OREGON COAST
BE READY
STORM READY EXPO
2018
First 300 guests will receive one 2.5-gallon water container!
Disaster Preparedness Expo • Saturday, Aug. 25 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.
Free admission • Suturing Class • Kiwanis Free Hot Dog Lunch Presented by Siuslaw News and Western Lane Emergency Operations Group
2 | DISASTER PREPARATION | AUGUST 2018
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
AUGUST 2018 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 3
BE READY — STORM READY
S
iuslaw News and Western Lane Emergency Operations Group welcome the community to the third annual Be Ready Disaster Preparedness Expo, Be Ready — Storm Ready, on Saturday, Aug. 25, 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. 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 up on camping gear and some actually began prep-
Sponsored by:
OREGON COAST
Keynote Speaker “Disaster” Dave Robinson ping 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 off the ocean. If we get 80-90 mph winds, we call it a
BE READY 2018
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-0.
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Oregon’s premiere coastal community prepares its citizens for emergencies
A
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 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 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. 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 residents 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. The city and its partners encourage community members to attend the 2018 Be Ready — Storm Ready Preparedness Expo. 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
Western Lane Ambulance District
Invites You to
LEARN CPR
BE PREPARED! Senator Arnie Roblan Call (503) 986-1705
CPR Certifications
or email sen.arnieroblan@ state.or.us.
2nd Saturday of every month 9am to 1pm at Western Lane Ambulance District
Democrat - District 5 Coos Bay
Adult CPR - $50.00 Child Infant CPR Supplemental - $25.00 Total - $75 for both
Call 541-997-9614 www.westernlaneambulance.com
oregonlegislature.gov/roblan
AUGUST 2018 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 5
Stay safe when caught outdoors in a storm
When storms roll in, they might bring along but not always possible. If you cannot get indoors, high winds, thunder and lightning and drops in the next best thing is to stay low to the ground. Lightning tends to strike the tallest items temperature. Many people ride out storms around. Therefore, staying put in a ditch indoors, but some may find themselves or depression in the ground can protect suddenly caught in a storm and not you against a possible lightning strike. know what to do. NOAA says to stay away from tall, isoFor the unprepared, the potential for lated trees, which can become lightning injury is significant. So it’s important to rods. The same can be said for seeking routinely brush up on surviving a storm shelter under a tent or pavilion, as these when caught in one outdoors. structures are often metal and can conduct the lightning. Lightning Cars can be a somewhat safe spot if there Lightning can pose a significant threat. Real Clear Science says the average bolt of lightning, is nothing else available. The metal shell striking from cloud to ground, carries roughly of the car will disperse the lightning to one billion joules of energy, 300 million volts the ground, offers AccuWeather. The National Weather Service says and 30,000 amps. Lightning also generates temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. Ac- groups caught outside during lightning cording to National Oceanic and Atmospheric storms should spread out to avoid the Administration (NOAA) data, in North Ameri- current traveling between group memca, Florida, Texas and Colorado had the highest bers. Also, remember that, while water will number of lightning-related fatalities between not attract lightning, it can conduct and spread the charge, so avoid bodies of water and wet ar2005 and 2014. Finding shelter when lightning strikes is ideal eas.
Winds High winds also pose a safety risk. These winds may accompany thunderstorms, tornados or hurricanes. For those who are caught outside in high winds, The Weather Channel advises taking cover next to a building or under a secure shelter. Wind can easily bring down trees, branches, and power lines. It also may blow around outdoor furniture and other heavy items. FEMA says to stay away from balconies or elevated areas to avoid falling objects. Avoid roadways and train tracks when on foot, as gusts can blow people into the path of oncoming vehicles. Electrocution from downed power lines is a potential side effect of high winds. Avoid anything that might be touching power lines. Being indoors during severe weather is ideal but not always possible when a storm arrives unexpectedly. Knowing how to behave in these emergency situations can prevent injury and even death.
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
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CREATING AN EMERGENCY KIT
T
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
AUGUST 2018 | 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 for large-scale emergencies It is impossible to predict what the future will bring, but a growing number of people are focused on safeguarding their futures by preparing for catastrophic emergencies. Perhaps in reaction to terror-related attacks across the globe, the rise in devastating storms and domestic and international social unrest, survivalism has gained a foothold in many households. Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups who are actively readying themselves for self-reliance in the event of an emergency that may stifle social or political order. Members of this movement have been called “preppers.” The American Preppers Network defines a prepper as a person who takes personal responsibility for an impending disaster or emergency, typically by stockpiling food, water and other supplies. Although the extent to which preppers prepare for the possibilities of survival during difficult times varies from mild to the extreme, for many it has become a part of their daily lives. There are countless reasons why people prep. These may include having resources should
a grocery store or another retailer run out of supplies if a disaster occurs. Individuals need only take a look at the recent hurricanes that took place, in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to see how quickly food, water and other resources can be diminished. Prepping enables individuals to ride out such storms in the event that disaster aid or other assistance does not arrive fast enough. Preppers practice certain strategies for dealing with pandemic illnesses, weather emergencies such as earthquakes or hurricanes, or nefarious undertakings, such as attacks by hackers on power grids or communications networks.
Various groups and resources list their top picks for supplies to stockpile. The following are guidelines culled from The Prepper Journal, Happy Preppers and The Survivalist Blog. • Water filtration devices, including portable filters, bleach or purification tabs, keep water safe to drink. Be sure to have 5-gallon water jugs to store the water and transport it. • Rice, beans, honey, canned vegetables, canned fruits and canned meats have long shelf lives. Retailers offer prepared, freeze-dried foods that can be a good form of sustenance. • Lighters and fire starters are handy. Should a power outage occur, an old-fashioned fire may be the best way to stay warm. Keeping seasoned wood and tinder also is helpful. • Medications, such as fever reducers, antihistamines and more, can be lifesavers. A fully stocked first-aid kit also is essential. • Flashlights and extra batteries provide illumination in the event of a long-term power outage. These are just a few of the many items people can keep on hand to be prepared for any number of emergency situations.
