Showing posts with label Eastern Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eastern Oregon. Show all posts

Monday, March 28, 2011

Governor Kitzhaber Applauds Federal Approval for Curry County Disaster Assistance

(SALEM, Ore.) –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will fund repairs and replace damaged public infrastructure in Curry County just four days after Governor Kitzhaber sent a formal request for a Federal Disaster Declaration to President Obama. The Port of Brookings-Harbor was damaged by tsunami waves that hit the Oregon Coast on March 11. “I am grateful for the speed with which our Federal partners have made this assistance available,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “It will help us quickly rebuild the port and get Oregonians back to work.” State and federal disaster assessment teams estimated damages at $6.7 million to the Port of Brookings- Harbor. Curry County met the state’s criteria to request federal disaster assistance. FEMA will now begin working with Curry County and the state Office of Emergency Management on scopes of work, design and construction schedules and reimbursements. The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The remaining 25 percent is the responsibility of the applicant. With the Federal declaration, damage assessments will begin in Coos and Lincoln Counties, where ports were also damaged, to determine if they meet assistance thresholds. “We’ll continue to work with Curry County until they are back on their feet. We’re also looking toward the future to make sure we’re prepared for an emergency,” said Kitzhaber. Attached is a summary of the Federal Disaster Declaration. The Governor’s website has easy access to make donations to recovery efforts in Curry County and in Japan. For more information please visit: http://www.governor.oregon.gov/ For more information about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm For the formal request to President Obama: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/032111presidentobama.pdf

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

75 Years of Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)


Yesterday the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) put out a press release detailing the events of their annual leadership conference in Southern Oregon last week. Excerpts from the press release:

...The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) is celebrating its 75thanniversary from September through December 2010. This program of the ARRL – the national association for Amateur Radio – has provided “ham radio” emergency communications for agencies such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, countless Emergency Operations Centers and other responders in the worst of times.

In Oregon ARES was honored by Governor Kulongoski for their emergency communication work during the 2007/2008 winter storms. For more information on Oregon ARES please visit arrloregon.org.


Visit the site for more information about amateur radio and how they provide emergency communications when everything else fails!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

DRIVE SOBER, ATTENTIVE, AND BUCKLED UP THIS LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND

News Release from: Oregon State Police

(Correction to Captain Samuels phone number to read 934-0221)

Posted: August 31st, 2010 12:46 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2010-08/1002/37940/OSP.Badge.jpg

(Note: Media requests for ride-alongs or interviews should be directed to your local OSP office. A list of OSP office numbers is available in the Regional Contact Information link on our website)

***

Impaired driving is a serious problem, one that law enforcement officers in Oregon and around the country will continue to target through the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of a national campaign, "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.". This is one of two national traffic safety campaigns aimed to prevent and reduce injuries and deaths on our highways around the holiday weekend.

Police officers in Oregon and around the country started stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts August 20, and are keeping the pressure on through the holiday weekend, September 3 - 6. Coinciding with efforts to remove impaired drivers off the road is a statewide effort running August 30 through September 12 monitoring safety belt usage, with an emphasis on child passengers.

Last year during the national crackdown period, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers reported a 13 percent increase in the number of DUII arrests as compared to the previous year. The highly publicized enforcement efforts by Oregon police officers may have had an impact as the Labor Day holiday weekend approached. Prior to the holiday weekend OSP troopers reported a 60 percent jump in the number of reported DUII arrests, but during the holiday weekend reported DUII arrests dropped 18 percent drop compared to the 2008 Labor Day holiday period.

Fatal crash statistics tracked by ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicate the Labor Day holiday period is historically the second deadliest on Oregon roads. Since 1970, an average of seven traffic-related deaths happens in Oregon each year during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, two people died on Oregon roads during the 78-hour reporting period, September 4 – 7. One victim was the lone occupant in a single vehicle rollover crash in Josephine County and the second was a pedestrian who died five days after being struck in Klamath County.

OSP Captain Joel Lujan, Patrol Services Division director, pointed out that while it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher in every state, impairment may start with the first drink, particularly when mixed with other substances.

"All too often, innocent people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of a loved one due to this careless disregard for human life. We continue our commitment to stopping this carnage, intensifying enforcement efforts and being especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads," said Lujan.

The Transportation Safety Division (TSD) of ODOT supports Oregon's law enforcement agencies as they work together to crackdown on impaired drivers.

"We applaud all of our officers and those who support their enforcement efforts by planning ahead and pledging not to drink and drive. Everyone wins when our roads are safer," said Troy E. Costales, TSD administrator.

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:

* Be watchful for emergency vehicles and workers. MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Know before you go. When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and take know routes if possible. Visiting TripCheck.com on the Internet provides information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays, and links to numerous cameras along major routes.
* Buckle up every trip, every time. Be sure to use child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.

