Emergency Preparedness & Response

outstanding medical providers in the “Best of” Siuslaw News.

September 2021 A Special Supplement to

Siuslaw News

Your community partner. peacehealth.org/Florence

After the Storm Why hire a disaster restoration service 72-Hour Emergency Kit Creating an emergency kit with WLEOG

View this section online @thesiuslawnews.com EmergencyPreparedness

Preparing for Uncertainty How much should you stockpile in an emergency?

Western Lane Ambulance District

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SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

Invites You to

LEARN CPR 3

Register your phone for emergency alerts – Lane County ALERT ME!

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Why hire a disaster restoration service?

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Stock up on vehicle breakdown supplies

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Create a safety plan to include pets

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Prepare your pet for emergencies

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8 steps for a successful evacuation plan

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Prepare with Pedro - tips for kids Disaster preparedness activity pages Thunderstorm, Flood, Earthquake, Wildfire

CPR Certifications

ASHI certified Adult and Child/Infant CPR – Cost $60.00 2nd Saturday of every month 9am to 1pm at Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue Training Room, 2625 Hwy 101.

Call 541-997-9614 www.westernlaneambulance.com

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Creating an emergency kit with WLEOG

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72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

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Business as usual. No matter what.

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Understanding weather emergencies

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The differences between weather warnings and watches

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How much should you stockpile for an emergency?

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Dealing with Power outages

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SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

Why hire a disaster restoration service?

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o home is impervious to damage — whether from natural weather phenomena or incidents that occur as byproducts of daily life. Floods, fires, earthquakes, and other events can cause immediate damage to a home, though some damage occurs more gradually.

Repairing a home becomes a priority after a disaster when authorities have deemed it safe to reenter the property. The extent of disaster-related damage is often beyond the scope of a homeowner’s abilities.

In such instances, disaster remediation firms can protect homeowners from additional dangers, and may help them save money in the long run. Here’s a look at the type of benefits such firms can provide.

Find hidden damage: Remediation companies know how to uncover issues such as weakened structures, smoke damage and water damage that is not visible to the naked eye. Hidden dangers can include hazardous materials produced by the disaster or damage that can adversely affect residents’ health.

Address mold growth: Flooding or hose water used to extinguish a fire can leave behind conditions

that are ripe for mold growth. Mold growth can occur in as little as 48 hours after damage occurs, indicates Tidal Wave Response. Professional restoration companies have the equipment to dry out and clean building materials in the home to reduce or eliminate the risks of mold growth.

Employ the latest technology: The wrong tools can not only slow down progress, they can make work less safe. Disaster remediation firms use the latest equipment when restoring properties. Certain equipment is tailor-made to address issues that often arise after natural disasters. Such equipment may prove too costly for DIYers, but its use can make the difference between a quick cleanup and a lengthy project.

Necessary training: Disaster restoration companies may require staff to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques. Such an education can help reduce the likelihood of accident or injury during the restoration.

Homeowners often benefit from hiring remediation and restoration firms to clean up after properties have been damaged.

Stock up on vehicle breakdown supplies

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nforeseen situations can crop up at any time. Anyone who has had a roadside breakdown in their car understands this. A flat tire or an engine malfunction is something no driver wants to experience, but those with a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit and breakdown strategy can get through

most situations rather easily.

A 2017 survey from AAA found that 40 percent of drivers in the United States are not ready to handle a typical roadside emergency breakdown. The organization estimates it helps some seven million motorists get back on the road each summer. A well-equipped

roadside emergency kit may help drivers get their vehicles back on the road on their own.

First aid kit: The first aid kit will celebrate its 133rd birthday in 2021. The Johnson & Johnson company began commercializing first aid kits in 1888. Having a first aid kit in the car to treat minor injuries can be helpful in the event of an accident or even after injuring oneself during a breakdown.

Fire extinguisher: Cars are full of various mechanical parts and are susceptible to catching on fire. The National Fire Protection Association says vehicle fire extinguishers need to be rated for Class B and C fires.

