Grants For Fire Safe Areas
The Oregon State Fire Marshall is providing funding for a new program for rural Lane County residents who need help in providing a safe space around their homes in case of wildfire. Up to $4,000 dollars is available to area residents that qualify for the money. Cammryn Anderson is the Lane County Lane Management Technician and she says the county is looking for 100 properties to assist in clearing vegetation, and other hazards that make their property vulnerable to fire. She says the work would be done by county-coordinated contractors so the property owners do not have to up front money or have to attempt to hire their own contractor. Priority will be given to elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnerable and who live in High-Risk areas. Forms are available online at lanecountyor.gov/cwrr. Deadline for submission is the last day of February 2024. And work will be scheduled in the spring and summer of 2024.
Storm Preparedness
Winter weather doesn’t mean just snow and ice. Along the coast it is often rain that impacts the area the most. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued some tips for preparing for winter weather. They first recommend that homeowners contact their insurance companies to make sure that your coverage is up to date and includes provisions for storm damage. One area of concern that can cause long-term damage is gutters. Clogged gutters can cause backed up water and damage to structures. And while the coast doesn’t often get persistent freezing temperatures, they recommend insulating pipes that may have exposure. Dfr.oregon.gov has more information on how to protect your home and auto.
Community Food Baskets
The Soroptimist International Florence Chapter is gearing up for the annual Christmas Basket distribution. The organization is stocking up today of food and supplies that it has ordered and will begin the doling out of food to the community tomorrow morning from the covered area at the Siuslaw Middle School. Organizer Carol Bennett says they are prepared.
“We plan on distributing at 10 o’clock in the morning. It’s a drive up on 27th street come into the parking lot and line up, somebody will greet you and find out how big a box you need.”
The basket will have items for a Christmas meal but will also have additional staples that will help sustain a family for a longer period. Bennett says if you want to volunteer to hand out food there is no need to sign up, just show up tomorrow morning. She says they plan on unpacking items around 7 am.
