Emergency Preparedness
This page contains information about how to be Firewise and materials for how to prepare for emergencies, such as the Cascadia Earthquake, wildfires, or floods. Links are provided to where you can find additional materials or information on these topics.
RED FLAG WARNING!! September 9 - 10 2022
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that may result in an extreme risk of fire danger across many counties in the Willamette Valley, including Benton County. The Red Flag Warning will be in effect beginning 11:00 am on Friday, September 9 until 11:00 pm on Saturday, September 10. For the latest on National Weather Service updates, please visit www.alerts.weather.gov.
In an abundance of caution, the Benton County Fire Defense Board has declared a burn restriction for all of Benton County effective today until 8:00 am on Monday, September 12. All outdoor fires will be restricted to self-contained gas-fire cooking appliances only. All open wood (including charcoal) fires will not be permitted. Existing Recreational and Agricultural fire permits are suspended through the restriction period.
RED FLAG WARNING!! September 9 - 10 2022
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that may result in an extreme risk of fire danger across many counties in the Willamette Valley, including Benton County. The Red Flag Warning will be in effect beginning 11:00 am on Friday, September 9 until 11:00 pm on Saturday, September 10. For the latest on National Weather Service updates, please visit www.alerts.weather.gov.
In an abundance of caution, the Benton County Fire Defense Board has declared a burn restriction for all of Benton County effective today until 8:00 am on Monday, September 12. All outdoor fires will be restricted to self-contained gas-fire cooking appliances only. All open wood (including charcoal) fires will not be permitted. Existing Recreational and Agricultural fire permits are suspended through the restriction period.
It is Fire Season 2020!
Philomath Fire Department has provided a copy of the ODF fire season restrictions that apply to homeowners and the general public.
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx
https://keeporegongreen.org/
click here for more information.
(posted 7/10/20)
How to prepare for the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake
Mike Bamberger, the OSU Emergency Preparedness Manager, shared best practices with Pioneer Village earlier this year. His presentation "A LAYPERSON’S OVERVIEW OF THE CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE THREAT AND PREPAREDNESS" can be found here. Mike reminds us that there is a 37% chance of a massive earthquake in our lifetime (the next 50 years), so we need to be prepared. If you feel an earthquake, DROP, COVER, and HOLD until it is over. Review Mike's presentation for tips on how to be prepared for the lack of services that will follow. You can contact Mike Bamberger directly at:
541-737-4713
michael.bamberger@orgeonstate.edu
emergency.oregonstate.edu
(posted 5/19/20)
What to do in the first 72 hours after a disaster hits?
After a disaster hits Pioneer Village, we may be cut off from help for a while or we may be ordered to evacuate. The “GO Bag 72 hour Kit list," shared by neighbor Brad Whitcomb, provides a very good list of things that would be helpful to you, your family and helping others in that situation. If you are just getting started, review the “GO Bag 72 hour Kit list" and work on securing a little each week. You probably have some of this already, but it is important to set it aside in a protected container so you have it when you need it.
(posted 5/11/2020)
Wildfire Preparedness
As of the summer of 2019, in six out of the past eight years, Oregon was in a drought, increasing the chance that a wildfire could happen in many parts of Oregon. Oregon has a long history with wildfires. In the last twenty years, the Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, was passed and implemented, but without much funding. One of the main premises of the act is that by reducing fuel availability around a home, a home’s chances of surviving a wildfire increases dramatically. The most meaningful fuel modification on residential property can only be done by the homeowners themselves. Pioneer Village recognized this need and joined the US Forest Service's Firewise USA program in 2012. We must continue this work as homeowners and as a neighborhood to reduce the chances of wildfire damage.
Still, we must also be prepared to respond to the threat of a wildfire heading our way. Please read and use these tips for preparing your response (taken from the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security).
Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can:
Prepare NOW
Free webinar to help residents be financially prepared for wildfires.
With wildfire season already starting in some regions of the United States and around the corner in others, now is the time to start thinking about your physical and financial preparedness. To help you be better informed, NFPA is hosting two free 60-minute webinars, the first being Wildfires and Insurance: Learn How to Prepare Financially.
Join us Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 am PDT as we speak with insurance experts Janet Ruiz from the Insurance Information Institute and Nicole Mahrt-Ganley from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. They will address questions about protecting yourself and your property, including important home insurance tips such as how to do an insurance check-up to prevent underinsurance and the right way to make a home inventory. Follow the link below to learn more and sign up for the webinar.
https://community.nfpa.org/community/fire-break/blog/2020/04/22/free-webinar-to-help-residents-be-financially-prepared-for-wildfires
Stephanie Stafford
Fire Prevention Coordinator
Fire & Life Safety Education
Oregon State Police
Office of State Fire Marshal
503-934-8219 desk
503-990-5445 mobile
(posted 4/25/20)
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Information from Benton County Health Department
The Benton County Health Department in close coordination with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division and a wide range of local health and medical organizations, has been closely monitoring the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since late December.
To assist in sharing accurate and timely information, the Benton County COVID-19 Response Team launched a new web resource linking local information to State and Federal resources at: https://co.benton.or.us/coronavirus.
Additionally, the telephone information line 211 is activated for general coronavirus questions. You can dial “211” on your telephone or go to the website 211.org.
If you suspect you may be sick:
- Do not go to work or school.
- Call ahead before visiting a healthcare professional.
Oregon Health Authority officials continue to recommend people in Oregon take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
- If you or a loved one suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes consider restricting your out of home activities since you are more susceptible to illness.
- Stay current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine.
- Eat well, get sufficient rest and sleep, and exercise will all help your body stay resilient.