Jumper cables: A weak or dead battery is often the culprit in breakdowns. Jumper cables enable drivers to get a charge from another motorist, and may help get a person back on the road quickly. If possible, get a set of cables that also comes with safety gloves and heavy duty clamps, offers Defensive Driving Online, a defensive driving course.

Mobile phone/charger: A mobile phone is essential for calling for assistance, but the phone is only useful if it’s charged.

Blanket: Keep a blanket in the trunk or another storage area. Should the vehicle die in cold weather, that blanket can

help keep passengers warm until assistance arrives.

Basic tools: Tools like a screwdriver, ratchet set and wrench may enable drivers to complete minor repairs. Tools also should include tire-changing gear, such as a jack and lug nut remover.

Traction aid: Non-clumping kitty litter or sand can provide the traction needed to get off of a slippery area of roadway.

Flashlight: A flashlight can help keep you visible and able to see your surroundings in dark conditions.

Flares: Should a breakdown occur in the dark, flares can alert other drivers.

Snacks and water: Water and food that stores well, such as emergency rations, granola bars or trail mix, can quell hunger pangs and provide an energy boost while waiting for help.

Rope/bungee cords/tarp: These items can be used in various situations to secure a vehicle.

While drivers can gather these items separately, many companies offer all-inone vehicle emergency kits. A safety kit is essential for all drivers.

Create a safety plan to include pets Fire safety measures are essential yet often overlooked.

In addition to outlining the proper action to take should a fire break out, a fire safety evacuation plan can be an invaluable, life-saving tool. A fire safety plan should include all members of a household — including pets.

The American Humane Society says each year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets.

Pets are curious animals and they may investigate open flames from unattended candles, fireplaces or grills.

Pets may start fires by biting on or playing with electrical wires and outlets. Young pets may be especially inquisitive and boisterous, so fires may be prevented by keeping young animals behind gates or in secure areas when there

are open flames.

There are many ways to safeguard everyone in the event of fire. Here are some steps to include in a fire safety plan.

• Check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Monitored smoke detectors can be helpful if you regularly leave pets home alone, since firefighters will be alerted and can respond.

• Take inventory of where pets like to hide or nap. This can prove helpful if you need to evacuate a home quickly due to fire. Remember that pets can sense stress and may be more difficult to catch if they feel something is amiss, advises the ASPCA. Therefore, try to remain as calm as possible.

• Keep pets near exits when you are not home to make it easier for firefighters to enter the house and save the animals. The Red Cross also recommends placing collars and leashes as well as pet car-

riers near the exits.

• Invest in a pet safety sticker and hang it in a visible window to alert firefighters that you have pets inside. The sticker includes important information, such as the number of pets, type of pets and veterinarian contact information.

• Plan escape routes and practice evacuations. Make sure at least one family member is in charge of grabbing pets and getting outside safely so others can focus on evacuation. Identify all exits and what to do if one or more exits is impassable.

• Have a game plan should the house be damaged and uninhabitable. Line up a place to meet outside and explore pet-friendly accommodations at a hotel, friend or family member’s house.

Fire safety plans should include all members of the household, which includes companion animals.

Prepare your pet for emergencies

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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 in health.

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/emergency

management to prepare your pet for a disaster.

• Get your dog or cat “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.

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

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

• 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 10day supply of dry food and water. Put signs on windows and doors indicating the number and type of animals inside and your contact information.

Contact us today! Join! Volunteer! Support!

OregonCoastHumaneSociety.org | 541-997-4277

OCHS Oregon Coast Humane Society

2840 Rhododendron Dr., Florence OR 97439 Currently open by appointment only Open Mon. – Sun. from 11am - 4pm • Closed for lunch daily from 12pm - 1pm

Shop Our Thrift Shop 1193 Bay St. | 541-997-5705 Open Mon. – Sat. from 10am - 4pm • Open Sun. 11am - 3pm

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SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

8 steps for a successful evacuation plan

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o one wants to envision a catastrophic event suddenly wreaking havoc on their home or business. While the thought may be unpleasant, it is vital that homeowners and business owners develop evacuation plans to ensure everyone gets out safely should disaster strike.

