Oregon Coast Be Ready 2017

OREGON COAST

BE READY 2017

STORM

READY

o p Ex

FREE ADMISSION WITH DONATION FOR FLORENCE FOOD SHARE

MEET DAVE ROBINSON AUTHOR, DISASTER PREP EXPERT

SUTURING/CPR CLASS LIVE DEMOS, VENDORS & PRIZES

FREE HOT DOG LUNCH SPONSORED BY KIWANIS OF FLORENCE

Disaster Preparedness Expo • Saturday, Sept. 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Presented by Siuslaw News and WLEOG

2 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 3

BE READY — STORM READY

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iuslaw News and Western Lane Emergency Operations Group welcome the community to the second annual Be Ready Disaster Preparedness Expo, Be Ready — Storm Ready, on Saturday, Sept.

23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.

Admission is free with a donation to Florence Food Share. In addition, Florence Kiwanis Club will be grilling up a free hot dog lunch.

For the second time, PeaceHealth Peace Harbor is holding emergency suturing. The classes will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $25, and people can sign up by calling 541-902-3524.

In addition, EMTs from Western Lane Ambulance District will be doing CPR demonstrations every 30 minutes.

The Be Ready Expo will have speakers and demonstrations that will help prepare the community for the increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. In Western Lane County, people live in an isolated area that may be cut off from resources for 10 or more days if a large disaster were to occur.

Dave Robinson, author of “Disaster Prep for the Rest of Us,” is the keynote speaker at noon.

Robinson is an Air Force and Vietnam veteran who served 15 years as a police officer, including positions as a patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant. Recently retired, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was the Postmaster in Bandon, Ore., for the past 10 years.

He currently lives in the Myrtle Point area with his wife, Dee, and two grandsons. He has lived on the Oregon coast since 1971.

“I’ve always been one of those guys who carries a first aid kit in my car,” Robinson said. “If something happened and you couldn’t get home, do you have with you what you need to sustain for a few days? I started putting together a kit to carry with me.”

Robinson began teaching about disaster preparedness after the March 11, 2011, Japanese earthquake sent the Oregon coast a wake-up call in the form of a tsunami which caused millions of dollars in damage to the Port of Coos Bay and other coastal communities.

“People up and down the coast immediately stocked

OREGON COAST

BE READY 2017

up on camping gear and some actually began prepping for ‘The Big One,’” Robinson said, referring to a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake that experts predict will cause massive damage and a tsunami.

If a disaster approaches with warning, stores won’t be able to keep emergency supplies on the shelf, including camping gear, outdoor cooking stoves, batteries, candles and food.

“I tell everyone to pretend they can’t go to the store for a week, and your electricity is out, and your phone won’t work. Decide what you’re going to need. You need to have this stuff ahead of time so that if there’s a disaster, then you don’t have to try to stock up. By then, it will be too late,” Robinson said.

Robinson’s disaster expertise goes beyond the natural disaster preparation. He plans to bring his homemade solar generator and a list of items people should keep on hand, besides the obvious food, water and supplies.

“The most important thing you can do to prepare doesn’t cost a cent,” he said. “That’s a little teaser that will be included in the talk.”

Robinson will also offer advice on preparing for winter weather.

“Our bad winter storms are basically wind storms

Keynote Speaker "Disaster" Dave Robinson off the ocean. If we get 80-90 mph winds, we call it a big storm. If we got those winds on the east coast, they get a name, and get called a hurricane. I’ve lived through several of those, and they do seem to be getting more severe,” he said.

At this time of year, Robinson replaces the gasoline in his generator, clears his house of trees — both for protection against the danger of falling limbs in a storm and to create “defensible space” during the extreme fire danger currently in place — and makes sure his family keeps gas tanks at least half full and enough food and cash on hand to get by for several days.

Robinson’s disaster prep column is now published in nearly 30 newspapers all across the U.S. The first three years of his column became “Disaster Prep for the Rest of Us,” which is available on Amazon.com and at Saturday’s expo. He also has additional tips on disasterprepdave.blogspot.com.

In addition to Robinson’s address and demonstrations, vendors will fill the floor of the events center with survival techniques and preparedness lessons.

For more information, visit www.eventcenter.org/ general/page/be-ready-storm-ready-expo.