Lujan urged everyone to play an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe by immediately reporting aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Contact Info: Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
Office: (503) 731-3020 ext. 247
Pager: (503) 323-3195

Shelley Snow
ODOT Public Affairs
Phone: (503) 986-3438

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Baker County seeks disaster declaration for flooding

Over the last week the heavy rains have caused some problems, particularly in Eastern Oregon. According to the article, Baker County has seen ~58 homes damaged, 2 bridges destroyed, and more than a dozen sections of road damaged or destroyed.

Baker County officials will ask Gov. Ted Kulongoski to declare an emergency due to flooding in the eastern part of the county that has partially inundated 30 homes, destroyed two bridges, and damaged sections of more than a dozen roads over the past four days, reports the Baker City Herald.

Read the full article at http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/293083.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Celebrate Red Cross Month in March

Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month in Oregon, joining President Barack Obama in a tradition upheld by every U.S. President dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. See Oregon's 2010 Red Cross Month proclamation at www.oregonredcross.org/proclamation.

"The American Red Cross is there when people need us most. During March, we thank those whose support enables us to continue our work," said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive for the American Red Cross in Oregon. "Their generosity helps us continue to serve those who need us every day – whether they are down the street, across the country or around the world."

The American Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network – 97 million volunteers helping in 186 countries. In this country, the Red Cross helps change lives seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Last year in Oregon:

* 600 families relied on the Oregon Red Cross for immediate help after a disaster.
* 2,200 military families received assistance with emergency communications from the Oregon Red Cross.
* 6,500 Oregonians give their time to make their communities safer by volunteering for the American Red Cross.
* 74,000 Oregonians gave life-saving blood through the American Red Cross.
* 122,000 Oregonians learned life-saving skills through the American Red Cross.

The help of the American Red Cross extends around the world to those in need. In just a little over a month since the earthquake devastated Haiti, the Red Cross has helped more than one million people in the region. Relief efforts include providing clean water and sanitation, food and relief supplies, and health care. It will take many years for the people of Haiti to recover and the American Red Cross will work in close coordination with other organizations to support longer-term assistance projects.

March is a great time for people to get involved with the American Red Cross – to give blood, take training in CPR and first aid, volunteer or give a financial gift to help when the next disaster strikes. Contact the Oregon Trail Chapter at 503-284-1234 or visit http://www.oregonredcross.org/ to find out how you can get involved.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Flight from Portland to Hawaii Returned to Portland

The TSA has released a press announcement about an aircraft that returned to Portland after trouble with a passenger.

“Today on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 39 from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Kahului Airport (OGG), the captain made a decision to return the plane to Portland due to a suspicious passenger who made threatening remarks and refused to store his carry-on bag.

At 16:16 pm. EST the plane landed at PDX without further incident. Currently, law enforcement officers and TSA are interviewing the passenger in question.”

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

High Surf Advisory

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
201 PM PST WED DEC 16 2009
ORZ001-002-170615-
/O.CON.KPQR.SU.Y.0011.091217T0200Z-091217T2000Z/
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-
201 PM PST WED DEC 16 2009
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON PST THURSDAY...
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON PST THURSDAY.
A STRONG STORM SYSTEM MOVING INTO BRITISH COLUMBIA TODAY IS
PUSHING A VIGOROUS FRONTAL SYSTEM ONSHORE INTO WASHINGTON AND
OREGON THIS AFTERNOON. STRONG WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STORM AND
FRONTAL SYSTEM ARE CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SWELL TO DEVELOP
OFFSHORE...WHICH IS BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE COAST THIS AFTERNOON
AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.
WEST TO SOUTHWEST SWELL OF 15 FEET IS ALREADY BEING REPORTED BY
THE COASTAL BUOYS THIS AFTERNOON. THIS SWELL WILL BUILD TO 17 TO
19 FEET OVERNIGHT TONIGHT...AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN 17 TO 19
FEET THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING. THE LARGE SWELL WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS IN AND NEAR THE SURF ZONE...SO BEACHGOERS SHOULD USE
EXTREME CAUTION IF VENTURING NEAR THE WATER. THE SWELL IS EXPECTED
TO GRADUALLY SUBSIDE THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN
THE ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH
EROSION.
IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO VENTURE NEAR THE COAST UNDER HIGH
SURF CONDITIONS. PEOPLE AT TIMES ARE SWEPT OFF ROCKS AND JETTIES
AND DROWN WHILE OBSERVING HIGH SURF. STAY WELL BACK FROM THE
WATERS EDGE AND BE ALERT FOR THE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH WAVE

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Warming Center to Open in Salem

Red Cross responds to need for emergency sheltering of vulnerable

Salem, OR December 9, 2009 — Volunteers with the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross are opening a Warming Center in Salem tonight to help shelter people from the cold weather. The site for the Warming Center will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall located at 630 Hood St NE in Salem. Hours of operation will be 9:00 pm to 7:00 am tonight and 7:00 pm to 7:00 am on Thursday and Friday. Weekend hours to be determined based on need.