Ready.gov, an emergency preparedness site sponsored by the United States government, notes that there are many kinds of emergencies that can result in evacuation. Fires, storms and floods may require evacuation. Travelers Insurance notes it is essential to develop a plan to get out of a home or other structure on short notice, and that such plans must be in place and noted before individuals find themselves in emergency situations.

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Learn which types of disasters are likely in the area where you live or work. Investigate community and local shelter plans for each disaster.

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Check with local officials to determine if shelters are currently available. COVID-19 may have altered community or city ordinances for shelter usage and other evacuation plans.

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Identify where everyone can go in the event of an evacuation. Have a few alternative lodging plans in place, including the homes of family and friends in another town or city, a hotel, or a shelter. Store the phone numbers for these locations in your phone or write them down in a readily accessible notebook with other important information.

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Designate a meeting spot outside of a home or business that is a safe distance from the building. Each family member or work associate should know to report to that meeting spot so everyone can reassess their options together.

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Pack “go bags” that include key materials pertinent to you. In addition, pack a first aid kit, bottled water, flashlights, cherished photos, identification/travel documents, wills/deeds, banking documents, and a laptop.

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The Insurance Information Institute advises taking a home inventory in the event that you need to apply for disaster aid or file an insurance claim. Store this inventory with other important paperwork, and make a digital copy to store on a cloud service.

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Check in with an out-of-area family member or contact so that others know your plan.

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Conduct a real time test to get out of the building. Aim for evacuating in just 10 minutes with family and belongings. Don’t forget to include pets in evacuation tests.

Evacuation plans may never be called into action, but they are an important component of disaster preparation.

PREPARE h t i w

PEDRO

PREPARE

PREPARE

disaster preparedness activity book

Your h t i w PEDRO

partner in health

disaster preparedness activity book

with PEDRO

disaster preparedness activity book

As the largest healthcare provider in Florence, we’re ready to help your family with anything life brings – medical emergencies, surgeries, annual checkups, new babies – and so much more.

We are here to be your partner in health.

Thanks to everyone who cast their votes for PeaceHealth and ou outstanding medical providers in the “Best of” Siuslaw News.

P-2005 / June 2018

P-2005 / June 2018

Your community partner.

P-2005 / June 2018

peacehealth.org/Florence

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Your partner in health

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Your community partner. peacehealth.org/Florence

THUNDERSTORM

peacehealth.org/Florence

Thunderstorms bring lots of rain.

They also bring thunder, lightning, wind, and hail.

It’s not safe to be outside when lightning is near. If you hear thunder, then that means that lightning is close. Get indoors fast.

When thunder roars, go indoors!

Remember, when thunder

, go indoors.

FLOOD

peacehealth.org/Florence

When a lot of rain comes or a river overflows, that can bring a flood. Floods that happen very quickely are called flash floods.

Playing in flood water is not safe and could make you sick.

Moving water can sweep you off your feet fast. If you see flood water, never walk through it. Tell adults not to drive through it.

Turn around, don’t drown!

Did you know? Floods are the most common weather event in the United States.

Remember, Turn

, Don’t Drown

Martin’s family knows what to do when they see flood water. Do you?

Decode the secret message!

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Answer Key: “TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN”

Floods can happen where we live, so my family made a plan. We know where to go if a flood comes. We wrote down important information like names and phone numbers to use if something happens.

Fill out with your Then talk something can make emergency

this plan together parent or guardian. about what to do if happens. Your family a plan for any or disaster.

My Family Communication Plan My Name: My Address: My Family Members Names:

My Telephone Number: Guardian Telephone Number: School/Child Care Contact: Neighborhood Meeting Spot: Out-of-Neighborhood Meeting Spot: Out-of-town Contact: Medical/Doctor Information:

Review and update this plan every year.

Always remember to call 911 in emergencies!

EARTHQUAKE

peacehealth.org/Florence

An earthquake is when the rock under the earth’s surface moves.

When that happens, the ground under your feet can shake, move, or crack.

If the ground starts shaking: Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees Cover your head and neck. Crawl under a nearby sturdy table or desk if you can.