IDENTIFY • PREPARE • SURVIVE

Disaster Preparedness Expo • Saturday, Sept. 23 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Presented by Siuslaw News and WLEOG Free Admission • Live Demos, Vendors & Prizes • Suturing/CPR Classes • Free Hot Dog Lunch

4 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

Oregon’s premiere coastal community prepares its citizens for emergencies

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s the City of Florence continues toward its vision of being Oregon’s Premier Coastal Community, city officials and staff have identified Emergency Management as a key function contributing towards each of our five City Goals. Emergency Management within the City of Florence is a coordinated effort between the City Manager’s Office, Florence Police Department and the Public Works Department, with support from our other city programs and departments, to ensure that city operates efficiently and effectively in the event of a disaster.

As a city, Florence plans for emergencies varying from the typical storms it sees on an annual basis to a Cascadia earthquake and resulting tsunami. Public Works employees are constantly monitoring the status of the infrastructure in order to maintain high service levels for area citizens.

The City of Florence is a founding member of the West Lane Emergency Operations Group (WLEOG), which coordinates regional emergency management, preparedness, education and response.

This group was formed from the need to coordinate emergency preparation and response efforts in the wake of a Cascadia event. Planning for the catastrophic event allows local agencies to work together

to be prepared in case of a natural disaster since the forces of Mother Nature can be very unpredictable.

Government agencies and disaster organizations cannot bear the sole responsibility to prepare for and respond to disasters. The entire Florence community can take actions to become prepared to respond and recover from any natural or man-made disaster no matter how big or small.

The more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover. Florence area first responders may not always be able to reach you quickly in an emergency or disaster, and the most important step a person can take in helping responders is being able to take care of oneself and those in ones care for at least a short period of time following an incident.

During National Preparedness Month, community members are encouraged to take time to prepare themselves and those in their care for emergencies and disasters that can impact neighborhoods for days at a time. Florence-area community members who are prepared to meet emergencies or disasters can be a positive influence on their neighbors by sharing their preparedness story and encouraging friends, family, and coworkers to be prepared, too.

See Page 5

and coordinate efforts, which results in the ability to respond efficiently and effectively to the more frequent and smaller events.

Both the City of Florence and its WLEOG partner agencies encourage citizens to prepare themselves and their families for emergency situations.

Emergency Preparedness is essential for individuals and families. People need to take the proper measures

Western Lane Ambulance District

CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT CLASS

Invites You to

LEARN CPR

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Saturday March 2 September 23rd 1 pm & 6 pm 2:30pm

Vancouver Trap Club

Florence Event Center 11100 NE 76th Street 715 Quince St.

SC MS

MA CT RI NJ

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Come by our booth!

Walk-in’s welcome.

Multi-State: $80.00

Oregon Included No Fee

Oregon Only: $45.00

2nd Saturday of every month 9am to 1pm at Western Lane Ambulance District

Call 541-997-9614 www.westernlaneambulance.com

Shaun Curtain 360-921-2071

or email: FirearmTrainingNW@gmail.com | www.FirearmTrainingNW.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 5 The city and its partners encourage community members to attend the 2017 Be Ready — Storm Ready Preparedness Expo that will be held at that Florence Events Center on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the WLEOG website for information on what to include in your emergency supplies at www.wleog.org.

Visit www.ci.florence.or.us/em for more information on Emergency Management in the City of Florence, including registering your cell phone to receive emergency alerts, tsunami information, tsunami evacuation maps, individual preparedness steps and what the different tsunami siren tones mean.

— Submitted by Megan Messmer, City Project Manager and WLEOG Chairperson

West Lane Emergency Operations Group Members City of Florence • Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians • Dunes City • Mapleton Fire District • Peace Harbor Medical Center • Port of Siuslaw • Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue • Western Lane Ambulance District Associate Members American Red Cross • Apex Helicopter • Greentrees Village • Florence Area Chamber of Commerce • Florence Emergency Cold Weather Shelter • Lane Community College • Lane County Public Health • Oregon Coast Humane Society • Oregon Department of Transportation • Oregon Episcopal Diocese • Oregon Parks and Recreation • Oregon State HSPR Program • Senior and Disabled Services • Siuslaw School District • U.S. Coast Guard • West Lane ARES/RACES

PREP YOUR BUSINESS!

Come by our exhibit for important tips on preparing your business for all kinds of situations!

Not a member yet? Join us today!

541-997-3128 www.FlorenceChamber.com Bettina@FlorenceChamber.com 290 Hwy. 101 • Florence

www.ci.florence.or.us

6 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

CREATING AN EMERGENCY KIT

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he disaster prep motto: Get a kit, make a plan, be informed. Both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend having a 72-hour emergency kit, though more and more experts prefer supplies for up to two weeks.

