Friday, January 20, 2012

Oregon Highway Status Report

The Oregon Department of Transportation offers the following information regarding highways in the state:

ODOT: Oregon Highway Status Report
11:30a 1/20/2012

You must carry chains with you in ALL mountain passes; please be prepared to use them.

Be alert for fallen trees, debris, mudflows and landslides; be prepared for delays and road closures.

* I-5 (Pacific Highway) northbound right lane at exit 299A CLOSED and exit ramp closed due to landslide on exit ramp

* OR 43 (Oswego Highway; SW Macadam Ave.) Right southbound lane CLOSED due to sinkhole

* OR 281 (Hood River Highway) CLOSED between Hood River and Odell (mp 10—14) due to downed trees and power lines North/Central coast, Central Willamette Valley

* U.S. 101 remains RESTRICTED to single lane 4.5 miles south of Newport; flaggers controlling traffic

* OR 18 (Salmon River Hwy) RESTRICTED to single lane intermittently through the Van Duzer Corridor (MP 6.5-21); expect intermittent 10-20-minute delays

* OR 34 (Alsea Highway) CLOSED east and west of Alsea (mp 22 and 44) due to landslides

* OR 36 (Mapleton-Junction City Highway) CLOSED west of Triangle (mp 25) due to a landslide; no estimate on reopening

* OR 99W RESTRICTED to one lane at the OR 34 South Bypass (mp 84.95), due to high water; semi-trucks only are being allowed through; detour in place

* OR 126 (McKenzie Highway) CLOSED between Vida and Blue River due to landslide; no estimate for reopening

* OR 153 (Bellevue-Amity Highway) CLOSED due to high water; no detour

* OR 180 (Eddyville-Blodgett Hwy) CLOSED at milepost 7 due to landslide

* OR 213 CLOSED one mile north of Marquam in Clackamas County due to road erosion; short detour; no estimate for reopening

* OR 229 (Siletz Hwy) CLOSED between mileposts 9 and 15 due to high water Southern Oregon

* OR 38 will reopen this afternoon; expect minor delays

* OR 241 (Coos River Highway) will reopen this afternoon

* OR 255 (Carpenterville Highway) remains CLOSED; detour in place; expect 10-15-minute delays Central Oregon All state highways OPEN; chains required on all vehicles on I-84 east of The Dalles Eastern Oregon All state highways OPEN; extremely icy conditions in Umatilla and Morrow County area. Chains required on all vehicles on I-84 east of The Dalles to Pendleton, and on I-82, OR 11 and OR 204 in Umatilla County

For more information, contact:
TripCheck.com, 5-1-1, 800-977-6368

Tips for Weathering Power Outages

In anticipation of the next weather front moving in today, the city of Corvallis offered tips for weathering power outages (from a City of Corvallis press release:

In anticipation of high winds this afternoon, Public Safety personnel are reminding local residents to stock up on essential supplies in case of power outages. Falling trees may take out powerlines, causing outages.

Residents should be prepared for this to occur tonight. It is recommended to keep a five-day supply of water and nonperishable food items that are compact, lightweight and nutritional, taking into account the family’s tastes and unique needs. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Foods that are high in calories and nutrition should be included. Preparation kits also should include flashlights, light sticks, candles, extra batteries and battery-powered radios.

If the power goes out, people should take the following steps:

 Check the fuse or breaker box.
 Call the utility company.
 Turn off all electrical equipment.
 Turn on a porch light and one inside light so utility crews know when service is restored.
 Listen to the radio for updates.

NEVER touch a downed powerline and expect every line to be live. If a line is touching someone, stay away. You cannot help. Call 911 for emergency assistance. If a powerline falls across your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance to arrive.

A complete listing of current road conditions in Corvallis and Benton County can be located by high water and flooding. The current list of high water locations can be found by going to the City of Corvallis website at www.ci.corvallis.or.us/hazards or the Benton County Public Works Site www.co.benton.or.us/pw/index.php. Residents can also call a Benton County Public Works information line at 541-766-6821 to report problems. An information line at 541-766-6120 is available to residents of the city and county to call for updated information regarding flooding, road closures, and travel restrictions.

All public safety entities in Corvallis and Benton County would like to remind drivers to exercise caution driving on the streets and highways in Corvallis and Benton County. Be on the look-out for police officers and flaggers directing traffic in the area, especially in the hours of darkness. Do not drive into standing water since it is difficult to gauge the depth, and vehicles can be swept away in less than 2 feet of water.

Red Cross Offers Flood Recovery Information

The Red Cross has information to help flood victims repair their homes in the aftermath of a flood disaster. Information is available in a PDF format on their website in both English and Spanish. See the links below for the PDF booklet.

English: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf

Spanish: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/repairingFloodedHomeSp.pdf

Safety tips for flood response and recovery

Safety is essential while transitioning from response to recovery. The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division offers advice for flood response and recovery in this Press Release (January 20, 2012; media contact is Kathleen Vidoloff, email: Kathleen.G.Vidoloff@state.or.us)

January 20, 2012
Oregon Public Health gives tips for staying healthy and safe during winter storms

Several Oregon counties have experienced flooding due to the winter storms that moved into the area earlier this week. Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division wants to offer simple tips on how Oregonians can stay safe and healthy during inclement weather.

“The floods this week will leave devastation behind them, and people will want to clean up and repair their homes and communities as soon as possible so they can move forward with their lives and livelihoods. Some simple precautions can help protect their health as they do so,” said Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H., Oregon Public Health director.

Some tips to be safe during and after the storm:

• Injury prevention: Stay out of flood waters. Even the strongest swimmers can drown in flood waters. Do not drive through standing water. Never make contact with power lines or objects that are in contact with power lines. Wear eye protection when cleaning up storm debris.
• Water: Check for local boil-water advisories. Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, make ice or make baby formula.
• Well water: If your well has been affected by flood waters, it is recommended that you boil your water for at least one minute at a rolling boil, or purchase water from a safe source. Before resuming normal use of the well, have the water tested for possible bacteria and pollutants.
• Foods: Do not eat foods that have come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that cannot be kept cold or properly heated due to lack of power.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Don't use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, seek fresh air and consult with a health care professional right away.
• Home safety: If there is standing water in your home, never turn power on or off yourself – contact an electrician.
• Chainsaw safety: Wear appropriate clothing, such as safety glasses and heavy work gloves. Always cut at waist level or below. With an electric chain saw, use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock. Avoid contact with power lines.
• First aid: Immediately clean all wounds with soap and clean water. If your skin or eyes come in contact with hazardous materials wash thoroughly with decontaminated water. Avoid getting cut because cuts can lead to tetanus. If possible, make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
• Mold: Remove mold by washing with soap and water and letting surfaces dry completely. Some materials such as moldy clothing, ceiling tiles and sheet rock may have to be replaced. If mold-related illness is suspected, consult a health care professional.

For more information about injury prevention, food safety, wells, drinking water, and carbon monoxide during and after flooding, go to public.health.oregon.gov.