(posted 3/23/2020)
Philomath Fire Department has provided a copy of the ODF fire season restrictions that apply to homeowners and the general public.
https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx
https://keeporegongreen.org/
click here for more information.
(posted 7/10/20)
How to prepare for the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake
Mike Bamberger, the OSU Emergency Preparedness Manager, shared best practices with Pioneer Village earlier this year. His presentation "A LAYPERSON’S OVERVIEW OF THE CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE THREAT AND PREPAREDNESS" can be found here. Mike reminds us that there is a 37% chance of a massive earthquake in our lifetime (the next 50 years), so we need to be prepared. If you feel an earthquake, DROP, COVER, and HOLD until it is over. Review Mike's presentation for tips on how to be prepared for the lack of services that will follow. You can contact Mike Bamberger directly at:
541-737-4713
michael.bamberger@orgeonstate.edu
emergency.oregonstate.edu
(posted 5/19/20)
What to do in the first 72 hours after a disaster hits?
After a disaster hits Pioneer Village, we may be cut off from help for a while or we may be ordered to evacuate. The “GO Bag 72 hour Kit list," shared by neighbor Brad Whitcomb, provides a very good list of things that would be helpful to you, your family and helping others in that situation. If you are just getting started, review the “GO Bag 72 hour Kit list" and work on securing a little each week. You probably have some of this already, but it is important to set it aside in a protected container so you have it when you need it.
(posted 5/11/2020)
Wildfire Preparedness
As of the summer of 2019, in six out of the past eight years, Oregon was in a drought, increasing the chance that a wildfire could happen in many parts of Oregon. Oregon has a long history with wildfires. In the last twenty years, the Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, was passed and implemented, but without much funding. One of the main premises of the act is that by reducing fuel availability around a home, a home’s chances of surviving a wildfire increases dramatically. The most meaningful fuel modification on residential property can only be done by the homeowners themselves. Pioneer Village recognized this need and joined the US Forest Service's Firewise USA program in 2012. We must continue this work as homeowners and as a neighborhood to reduce the chances of wildfire damage.
Still, we must also be prepared to respond to the threat of a wildfire heading our way. Please read and use these tips for preparing your response (taken from the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security).
Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can:
- Often be caused by humans or lightning.
- Cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power, and communications.
- Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases with in periods of little rain and high winds.
- Cost the Federal Government billions of dollars each year.
- Leave if told to do so.
- If trapped, call 9-1-1.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.
Prepare NOW
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Know your community’s evacuation plans and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations. Have a plan for pets and livestock.
- Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks that filter out particles in the air you breathe. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including and updated asthma action plan and medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
- Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
- Keep important documents in a fireproof, safe place. Create password-protected digital copies.
- Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs.
- Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
- Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.
- Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.
- Pay attention to air quality alerts.
- Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
- If trapped, then call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Use an N95 masks to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe.
- If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.
- Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return, and whether water is safe to drink.
- Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Consider the danger to pets and livestock.
- Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.
- Wear a NIOSH certified-respirator and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
- Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
- Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—up to 5 years after a wildfire. Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect the life you've built and to assure financial protection from future flooding.
- Coronavirus (Federal Government Response) (Link)
- Wildfires Move Fast. What’s Your Plan? - Survivor Stories (Video)
- Wildfire Safety Social Media Toolkit (Link)
- Wildfire Information Sheet (PDF)
- Cloud of Smoke (Video)
- Fires and Your Health (Link)
- Fires Current Conditions (Link)
- When the fire starts (Video)
- United States Fire Administration (Link)
- Smokey Bear (Link)
- United States Forest Service (Link)
- American Red Cross (Link)
- NFPA’s Firewise USA (Link)
- Fire Adapted Community (Link)
- How to Prepare for a Wildfire (PDF)
- Wildfire Playbook (PDF)
- Answers to Questions about Flood Insurance (PDF)
- Understanding Mudflow and the NFIP (PDF)
Free webinar to help residents be financially prepared for wildfires.
With wildfire season already starting in some regions of the United States and around the corner in others, now is the time to start thinking about your physical and financial preparedness. To help you be better informed, NFPA is hosting two free 60-minute webinars, the first being Wildfires and Insurance: Learn How to Prepare Financially.
Join us Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 am PDT as we speak with insurance experts Janet Ruiz from the Insurance Information Institute and Nicole Mahrt-Ganley from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. They will address questions about protecting yourself and your property, including important home insurance tips such as how to do an insurance check-up to prevent underinsurance and the right way to make a home inventory. Follow the link below to learn more and sign up for the webinar.
https://community.nfpa.org/community/fire-break/blog/2020/04/22/free-webinar-to-help-residents-be-financially-prepared-for-wildfires
Stephanie Stafford
Fire Prevention Coordinator
Fire & Life Safety Education
Oregon State Police
Office of State Fire Marshal
503-934-8219 desk
503-990-5445 mobile
(posted 4/25/20)
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Information from Benton County Health Department
The Benton County Health Department in close coordination with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division and a wide range of local health and medical organizations, has been closely monitoring the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since late December.
To assist in sharing accurate and timely information, the Benton County COVID-19 Response Team launched a new web resource linking local information to State and Federal resources at: https://co.benton.or.us/coronavirus.
Additionally, the telephone information line 211 is activated for general coronavirus questions. You can dial “211” on your telephone or go to the website 211.org.
If you suspect you may be sick:
- Do not go to work or school.
- Call ahead before visiting a healthcare professional.
Oregon Health Authority officials continue to recommend people in Oregon take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
- If you or a loved one suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes consider restricting your out of home activities since you are more susceptible to illness.
- Stay current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine.
- Eat well, get sufficient rest and sleep, and exercise will all help your body stay resilient.
(posted 3/23/2020)