Benton County Emergency Management Services – News

October 12, 2009

Be Prepared for Wintry Weather: Home, Travel, Hunters

The first significant seasonal weather change is due tonight/tomorrow … precipitation could even arrive as freezing rain or snow in cold, higher elevation, Northern Oregon valleys.

If you haven’t already checked emergency household and vehicle provisions, now is the time to do it. Make sure emergency kits at home and in all vehicles are stocked, complete, and current (check expiration dates). Check for water or pest damage to any contents. Review checklists:

• Vehicle Emergency Kit, http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/travel-kit_brochure.pdf

Pick up the newest version of “Disaster Preparedness for You and Your Household” at the Benton County Emergency Management, Search & Rescue office, 551 NW Monroe, Corvallis, OR or call to have one mailed to you: 541.766-6112.

For hunters, be sure that you are appropriately provisioned for overnight and freezing temperatures in case of injury, getting lost or being caught too far from your vehicle at dark. At the very least, always carry the basics: Basic Outdoor Survival, http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/basic_outdoor_survival.pdf and Twelve Essentials for Survival, http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/twelve_essential_survivaltips.pdf along with provisions to keep you warm and dry, a map and compass to navigate and signaling devices. It is always best if someone knows your plans, your route and has a map of your intended hunting area with a description of your vehicle and license plate, just in case searchers are looking for you.

Finally, it’s also time to winterize your home and protect plumbing from freezing:

• Disconnect hoses,

• Drain irrigation systems,

• Cover/insulate hose bibs,

• Cover/close foundation vents,

• Clean out gutters,

• Rake up leaves that can be slippery road hazards and can clog drains and culverts, and

• Make sure drive and roadway drainages are clear of all debris to prevent localized flooding.

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