Ocean Beach, originally uploaded by thegirlinthecurl.

I’ve been out of it a bit this week. A few health issues I had needed to be taken care of, nothing major… I’m back and getting into the swing of things but, meanwhile, all around our local Bay and beyond, we’ve had our own health crisis in our local waters.

By now, you know all about the Cosco Busan Oil Spill and the damage it has caused and is still causing.

And I know that you, like many others want to help. You can get updated information on training, the status of the oil spill, etc at SanFrancisco.about.com

In addition to the updates, you can find a list of ways to help.

Below, you’ll also find a summar of some ways you can participate:

SAN FRANCISCO TRAINING TO CLEAN UP OIL

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide training to certify volunteers for participation in San Francisco and Bay Area beach cleanups. The training will include instruction and safety guidelines necessary for successful cleanup of beach-related hazardous waste operations. The certification training will allow volunteers to take part in organized beach cleanups for the duration of the recovery effort. Volunteers who participate in beach cleanups must be able to lift five pounds and be comfortable working on their feet for extended periods.

Light supper will be provided at the training.

Saturday, 11/17: 8am-noon | Location: County Fairground’s Hall of Flowers, GG Park, 9th & Lincoln

Saturday 11/17: 1pm-5pm | Same as above

BEACH CLEAN-UP

The public is still urged to avoid oil impacted areas and wildlife that are affected, as untrained people can cause further damage to the environment and stress on the wildlife. The public is also reminded that allowing your dogs to run on impacted beaches will create even greater stress for injured wildlife by forcing birds back into the cold water. Concerned citizens should call 415-701-2311 to report any sightings of oiled wildlife.

WILDLIFE RESCUE

The rescue of oiled wildlife requires significant training to avoid further injury to birds, other animals or volunteers themselves. The state wildlife rehabilitation center in Cordelia has limited opportunity for volunteers (in Cordelia only) for tasks such as cage cleaning, and other general support of rehabilitation processes. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and in good health, and are required to participate in training. Information regarding these opportunities can be found at http://www.owcn.org or by calling 800-228-4544.

Approaching oiled animals will often result in driving them back to contaminated water where they are exposed to greater risk and out of reach of rescuers. You CAN help affected wildlife by immediately calling 877-823-6926.

DONATE

Another way to help is to donate to organizations at work to support cleaning up this event. Visit the International Bird Rescue and Research Center at http://www.ibrrc.org/donate.html

San Francisco’s Animal Care and Control (ACC) is one of the agencies transporting the oiled wildlife. They need clean towels and sheets. After checking your closets, if you have any, please drop them off to the ACC. Their address is:

Animal Care and Control
1200 15th Street
(at Harrison Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 554-6364

This may not sound like much; however, every little bit helps.