Your CIOs have been busy. Ibach and Bryom held their annual meetings in February. If you missed your meeting, you can read the agenda and minutes on the CIO website at tualatincio.org.
CIOs support the Tualatin CERT program. Tualatin CERT basic class starts March 5. If you are interested in joining your Community Emergency Response Team, email TualatinCERTRegistrar@gmail.com.
Tualatin has already experienced winter weather. There is still time to prepare for the risks cold weather can bring. Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. These conditions can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite and more.
Here are some tips from FEMA to help you stay safe:
Pay attention to watches and warnings.
A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that will cause significant inconveniences but is not serious enough to issue a warning. A Winter Storm Watch is issued up to 48 hours before the possibility of a blizzard, snow, freezing rain or sleet that could be more severe and dangerous. Where you live determines the conditions needed to warrant a Winter Storm Watch. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when the potential for hazardous winter weather like heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet is expected soon or may already be happening.
Stock up before the storm.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Also make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries. Only use generators outside and be sure to set them at least 20 feet away from your home’s doors and windows.
Limit your time outside.
Stay off the roads if possible. Keep your car’s gas tank full and keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket in your car. If you need to go out, wear layers of warm clothing.
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes. If it occurs, go to a warm room as soon as possible. You can soak the affected part in warm water. Do not massage or use a heating pad. Hypothermia, an unusually low body temperature below 95 degrees, is a medical emergency. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness. Get the person to a warm room, remove any wet clothing they’re wearing, and warm the center of the body, including the chest, neck, head, and groin, using warm, dry blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. If you have an electric blanket available, use it to warm the person. Get the person medical attention as soon as possible.
Check on neighbors.
Consider exchanging contact information including phone, email, and social media, with neighbors to stay in touch during emergencies. Reach out to those who are older or who have a disability, as they may be more vulnerable to winter hazards.
Help get your neighborhood prepared. Tualatin CERT offers in-person neighborhood presentations on personal and neighborhood preparedness. Interested in hosting a presentation? Email Barbara Bracken at TualatinReadyMYN@gmail.com.
Riverpark CIO President, Janine Wilson:
RiverparkCIO@gmail.com
East CIO President, Doug Ulmer:
CIO.east.west@gmail.com
Midwest CIO President, Richard Harrison:
TualatinMidwestCIO@gmail.com
Martinazzi Woods CIO President, Sallie Olson:
MartinazziWoodsCIO@gmail.com
Ibach CIO President, Patricia Parsons:
TualatiniBachCIO@gmail.com
Byrom CIO President, Tim Neary:
ByromCIO@gmail.com
Commercial CIO President, Catherine Holland:
TualatinCommercialCIO@gmail.com