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SCHEDULE AND SPEAKERS 10:10 to 10:40 a.m. Dee Osborne — Banner Bank Money Matters
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Lt. Col. Blakas — U.S. Army National Guard A Cascadia Level Event 11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue Chief Jim Langborg Wildland Fire Preparation and Prevention Noon to 1 p.m. — Keynote Speaker Dave Robinson, Disaster Preparedness Expert and author Be prepared for any scenario by planning ahead 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. Florence Police Chief Tom Turner “What would I do if ...?” An outline of common emergency response issues 1:50 to 2:20 p.m. Frank Nulty, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Tips on putting together preparedness kits 2:25 to 2:55 p.m. Bob Pine — West Lane ARES/RACES “When Normal Communications Fail”
OREGON COAST
BE READY 2018
CLASSES AND DEMONSTRATIONS EMERGENCY SUTURING 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Learn real emergency suturing techniques in these classes taught by PeaceHealth Peace Harbor. Cost is $25. Sign up at 541-902-3524
IDENTIFY • PREPARE SURVIVE
Disaster Preparedness Expo • Saturday, Aug. 25 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Free admission • Kiwanis Free Hot Dog Lunch First 300 guests will receive one 2.5-gallon water container!
• Work with reputable organizations • Confirm the need before sending materials • Get clearance before visiting disaster zones • Wait until media coverage has subsided
While fire can provide warmth and safety, it also can cause immediate and significant damage that can uproot lives and devastate homes. Because fire is such a formidable foe, it’s imperative that people from all walks of life have a fire safety plan. The National Fire Protection Association says U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 358,500 home structure fires per year between 2011 and 2015. On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day. When fires ignite, time is of the essence to make a fast evacuation. Unfortunately, panic may set in and people may not know how to act when under such acute stress. That’s why planning for the event of fire can provide families with the information they need to evacuate
Get a kit ✔ Make a plan ✔ Stay informed
safely. Evacuation plans and drills should be established and practiced frequently so that getting out alive becomes second nature. However, only about one-quarter of households have actually developed and practiced a home-fire escape plan, according to the NFPA. The following guidelines can help families customize their fire escape plans. • Find two ways out. Look at your home’s layout and identify two ways out of every room, if possible. Walk around the house in each room and practice what to do if a fire broke out in that space, offers Safe Kids Worldwide. • Choose an outside meeting place. Establish a spot to meet a safe distance in front of the home where everyone can gather after they’ve gotten out safely.
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• Assign help to those with mobility issues. Elderly adults, infants or young children may have difficulty escaping on their own. Plan a buddy system so that a key person in the household is responsible for rousing and helping another from the house. • Check fire protection. Be sure that there is a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and on every level of the house. • Drop it low. Heat and smoke rise and escaping on hands and knees is essential for survival. • Practice several times a year. Conduct a fire drill a few times each year, and choose a different escape route each time. Invest in a UIcertified collapsible rescue ladder and attach it at least once, advises The Fire Department of New York, in case a second-story evacuation is necessary.
BLACK
When disasters happen, survivors are often in need of assistance. But helping after a disaster requires both forethought and strategy so donors can rest easy knowing their donations are going to the right place.
How to create an effective fire safety plan
OW NTA YELL CYAN MAGE
Disaster relief: Guidelines for giving
AUGUST 2018 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 9
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10 | DISASTER PREPARATION | AUGUST 2018
What people should do after incurring storm damage
Severe storms do not discriminate, and when such storms finally dissipate, people from all walks of life are left to deal with the often-devastating consequences. Property damage is one such consequence, and the following are some things people can do in the aftermath of storms that caused damage to their property. • Contact your insurance provider. Not all damage resulting from storms will necessarily be covered by insurance policies, but it’s still imperative that people contact their insurance companies as soon as possible after their homes or vehicles have been damaged. Agents can help policy holders learn if their policies cover the damage done to their property and to what extent their coverage will help them recover. Many people will likely be making similar calls, so policy holders should try to be as patient as possible. • Document the damage. People whose property has been damaged should use their smartphones and cameras to document the damage as extensively as possible. Take photos from vari-
power company as soon as you see them. • Let the professionals do the work. It can be tempting for homeowners to try to do some electrical work around their homes after their homes have been damaged by storms. Electricians are likely busy and might not be able to assess or repair damage for days, if not weeks. But it’s still best to wait and allow professionals to do the work. Experienced professionals recognize potentially harmful, if not deadly, issues that may be lurking beneath the damage, so it’s always best to leave the work to private electricians or local power company work crews. • Revisit insurance policies. After suffering ous angles before you begin cleaning up. Providers may require visual evidence of the damage damage to their homes or vehicles, men and before they begin processing your claim, so ask women may benefit by revisiting their coverage about those requirements when contacting your and increasing that coverage in anticipation of future disasters. insurance agent. Storm damage can turn individuals’ lives up• Avoid downed power lines. In addition to protecting the investments you have made in side down. But remaining calm and working your property and your possessions, it’s im- in harmony with insurance agencies and powportant to remember to protect yourself. Avoid er companies can help storm victims recover downed power lines, reporting any to your local quickly.
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
AUGUST 2018 | DISASTER PREPARATION | 11
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Healthy You. Healthy Me. Healthy We. Together we can accomplish more. It’s true when it comes to work, play and your health. Come together and get tools and tips to help you lead a healthy life, and to be prepared for whatever comes.
peacehealth.org/healthy-you