Prepare Now for Winter Weather Risks!
Winter storms occur every year in Oregon. They can range from mild cold winds and low temperatures to heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and icy roads. The good thing about winter storms is that they can be forecasted in advance, enabling you to get ready and understand what to do before, during, and after a storm.
Winter storm safety tips:
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you need to travel, make sure to have an emergency kit in your vehicle and drive carefully. Reduced traffic will help first responders and maintenance crews provide essential services more effectively.
- If you’re going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prevent frostbite and hyperthermia. Wear multiple layers of loose, lightweight clothing. Stay indoors if possible.
- Bring pets and companion animals indoors during winter weather. Ensure livestock are sheltered and have access to food and water.
Power outages
- Winter storms often lead to power outages, which high winds, fallen trees, or icy conditions can cause. Ensure your emergency kit is well-stocked with essential items, including food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, and comfort supplies.
- If the power goes out:
- Check your fuse box or circuit breaker box. If there are no blown fuses or tripped circuits, see if your neighbors are experiencing a power outage.
- Call your power company to report the outage. Some utilities offer options to report outages online or via text.
- Turn off all electrical equipment, including your water heater, electric furnace or heaters, stove, stereo, or TV. This helps prevent overloading the system when the power is restored.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers shut to reduce food waste.
- If a family member relies on medical life-support equipment, consider using a backup generator in case of a prolonged power outage. Be familiar with generator safety: go to the following links for more information on how to safely choose a home generator.
Use Generators Safely at Home: tinyurl.com/3c847vyd.
Generator Safety Tips – Red Cross: tinyurl.com/56jjrxbt.
For more information on preparedness, go to our Tualatin CERT website at www.tualatincert.org/tualatin-ready.
Riverpark CIO President, Janine Wilson:
RiverparkCIO@gmail.com
East CIO President, Doug Ulmer:
CIO.east.west@gmail.com
Midwest CIO President, Tammy Palumbo:
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
