3 January 2014
As Simple as 1-2-3
Despite a great deal of attention over the past several years on the possibility for a local disaster, the fact is: many people in the area are still not prepared.
That may be human nature, but Joan Edwards, the education coordinator for the West Lane Emergency Operations Group, says it’s not that difficult.
In fact, if you can count to three… you can begin your own disaster preparations at home.
Edwards says everyone can take the first three simple steps…
One: set aside five gallons of water per person… plus one gallon for each pet.
Two: check all your flashlights and lanterns and replace the batteries… plus have backups.
Three: Work with your doctor and pharmacy to build up a two-week reserve of critical medications.
Will those three steps save the world? Probably not, but, says Edwards, they very well could buy time until help arrives.
The first disaster preparation class of the year in the “Are You Ready” series is set for next Saturday morning at the main fire station. Edwards says call 997-3212 to reserve your spot.
Christmas Tree Pickup
About three dozen people took advantage of the Christmas Tree removal last week done by volunteer firefighters. So far, almost twice that many have called and requested pickups for tomorrow.
But, still more people should really consider getting rid of that ticking time bomb in the middle of their living room.
Siuslaw Valley Battalion Chief Marvin Tipler says Christmas Trees are very, very flammable and it’s “extremely important” that they come out of the house as soon as possible. And not only out of the house, but away from the house as well.
Tipler says some people lean their tree against an outside wall. But that’s a hazard as well because if the tinder dry evergreen were to catch fire, the flames would go right up under the eaves and into the roof.
Firefighters will be picking up Christmas Trees again tomorrow. There’s no cost, but a suggested five-dollar donation is appropriate they say.
Call the fire station… 997-3212 today to schedule your removal.
State of the County
Lane County Commissioners and other local leaders will be meeting Monday morning at Harris Hall in Eugene to look back at 2013… and ahead to the coming year.
It’s the annual State of the County address. At ten o’clock.
Commission Chair Sid Leiken will present his comments on the past year along with some other special presentations.
It’s open to the public and can also be viewed online by going to www-dot-lanecounty-dot-org.
Fatality Free Holiday
After last year’s dozen highway deaths over the New Year’s holiday, officials were prepared for another deadly year.
But, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation there were no traffic deaths during the 30-hour New Year’s reporting period.
That’s only the third time that’s happened since records began being kept in 1970.