That is having enough supplies and equipment to get you through 14 days without electricity, water or trips to the store.

Building an emergency kit does not need to break the bank. Picking up a few extra items now and then will build up over a period of time and, before long, your pantry is filled with supplies that will carry you through a disaster.

Don’t be overwhelmed by a huge list of items — just buy a few items each week and you will be prepared for the most likely emergencies in our area.

Some additional tips when planning your kit: • Keep your kit in one general location.

DISASTER PREP

BY DAVE ROBINSON

SPECIAL TO THE SIUSLAW NEWS

In fact, keep one kit at home and a separate kit, including cell phone charger, in your vehicle.

• Store your kit in a cool, dry place. People

use food-grade 5-gallon buckets, ice chests or duffel bags to keep everything together.

• Make sure your kit is portable in case of evacuation.

• Rotate your stock of food, water, medicines and batteries every six months to ensure freshness. Commercially bottled water is recommended to ensure safety.

• Stay in the habit of keeping your gas tank at least half full and keeping your cell phone charged.

• If you need to evacuate, be sure to remember chargers for your technology, important paperwork, contact information and spare keys.

• Have a go-to place for all family members to meet in case of emergency.

Use this checklist to create an emergency kit for you and your family until basic services may be restored.

Dave Robinson is the postmaster in Bandon, Ore., and author of “Disaster Prep for the Rest of Us.” He may be contacted at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. Visit his website for more disaster preparedness tips, disasterprepdave.blogspot.com.

Disinfect water in the case of an emergency

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weather emergency, be it a natural disaster or a heavy storm, can contaminate the local supply of drinking water and disrupt the wastewater disposal system. As a result, it is important for people to know how to disinfect their drinking water should an emergency occur and the supply be at risk.

The easiest way to avoid health issues that arise from a contaminated water supply is to keep bottled water on hand to use as drinking water and for cooking. So long as the bottled water has not been exposed to flood waters, it will be safe to drink.

If an emergency strikes and you don’t have any bottled water at home, don’t panic. Boiling water can help make the water safe, killing most types of disease-causing organisms that might be present. Boil water for one minute be-

fore allowing it cool and then store in containers for later use.

The water could also be cloudy. Filter the water through clean cloths or just allow it to settle.

When allowed to settle, chances are the cloudy water will clear up within minutes. Once it does, use the clear water when boiling.

If there’s no means to boil the water, you can use household bleach as a disinfectant. Bleach is effective at killing some, but not all, diseasecausing organisms that might be in the water.

When ready to disinfect the water, the EPA recommends adding 1/8 teaspoon of regular, unscented liquid household bleach for each gallon of water. Do not use non-chlorine bleach to disinfect water. Once added, stir the bleach and water mixture well, then let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Once disinfected, store the

water in clean containers with covers.

The treated water should have a slight odor of chlorine. If it does not, repeat the process and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. After this step, if the treated water exhibits a strong odor of chlorine or tastes strongly of chlorine, allow the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or pour the water from one clean container to another several times.

For those who rely on well water, in the case of a flood have the water tested and disinfected once the flood waters have receded.

Always heed the advice of local health departments or public water systems.

More information about disinfecting water and surviving a weather emergency is available at www.epa.gov. — Metro Creative Connection

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 7

Emergency kit checklist A battery-powered radio and extra batteries Flashlights or battery powered lanterns, with extra batteries Avoid using candles because of the fire hazard Water to last three days. At least one gallon per person per day Manual can opener Fully stocked first aid kit Extra prescription medications, eyeglasses and contact lens solutions Supplies for baby, elderly or special needs Non-perishable food, including canned meat, vegetables, soups and fruit, crackers, cereals, granola and energy bars, peanut butter and nuts Plastic sheeting, tarp and duct tape Dust filter masks rated “N95,” designed to keep out airborne dust, pollen and possibly protection from disease Whistle to signal for help A stash of cash in small bills. Set aside as much as you can reasonably afford.

Copies of your important family documents.

You can scan them to a flash drive and store

in either a “go bag” or other safe location away from your home. These documents may include copies of insurance policies, deeds, passports, birth certificates and titles to your vehicles Small photo album with current photos of family members and pets Regular, unscented, household bleach for purifying water and an eyedropper. Experts recommend 16 drops of bleach to purify one gallon of water Utility knife and/or heavy-duty scissors Heavy-duty trash bags “Strike anywhere” Matches in waterproof container Sanitizing and disinfectant wipes Extra set of car and house keys, stored in a secure location away from your primary residence Gloves. Latex or non/latex, plus a good pair of work gloves Toilet paper (lots) and paper towels Travel sizes of personal hygiene items, dental care, soap, feminine care, deodorant, etc.

