annual Veterans Assembly to recognize local service members. The public is welcome, but plan to arrive early if you want a good seat, as this event always draws a large turnout.

Also happening this weekend, on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Knappton Cove Heritage Center will host its annual "Horriable Day" Open House, commemorating the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery passing by the site in what the explorers described as "horriable" weather. At 2 p.m., a dedication will take place for the new interpretive sign at the roadside viewing deck. The Heritage Center is located at 521 State Route 401.

November

8 – American Legion Veterans Breakfast at Rosburg Hall, 8–11:30am.

8 – Naselle Lutheran Church Holiday Bazaar & Coffee Bar, 10am–2pm.

9 – "Horriable Day" Open House at Knappton Cove Heritage Center, 1–3pm.

10 – Veterans Assembly at Naselle Schools, 1pm.

December

14 – FAFF Christmas Events: Tour of Homes, Deep River Church Concert, Soup Supper, Bingo, and Christmas Bazaar.

21 – 4th Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 4pm. Register at nasellefinnfest.com.