Hold On until the shaking stops.

Here, let me show you!

Did you know? Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere in the United States!

WILDFIRE

peacehealth.org/Florence

A is a fire that burns through forests and other wildlands. In some places, the weather may be really dry for a long period of time. A dangerous wildfire can start quickly in these conditions.

Did you know? Most wildfires are caused by humans.

Always be careful when camping or cooking outside.

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Creating an emergency kit with WLEOG Western Lane Emergency Operations Group offers this emergency preparation information and more on its website, wleog.org. In addition, it has how-to videos for making a family plan and choosing to evacuate or remain in place.

E

mergency Preparedness is essential for individuals and families. You and your family need to take the proper measures to be prepared in case of a natural disaster. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable and if you are prepared and have the proper supplies on hand, then it will help eliminate some of the stress while you are trying to recuper-

ate from an emergency situation. Food storage and other aids are important to keep up-to-date and have for survival.

Sometimes creating a food storage supply can be overwhelming. An essential kit that can get you started in preparing your family for an emergency situation is a 72-hour kit. Having a 72-hour kit available for each individual in your family can be a lifesaving item. It is a good idea to have a big kit with things for your entire family and also have some individual kits that fit the needs of certain family members.

Suggested nonperishable food items to keep in

the kit include: ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze dried and dehydrated goods.

The following 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffel bag, footlocker or individual pack.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist Emergency Needs

 Sanitizing and disinfectant wipes  Battery powered radio Other supplies  Extra batteries  Pen and paper  First aid kit and manual  Sleeping bags and blankets (wool or ther-  Extra set of car and house keys,  A stash of cash in small bills mal), as well as towels to keep dry  Address and phone numbers  Manual can opener  Work gloves and basic tools: a wrench ham Waterproof/windproof matches mer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, duct tape,  Water storage (1 gallon/person/day) zip ties, etc.  Water purification tablets  Plastic sheeting, tarp and duct tape  Utility knife and/or heavy-duty scissors  Whistle to signal for help  Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, solution  Copies of important documents – such as  Essential medications insurance, deeds, passports, birth certifi Flashlights/battery powered lanterns.

 Variety of bandages, pressure dressings  Cotton balls, scissors, needles, tweezers,

popsicle sticks, splints, heavy string  Thermometer  Syrup of Ipecac Car Survival Kit

 Always have at least a half tank of gas  First aid kit  Class ABC fire extinguisher  Radio and fresh batteries  Nonperishable food in coffee can  Bottled water  Tool kit cates and vehicle titles – scanned to flash  Blankets or sleeping bags Avoid candles due to of fire hazard drive and stored safely  Short rubber hose for siphoning  Supplies for children, the elderly, those  Small photo album with current photos of  Jumper cables with special needs and pets family members and pets  Waterproof matches and candles Sanitation Kit  Extra clothing, socks, underwear and outer-  Reflectors and flares  Plastic bucket with tightly fitting lid wear + sturdy, comfortable footwear  Flashlight with fresh batteries  Heavy-duty trash bags and ties  Camera for documenting damage  Paper and pencil, maps  Disinfectant, soap  Towel, plastic bags, medications Standard First Aid Kit  Improvised toilet seat (5-gallon bucket or a  First aid manual coffee can) Remember, survival is not a kit. Sur Aspirin or pain relievers  Disposable cups, plates and utensils vival is a plan and the kit should be  Laxatives, diarrhea medicine  Personal toiletries & hygienic needs just one part of your plan.  Rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly  Toilet paper + paper towels  Soap, salt, baking soda  Aluminum foil

Business as Usual. No Matter What.

You’ve finally achieved your dream. Don’t lose it to a power outage, hacker disruption, fire, earthquake or other disaster. If you’re not prepared, a disaster could put you and your employees at risk, possibly shutting down your business forever.

Roughly 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster. But you can.

Disaster planning and preparedness can be your lifeline to staying in business. With proper education, planning, testing and disaster assistance, you will be able to stay in business through any interruption and beyond.

Here are five preparation steps the Red Cross recommends for all small business owners.