Blankets or sleeping bag and small pillow Towels for each member of the family, and extra for clean-up Extra clothing, socks, underwear and outerwear, and sturdy, comfortable footwear Small tool kit. Include a wrench for shutting off utilities, hammer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, duct tape, zip ties, etc.

Signal flares Insect repellent. Wasp/hornet spray can also be used for personal defense Extra pet food and water. Also if your pet requires medication, get some extra for them as well Fire extinguisher Disposable camera with flash for documenting damage.

Remember, survival is not a kit. Survival is a plan and the kit should be a part of your plan.

Preparing your pet for emergencies

W

hen preparing for a disaster, most folks have figured out plans for themselves, their children and some even prepare for their neighbors. What some fail to consider is man’s best friend.

An unspoken rule is that if we take on the responsibility of a pet, then they are just that: a responsibility. We are charged with feeding, sheltering and providing medical care, in sickness and and in health. In good times and bad. Sounds like marriage vows.

The reality is some folks have the attitude that if everything melts down, they can simply abandon their pets, grab the kids and run for the hills.

Here are some suggestions offered by www.petmd.com, www.redcross.org and www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement to prepare your pet for a disaster.

• Get your dog “chipped” with current contact information and make sure ID tags are on collars.

• Be sure to have extra pet food on hand, along with enough drinking water for the whole household.

• Keep an extra supply of medications or other special requirements.

• Learn where your pet likes to hide when frightened.

• Make sure you have a pet carrier for transportation, as well as a leash and extra collar.

• Carry a picture of your pet in the event you are separated.

• Consider storing your pet’s favorite toy or activity with your emergency kit. When circumstances change and upheaval is the order of the day, having a familiar item nearby is one way to relieve your pet’s stress.

• Take animals with you if you need to evacuate. Only as a last resort should animals be left behind. If you have to leave your animals at home, keep them inside a secure area with at least a 10-day supply of dry food and water. Put signs on windows and doors indicating the number and type of animals inside and your contact information.

• Keep your pets’ vaccinations and ID tags up to date.

• Don’t leave pets in vehicles, tethered or crated without you.

— Metro Creative Connection

8 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

SCHEDULE AND SPEAKERS 10:30-11 a.m.

Florence Police Chief Tom Turner How to use what you have on you during an emergency situation 11-11:30 a.m.

Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue Chief Jim Langborg The importance of a Family Plan 11:30 a.m. to noon Karen (Parmelee) Layng, State Training Officer for Oregon Office of Emergency Management The Cascadia earthquake and how to be two weeks ready

OREGON COAST

BE READY 2017

CLASSES AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Noon to 1 p.m. — Keynote Speaker Dave Robinson, Disaster Preparedness Expert Be prepared for any scenario by planning ahead Author of “Disaster Prep For The Rest Of Us”

EMERGENCY SUTURING

1-1:30 p.m.

Frank Dietz, Boy Scout Troop 777 Assistant District Commissioner Cooking with a Dutch Oven: Learn recipes and tips on how a Dutch oven can be used to bake, boil, fry and sauté during virtually any emergency

Learn real emergency suturing techniques in these classes taught by PeaceHealth Peace Harbor. Cost is $25.

Sign up at 541-902-3524.

1:30-2 p.m.

Amber Higgins Learn how any size dog — from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane — can help its owner survive in an emergency.

See what your dog can do to help you.

Author of “Family Disaster Dogs” 2-2:30 p.m.

Frank Nulty, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Tips on putting together preparedness kits 2:30-3 p.m.

Shaun Curtain, Firearm Training Northwest Q and As about Firearm Training Northwest’s concealed carry permit class Speaker/instructor Shaun Curtain has been an NRA training counselor for more than 20 years.

11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

CPR DEMONSTRATIONS Every 30 minutes

EMTs from Western Lane Ambulance District will be doing CPR demonstrations every 30 minutes. While not a certified class, people can still learn tips that can mean the difference between life and death.

IDENTIFY • PREPARE SURVIVE

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 9

President Trump Proclaims September 2017 as National Preparedness Month

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

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uring National Preparedness Month, we bring attention to the importance of readying ourselves for disasters, both natural and man-made. We also take this time to extend our sincerest gratitude to first responders, who selflessly run toward danger to keep our Nation and its people safe. We vow to support them and provide the tools they need to save lives.