People who need to stay at the Center will be offered warm beverages and bread each evening and breakfast each morning. Cots and blankets along with basic hygiene items will also be available.

Dogs and cats will be accepted with their owners, however must be crated (provided at shelter) for the duration of their stay, with the exception of exercise breaks outside the Center. Limited food and water for the pets will be provided.

Public calls about the Center may be made to the Red Cross Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. After hours calls should be made to 503-881-2874. Media inquires should be made to Margaret A. Sanner at 503-508-0688.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Civil War Game safety responsibility

With football fans in Oregon and around the country focusing on Eugene for the biggest ‘Civil War' football game in state history, police and transportation officials urge Thursday travelers to stay focused on their game day driving and stadium behavior.

According to ODOT, a sold-out Autzen Stadium puts an estimated 12,000 – 15,000 extra vehicles on Interstate 5. The extra traffic-related congestion affects travel time and increases the potential for traffic problems on the freeway system and secondary roads, including Highway 99W between Corvallis and Eugene.

Oregon State Police (OSP), Lane County Sheriff's Office and Eugene Police Department (EPD) have a game plan in place to handle traffic problems, including stopping aggressive and dangerous drivers on Interstate 5 and secondary roadways leading to and from Eugene and Autzen Stadium. ODOT and local transportation departments will work with police agencies to help keep traffic moving smoothly through the area.

"Leave early and be patient, pay attention to traffic conditions, and keep your emotions in check while driving and when at the game. Fasten your safety belt and have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle before and after the game," said OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain.

ODOT incident responders will be on the road, available to help throughout the day in the Eugene/Springfield area. ODOT wants game day travelers to be aware of a couple roadway changes that will affect traffic:

* Pioneer Parkway exit of Interstate 105 will be closed for an hour after the game to help control Springfield area traffic. A variable message sign will be posted at the exit and in other locations to advise drivers of potential problems or travel changes.
* Construction on the new Willamette River Bridge replacement has led to a closure of the Franklin Boulevard on-ramp to southbound Interstate 5. The detour will be signed but it will affect fans leaving Eugene for points south.

University of Oregon Department of Safety (UOPDS) leads law enforcement efforts inside Autzen Stadium, in conjunction with EPD and other agencies. UODPS Director Doug Tripp stresses that most game attendees conduct themselves appropriately; however, some fans make poor choices and have to be removed from the venue. On average, ninety (90) fans out of more than 59,000 are ejected for a variety of alcohol, conduct and ticket related violations.

"The safety of the players, coaches, officials and fans is our top priority for each game and we need everyone's cooperation to make it successful," said Tripp.

State, county and city police along with ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous driver by calling 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).

Up to the minute road condition updates are available on ODOT's travel information web site at www.Tripcheck.com or by calling 5-1-1. For anyone who cannot access 5-1-1, road and weather information can also be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368). From outside Oregon, the long distance number, (503) 588-2941, remains available.

Previously released shuttle and parking information is provided in the link with this release and also available at www.GoDucks.com .

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Storm could bring snow to Coast Range

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_f88cf156-cf1e-11de-9f5b-001cc4c03286.html

Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:30 am

Ready or not, here comes winter.

A series of storms forecast to hit the state this week could bring snow to the Coast Range and will likely soak the Willamette Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday for the foothills of the Cascade and Coast ranges. According to the agency, three different storm systems are expected to hit the region in the next three days.

The first arrived Wednesday, bringing rain to Corvallis and snow flurries to the Cascades.

The next storm was predicted to move in Wednesday night and this morning, with the last following tonight and Friday.

Though most snow accumulation - 1 to 3 feet - is expected in higher elevations, snow levels could drop to between 1,500 and 2,500 feet tonight and Friday.

The Corvallis-area forecast calls for rain today and Friday, with highs of about 48 degrees.

Lows will drop to the mid-30s tonight and Friday night.

There is a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday. Sunday's high is expected to be in the low 50s.

The snow forecast for the mountains is good news for ski resorts.

Just two Oregon ski areas are currently open: Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows. Neither is operating all lifts.

Other ski areas that have announced anticipated opening dates are Hoodoo (Nov. 27), Mount Bachelor (Nov. 20) and Anthony Lakes (Nov. 27).

Anyone planning to drive over mountain passes this week should be prepared for winter conditions. Carry chains, extra clothing, and food and water.

To check road conditions, see www.tripcheck .com.

Eastern Oregon Driving conditions

ODOT/Eastern Oregon: Watch for Black Ice - Numerous crashes have occurred in the Baker County area due to motorists losing control on black ice. Motorists are advised to drive with extra caution on the freeway and other roadways due to hazardous driving condition.