1. Purchase essential safety equipment: Standard items include fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, first-aid kits and defibrillators. However, businesses may also need industry-specific supplies for disaster safety. Employees must be able to easily access and use these tools.

2. Plan emergency communications: Every business needs to communicate with emergency officials, employees, suppliers, vendors and customers in the event of a disaster. Useful tools include an emergency number, a calling tree and text message alerts.

3. Prepare evacuation routes and shelter: Make a plan for getting everyone from your facility to a safe location. Be sure to consider the needs of employees with disabilities and medical conditions.

4. Back up essential business data: Identify records and documents necessary for core business functions and store them securely using data backup tools. Many people wait until a disaster strikes their business before they begin backing up data.

In other words, they have to lose their data first, or be really close to someone who has. But learning the hard way isn’t good business practice, and it’s unnecessary.

5. Develop a continuity of operations plan: In the event of a disaster, a business needs a path to follow to maintain or regain operations. Steps include spelling out the most critical business functions and which staff is responsible for them, and planning how the business will resume operations if the facility is damaged or unusable.

The time you spend preparing will ensure that you can weather the storms or other disasters.

Useful Websites: www.oregon.gov/oem • www.ready.gov/business • www.preparemybusiness.org Source https://www.business2community.com/crisis-management/5-disaster-preparedness-tips-for-small-businesses-0514039

SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

Understanding weather emergencies

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eather emergencies can happen at any time of year and in any part of the world. Learning to recognize the most common weather hazards can help people confront adverse weather situations more capably.

High temperatures High temperatures are experienced during the summer in many parts of the world.

Heat waves occur when high temperatures stick around for two or more days, advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To qualify as a heat wave, temperatures have to exceed the historical averages for a given area. High-pressure systems trap air in one place as it warms, leading to a heat wave. While heat waves may not seem especially dangerous, the NOAA says they kill more people than all other weatherrelated disasters combined.

Floods A flood is a major weather hazard that is caused by heavy rainfall over a given area in a short period of time. During a flood, water

does not drain quickly enough. Flooding occurs rather suddenly and has the potential to cause loss of life and property damage.

Raging torrents of water can form and rip through anything in their path, states the National Weather Service. Flooding is dangerous while it is happening, but also afterwards, as live wires, waste and debris can pose their own hazards.

Hurricanes Hurricanes are destructive and dangerous storms that may be referred to as “cyclones” and “typhoons” in other parts of the world.

These storms cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and tidal surges. Unlike some other storms, hurricanes can be tracked for days prior to making landfall. That means people have ample time to take the necessary steps to stay safe when they’re in the path of a hurricane.

Tornadoes Tornadoes form a concentrated, highly volatile and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK - OCTOBER 3-9, 2021

SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE AND RESCUE AWARENESS • SAFE T Y • PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION

and a cloud. National Geographic says their winds may top 250 miles per hour and affect pathways up to a mile wide and 50 miles long.

Tornadoes have been reported in various countries, but are most often seen in the United States.

Additional weather hazards include

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earthquakes, blizzards, wildfires, mudslides, and even run-of-the-mill thunderstorms.

Understanding storms can help people recognize the appropriate measures they can take to stay safe should they find themselves in the line of an adverse weather event.

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SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

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eather is hard to predict. Meteorologists have many tools at their disposal to help forecast storms and other phenomena, but it is impossible to predict the weather with 100 percent accuracy.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the National Weather Service may issue certain notices to prepare the public. Understanding the level of threat a notice carries can help people take appropriate action and avoid serious consequences.

The NWS uses a four-tier system to alert the public of hazards.

Here’s a closer look at what each tier constitutes.

Outlook This is the least serious weather alert. It usually means that hazardous weather may approach in the next three to seven

The differences between weather warnings and watches

days. The public should monitor the situation and stay tuned for further updates.

Advisory With an advisory, weather conditions are not overly serious but could prove inconvenient. Individuals should be cautious and prudent when preparing supplies or traveling.