This year marks the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the Northeast; the 10-year anniversary of the Enhanced Fujita (EF) level-5 tornado that leveled 95 percent of the Greensburg, Kansas, community; and the 25-year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew,

the most destructive hurricane in Florida’s history.

We are especially mindful of those affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Harvey, which brought historic floods to Texas. While these tragedies underscore our vulnerabilities, they also remind us of our Nation’s great resilience. In the responses to each of these unexpected disasters, we have seen the character of the American spirit — courageousness, determination and generosity.

This month we recognize that by educating the nation on how to prepare and respond to emergencies, we can save countless lives.

Unfortunately, fewer than half of American families report having an emergency response plan.

While we never know when the next disaster will strike, it is in-

Get a kit ✔ Make a plan ✔ Stay informed

cumbent upon every American to be prepared.

Americans can start today to improve our readiness for the next disaster. The first steps include making and practicing a family emergency response plan, creating an emergency supply kit, and signing up for emergency alerts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready campaign outlines additional important and low-cost measures Americans can take right now to protect their family, pets and property before a major disaster.

Together, we will create a stronger and safer nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the

United States, do hereby proclaim September 2017 as National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans, including federal, state and local officials, to take action to be prepared for disaster or emergency by making and practicing their plans. Each step we take to become better prepared will make a real difference in how our families and communities will respond and persevere when faced with the unexpected.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP www.whitehouse.gov/

✔

Emergencies Only 9-1-1 Florence Police Department 900 Greenwood Street Florence, Oregon 97439 Non-Emergencies & General Business Phone: (541) 997-3515 Fax: (541) 997-4104 Anonymous Tip Line (541) 997-9604

IDENTIFY • PREPARE • SURVIVE Neighbor Helping Neighbor Map Your Neighborhood Program Safe Water, Safe Sanitation Emergency Food Planning and Preparation Pet Care Planning for Disaster Are you Ready Senior Citizen Preparedness These and many more online classes are available online

www.wleog.org

10 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

How to prepare for cold weather power outages

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old weather, with its wind, snow and ice, can be the culprit behind power outages. Sudden power outages can be inconvenient and troublesome. The potential danger of a power outage only escalates when one happens during the winter.

Recent storms illustrate just how challenging it can be for people to go without power, particularly today, when many people have grown accustomed to having everything available at the flick of a switch.

People must prepare for blackouts at any time of the year, but especially so when the temperatures dip. Here’s how to prepare for an extended power outage.

• Keep your home well-stocked with safety devices. Purchase flashlights and batteries and keep them in an easily accessible location. Solar-powered rechargeable batteries last longer than more traditional batteries, and if you pair them with LED flashlights, you can extend the usage time and have more light when needed. Store bottled water and nonperishable foods in a pantry or in the garage. Fill gas cans with gasoline and store in a safe location. Many portable generators require gasoline to run, and gas pumps may not work during a blackout.

• Have an alternative heat source at the ready.

When the power goes out, so do furnaces, which usually require electricity to work. If you have a backup generator, you may be able to plug in a space heater to warm one room in the house. Otherwise, a fireplace or woodstove can provide some heat.

If you do not have power or other heating source, make arrangements to leave your home and stay with relatives or friends.

• Assess your water needs. Homes that receive water from a municipal water source should be all right in terms of supply during a power outage.

Those who have well water and rely on septic systems will probably find themselves without water during an outage, as they require electricity to pump water into the home. FEMA recommends storing a three-day supply of water, or roughly three gallons, per individual for washing, cooking and flushing toilets.

• Keep important papers handy. Make a folder with copies of phone numbers, policy account numbers, banking information, and similarly valuable information. Remember, you may not have computer access, and your mobile phone will only last as

long as your next charge. Keep physical documents handy in case you need to leave home or contact service providers.

• Create extra insulation. Use plastic on windows to keep out some of the chill. Wrap pipes with newspapers or insulation to help safeguard against freezing. Block drafts at the bottom of doors by using a door sock or rolled up towel. Keep the entire family in one room to maximize body heat.

• Dress appropriately for the cold. Wear layers to keep warm and pay attention to your extremities.

• Don’t overlook entertainment. Keep books, puzzles, arts and craft supplies, cards and board games on hand. Invite friends over to quell the boredom.

• Have an evacuation plan in place. Know where you will go if you cannot stay in your home. Find out if a friend or family member has room for you.

Hotels and motels are another option, but they may be booked during an outage.

Power outages can occur at any time, but are especially common when snow and ice accumulates.

