If the Power goes out!

Until power does return, here are some home safety tips:

 Use alternative heat sources safely.

 Do not burn anything inside without adequate ventilation.

 Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, hibachi, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units burn up oxygen, create deadly carbon monoxide, and are a likely cause of fire.

 Have firefighting materials on hand: dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.

 Use portable generators only as independent sources of power.

 Do not connect generators to your home’s main service panels.

 Make sure generators are used where there is good ventilation.

 Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers shut to conserve heat.

 Use foods that can spoil rapidly first.

 “If in doubt, throw it out”.

Lastly and most important, we ask that you please check on your neighbors to make sure they are being taken care of during this extensive power outage.

Tips for getting through till the power comes back on

The repair of the power grids has been difficult and power surges from appliances left on have hampered their success. Citizens are asked to shut off all unnecessary appliances in anticipation of power restoration. Until power does return, here are some home safety tips:

 Use alternative heat sources safely.

 Do not burn anything inside without adequate ventilation.

 Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, hibachi, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units burn up oxygen, create deadly carbon monoxide, and are a likely cause of fire.

 Have firefighting materials on hand: dry powder, fire extinguisher, heavy tarp or blanket, and water.

 Use portable generators only as independent sources of power.

 Do not connect generators to your home’s main service panels.

 Make sure generators are used where there is good ventilation.

 Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers shut to conserve heat.

 Use foods that can spoil rapidly first.

 “If in doubt, throw it out”.

Lastly and most important, we ask that you please check on your neighbors to make sure they are being taken care of during this extensive power outage.

Winter Weather

...Enjoy the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest this winter season, but keep and eye or ear on the changeable weather...The National Weather Service issues a variety of winter weather watches, advisories and warnings.

Always check the latest weather forecast before heading out and take the warnings issued by the National Weather Service seriously. Before winter weather threatens this season, you should prepare a winter safety kit for you vehicle. Such kits are also available at many retail and auto supply stores.

Remember, if you become stranded on the roads during a storm, run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, but keep the window open a bit for ventilation. Also, keep the exhaust pipe clear of obstruction to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night while running the motor.

Avoid overexertion when outdoors. Heart attacks can kill during and after storms, because shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be quite stressful.

A valuable companion when heading out this cold season is a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides you with the latest weather conditions and forecasts. You can purchase such radios at many local electronics or department stores, and over the internet.

Use the 511 phone and internet traveler information services provided by state transportation departments to info on road conditions, road work, vehicle restrictions, and road closures, before you travel.

Finally, if you need more information on winter weather safety, winter weather brochures, or NOAA Weather Radio, please contact your nearest National Weather Service office by phone, or by web.

For questions about local Severe Weather Preparedness, contact your local NOAA National Weather Service Office:
local office
on the web at...
contact by phone
Medford
weather.gov/medford
541-773-1067
Seattle
weather.gov/seattle
206-526-6087
Spokane
weather.gov/spokane
509-244-6395
Pendleton
weather.gov/pendleton
541-276-4493
Portland
weather.gov/portland
503-261-9246
Boise
weather.gov/boise
208-334-9861
Pocatello
weather.gov/pocatello
208-233-0834
Missoula
weather.gov/missoula
406-329-4840

Last minute cleanup of yard debris can be dangerous

October 14, 2009
Jennifer Bailey • October 14, 2009


Summer is gone, and even though there is still some good weather, we know the rains are coming.


You might be doing some last-minute cleanup of the yard now, so here is a little safety reminder.

According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health each year, about 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.

Last-minute summer cleanup and debris removal after storms can be hazardous. Chain-saw use is extremely dangerous, especially because of power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment or injury from falls.

Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after storms. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer's instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.

Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.

Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users. Always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over the site of the bleeding; this act may save lives.

Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide, which can rapidly build up in a closed-in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it.

Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the public affairs coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.

Last Day of Summer Chainsaw Safety

It’s the last day of summer and even though the weather is great – we know the rains are coming so here is a little safety reminder. You might even be doing some last minute clean up of the yard now so be careful.

According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Many storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.

Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter storms. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.

Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.

Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.

Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.

Children's Health Following a Winter Storm

Or in damp camping locations, summer cabins, etc.

Children are different from adults. Children’s nervous, immune response, digestive and other bodily systems are still developing and are more easily harmed. Children eat more food, drink more fluids, and breathe more air than adults in proportion to their body size. It is important to take extra care to ensure the safety of their food, drink and air following a storm. Of concern is mold, carbon monoxides and contaminated water or household items.

MOLD: To protect your child from mold exposure, you can clean smooth, hard surfaces such as metal and plastics with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Flood water damaged items made of absorbent materials cannot be cleaned and should be discarded. These items include paper, cloth, wood, upholstery, carpets, padding, curtains, and clothes.

Throw away ALL soft or absorbent toys because it is impossible to clean them and they could harm your child. Throw away ALL baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers that have come in contact with flood waters or debris.

CARBON MONOXIDE: Never use portable generators indoors. Place generators outside as far away from buildings as possible. Due to loss of electricity, gasoline or diesel-powered generators may be used during or after a winter storm. Generators used at home should be professionally installed. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and deadly gas. Simply opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home or in partially enclosed areas such as a garage.

DRINKING WATER: If a water source may be contaminated with flood waters, children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should drink only bottled water, which should also be used to mix baby formula and for cooking.

The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months especially at the coast where many people are now vacationing. We need to continue to protect our most vulnerable population.

Spring Cleanup can be dangerous

According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Spring cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter weather. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.
Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.
Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.