Watch During a weather watch, there is an increased risk of a hazardous weather occurrence, though the timing or location is still uncertain. This is when it is essential to practice an evacuation or preparedness plan and stock up on any lastminute supplies.

✔

Warning The most serious of the weather impact notifications, a warning constitutes an imminent or likely event. The weather may cause a threat to property or life. Immediate action to stay safe is necessary.

While these alerts are based on the severity of impending weather, it is important to note that the NWS will not necessarily follow the same timeline with issuing alerts. That depends on how fast a weather situation develops. If there is time, an advisory, then a watch and then a warning may be issued. However, if a storm moves in rapidly, only a warning may be issued. People always should pay attention to weather notices so they can be prepared should severe weather be in the forecast.

Get a kit ✔ Make a plan ✔ Stay informed

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

SIUSLAW NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2021

How much should you stockpile for an emergency?

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hen the novel coronavirus COVID-19 was officially proclaimed a pandemic in March 2020, people were urged to stay home and limit their exposure to those outside their households.

Understandably, some measure of panic ensued after that proclamation.

Fears of lockdowns and an inability to shop for necessities created worldwide shortages of cleaning supplies, meat, canned goods, grains, and paper products like toilet tissue. Shoppers were grabbing what they could when they could, and empty store shelves were left in the wake of the pandemonium.

Although it’s wise to keep an ample stockpile of foods and other supplies in advance of a weather emergency, it’s important to draw the line between planning proactively and hoarding goods. But what is the right amount to have on hand?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, each person should have a cache of supplies that can last up to two weeks. Included in the recommendations are 11⁄2 gallons of water each day per person. One half-gallon is for drinking purposes and the remaining gallon is for hygiene should water supplies be interrupted by the emergency. That equates to 84 gallons of water for a family of four, which may not be feasible for many families. One workaround is to fill a bathtub in one bathroom with water to use for hygiene and reserve bottled water for drinking.

In regard to food, City Prepping, a popular social media channel for preppers, has created a list of what might be included in a two-week emergency supply. Most of the supplies are nonperishable items. Some options include: • canned soup (20 cans) • powdered milk • cereal (two boxes) • canned vegetables (20 cans)

• peanut butter (two jars) • pasta (20 bags/boxes) • coffee or tea • canned fruit (20 cans)

Individuals who have a chest freezer also may think about purchasing meats/poultry and frozen foods when they are on sale and creating a two-week menu. Invest in foods that are nutritionally dense and easy to prepare.

In addition, set aside an area to store other supplies.

Sanitation and hygiene items, matches in a waterproof container, extra clothing and blankets, cash, and special needs items like prescription medications, contact lens

• oatmeal (five pounds) • rice (20 pound bag) • olive oil

solution and batteries also are good to have on hand. Some items like disinfecting wipes may still be in short supply, so buy them as they become available.

Preparing for an emergency requires having at least a twoweek supply of necessary items on hand. Using resources wisely and avoiding hoarding behaviors can help prevent shortages.

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For aa For Dealing with For a TAGE For ato Prepare For a TAGE How

How to Prepare For a

TAGE Power Outages TAGE POWER OUTAGE How to Prepare For a POWER OUTAGE Lights flickered; came on. Flickered again, and then power went

POWER OUTAGE

out. It was a typical fall Sunday morning: not too cold, plenty of light.

Area churches broke out candles and continued with their services.

But some of the 6,000 customers affected let the two-hour outage How to Prepare For a sidetrack their day.

POWER OUTAGE We’d love to have no outages –

we hate it when our customers are inconvenienced. Over the years, we’ve added system capabilities to quickly re-route power in the event of an issue whenever possible. But serving an area nestled in a national forest (trees are a major source of outages), with frequently corrosive salt air, we will always have the potential for outages.

As we enter into the storm season, this is a great time to evaluate how to deal with outages.

Is there something you must have running when power is out?

Call us to let us know your power is out: 877-265-3211. This helps us map outages.

Keep mobile phones plugged in when at home, especially if you do not have a landline.

Outages can come at any time, and if your phone’s power is low, you may not have it working when you need it.

Check outage info from Central Lincoln: On our website at