Preparing for such outages in advance is paramount to your health and safety.

— Metro Creative Connection

Thank you, Florence, for planning ahead.

There’s nothing like being prepared. We’re on board with that.

Let’s create tomorrow, together.

Florence Branch 777 Hwy 101 541-997-3486 bannerbank.com

Member FDIC

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 11

Vehicle winter prep checklist

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all is a time to prepare homes, vehicles and even our psyches for the arrival of winter. To get your car coldweather ready, check and repair these items now.

• Tire pressure can drop in cold weather. When tires are underinflated, you lose fuel efficiency, so monitor and maintain tire pressure throughout the winter.

• Those who live in particularly cold climates should switch from all-season to winter tires. Much as you wear winter boots to provide more traction and protection than sneakers, so should you equip your vehicle with tires that will stand up to winter terrain.

• Check on the status of your battery and its starting power. Cold weather can put more strain on a car battery.

A battery that is already weak may not turn over when you need it most.

• Replace worn wiper blades and upgrade to a windshield fluid that is rated for subzero temperatures. Each

of these items will improve visibility when winter precipitation is making its presence felt.

• Schedule an oil change at the beginning of winter. Dirty oil can hinder cold-weather starts and, if coupled with low coolant levels, can make it difficult for the engine to turn over.

• Keep jumper cables, a battery booster pack and warning cones in your vehicle. These can come to the rescue if your battery dies and you’re stranded on the side of the road.

• While you’re stocking the trunk or cargo bed, include a shovel, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, an ice scraper, water, and a blanket. These are good emergency items to have in the event your car breaks down in the winter.

You can dig your tires out of a snow drift with the shovel and apply litter

GET LOCAL with the

Siuslaw News

Reading the Siuslaw News is a great way to know your community and stay engaged as citizens.

N A EDITIO WEDNESDAY

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SLAWNEWS

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JANUARY

20, 2016

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to increase traction. The blanket will come in handy if you have to sit in a cold car for a while awaiting roadside service.

• Consider taking a winter driving course. Icy, snowy conditions completely change the defensive tactics needed to navigate the roads. A prepared driver is one who is more likely to avoid accidents and make it home safely.

— Metro Creative Connection

Florence Emergency Cold Weather Shelter www.standrewsflorence.org/ florence-emergency-cold-weathershelter.html American Red Cross www.redcross.org/ Lane County Emergency Management www.lanecounty.org/prepare Oregon Health Authority oregon.gov/oha Oregon Office of Emergency Management oregon.gov/oem

BE PREPARED!

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City of Florence ci.florence.or.us

Senator Arnie Roblan

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@SIUSLAWNEWS

BE READY RESOURCES

WALDPORT • YACHATS • FLORENCE • MAPLETON • DUNES CITY • WESTLAKE • GARDINER • REEDSPORT

COAST CENTRAL January 2016

FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE

OREGON COAST

WINCHESTER BAY • LAKESIDE • NORTH BEND • COOS BAY • CHARLESTON • COQU ILLE • BANDON

MUSIC from the

or email sen.arnieroblan@ state.or.us.

HEART Virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook comes to Florence COVER STORY

Winter Music Fest

16

7

Print + Online + Local News + Daily Updates

thesiuslawnews.com • (541) 997-3441

Democrat - District 5 Coos Bay oregonlegislature.gov/roblan

12 | DISASTER PREPARATION | SEPTEMBER 2017

(L to R) Desiree R. and Autumn P., PeaceHealth caregivers

Wellness Classes and Resources

Diabetes Support Group each month Support | 2:00 p.m. Group Health CareThird Tuesday ofDiabetes Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th Street Third Tuesday of each month | 2:00 p.m.

Town Hall Forum Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th Street Breathers Club Friday, DecemberBetter 9 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (COPD or other chronic lung diseases) Better Club Fourth Wednesday of eachBreathers month | 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Florence Events Center (COPD or other chronic lung diseases) PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center 715 Quince Street of each month | 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Conference RoomFourth C, 400 Wednesday 9th Street PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Center For more information, call 541-902-6300, ext. Medical 5635 Conference Room C, 400 9th Street For more information, Ostomy Support Group call 541-902-6300, ext. 5635 Last Wednesday of each month | 6:30 p.m.

PeaceHealth Harbor Center Siuslaw PublicPeace Library, 1460 Medical 9th Street $POGFSFODF 3PPN $ UI 4USFFU À Ài v À >Ì ] V> x{£ Ç{xÈ

peacehealth.org/healthy-you