The anniversary of the “Big One” prompts a reminder
Scientists say it happened at around nine-pm January 26th, 1700. A giant 9-point-oh earthquake shook the Oregon Coast. The resulting tsunami inundated the coastline in the Pacific Northwest and crossed the ocean to Japan. We could be due for another according to Megan Messmer. She’s the Chair of the West Lane Emergency Operations Group.
Megan Messmer – “We’re in or approaching that next event when looking at the averages of those large scale earthquakes.”
Her group is a consortium of public and private agencies with the mission of disaster preparation. In order to be ready everyone needs their own set of emergency supplies.
Megan Messmer – “Ten days or more for your go-kits; earthquake kits; knowing that we’ll be cut off if that big one happens.”
Landslides and bridge collapses as a result of the quake have the potential to isolate us on the Oregon Coast.
Megan Messmer – “Having your own family be able to sustain themselves for as long as possible is what we try to educate people on.”
The anniversary of the 1700 quake is a good reminder, says Messmer, of why everyone should be prepared. She suggests visiting the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue website for more information.
DeFazio introduces early warning bill
Federal legislation was introduced this week that would help fund an early warning system along the Oregon Coast in the event of a mega earthquake and tsunami. Fourth District Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio says if a quake similar to the one that happened in 1700 were to happen today, it would cost thousands of lives and an estimated $32-billion in property damage.
He also says the “Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act” would save lives, reduce injuries and “mitigate infrastructure damage”. It would do that by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop a plan and identify funding for purchase and installation of an earthquake early warning system. That system would trigger automatic shutdowns of public transit systems, manufacturing lines and close bridges while also helping to protect students in unsafe schools.
Federal disaster relief for ice storm expenses
Lane County public agencies and utilities sustained nearly $10-million in damage from the December ice storm in the Eugene-Springfield area. Lane County Emergency Manager Linda Cook announced this week that expenses related to the direct damage, labor costs and other expenses incurred because of the December 14th through 17th storm are eligible for as much as 75-percent reimbursement from the U.S. Government.
Lane County, the University of Oregon and the cities of Eugene and Springfield could see financial help as a result of the announcement.
The ice storm brought branches down on power lines and utility poles, causing power outages to thousands of people. Some waited as long as eight days for that electricity to be restored.
Noise level on bridge to increase again
Crews working on installing a corrosion protection system on the Siuslaw River Bridge will resume sand blasting and spraying operations next week.
Angela Beers-Sydel with the Oregon Department of Transportation says residents near the bridge may hear noise Thursday because of daytime concrete cutting. But, beginning Monday they’ll likely hear compressor and generator noise as workers resume sandblasting and spraying the corrosion resistant zinc coating. She sais work will be ongoing between 4:30 am and 10:30 pm Monday through Thursday next week.
Thank a firefighter
The Oregon Legislature adopted January 27th of each year as “Fire Service Appreciation Day” in Oregon. That took place in 2007 and every year since then Oregonians have taken the day to say thanks for the hard work and sacrifices of firefighters.
State Fire Marshal Jim Walker says there is still time for communities to organize some sort of recognition activity. He has seen everything from formal ceremonies; school assemblies; and even commemorative coins.
But, he adds, it can also be something as simple as taking a firefighter to lunch… or even a simple “thank you” for their efforts.
School shots up to date?
School exclusion day is about three weeks away and public health officials in Oregon says now is a good time to review your students immunization record.
In Oregon, any student without proper vaccinations will be barred from attending classes by February 14th. There are some non-medical exclusions and those too must be completed by February 14th.
Diane McAlmont with Siuslaw Elementary says letters will be sent home to parents and guardians of children who have incomplete or missing immunizations.
