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Local, state and federal agencies in Central Oregon are working together to provide the public easy and quick access to joint emergency updates. POSTS ARE LISTED BY MOST RECENT DATE/TIME. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Daily Digest September 8, 2020
DAILY DIGEST SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
HEAVY SMOKE BRINGS DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS
Heavy smoke from fires up and down the West Coast is creating hazardous driving conditions in Oregon.
For those who aren't evacuating, the safest option is to stay off the roads in smoky and low visibility conditions, the Oregon Department of Transportation. High winds and wildfires also create other hazards including downed limbs and power lines. Remember to check conditions if you must head out.
A number of roads are closed throughout the state and the situation is rapidly evolving. Go to Tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 for real time road conditions.
In the middle of these dangerously smoky road conditions, a number of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices are closed throughout the state due to wildfires or power outages. Closures are posted on web pages for DMV field offices. In the event of a closure, DMV will contact customers with appointments.
We may see additional smoky conditions in the weeks ahead. Remember to avoid driving in these conditions if at all possible. If you must drive, be alert, don’t drive distracted and remember you play a big part to help avoid wildfires.
If you are driving and encounter heavy smoke here are some steps you can take to help stay safe.
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Slow down and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.
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Turn on your headlights. Even during daylight hours your headlights will help others on the road see you. Use low-beams as high-beams reflect off the moisture in the air and cause glare.
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Use fog lights. If you have them, fog lights can help cut through the smoke.
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Check your entire route before setting out. Conditions may be very different at your destination.
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Find an alternate route. Fire is wildly unpredictable, especially in high winds. If at all possible find a route that takes you away from fires.
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Keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Visibility, of course, decreases in smoke so maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle up front.
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If visibility becomes too dangerous to continue, pull off to the side of the road as soon as safely possible.
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Never stop in a travel lane. Look for a safe area completely off the road if possible and turn off all lights, including flashers, until it’s safe to continue.
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Don’t tailgate. Keep a steady, reliable pace. Remember that everyone else on the road is in the same fix you’re in. They’re counting on you to help show the way.
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Roll up the windows. Set your fan to recirculate.
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Have your car ready before you go. Make sure you have a full gas tank before leaving and your vehicle is in good condition. Have water, food, and medications with you – and for any pets you bring.
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
For more information, contact Katherine Benenati, 503-871-0388
GOVERNOR KATE BROWN INVOKES THE EMERGENCY CONFLAGRATION ACT IN RESPONSE TO BEACHIE CREEK, LIONSHEAD, AND HOLIDAY FARM FIRE
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown approved an emergency conflagration declaration for the Beachie Creek, Lionshead, and Holiday Farm Fire. The Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires were active overnight in the Santiam Canyon. Holiday Farm Fire is active near McKenzie Bridge.
"Almost every year since becoming Governor, I've witnessed historic wildfire seasons," said Governor Kate Brown. "This past weekend, we experienced significant wind that is fueling wildfires with devastating consequences across Oregon, on top of a dire pandemic. For people and families in the evacuation areas, please listen to local calls to evacuate as needed — these lifesaving measures can protect the lives of you and your loved ones, as well as our firefighters. In addition, I am asking all Oregonians to remain vigilant with any activity that could spark a wildfire during this historic wind event. We all need to do our part to help the many firefighters battling multiple fires across Oregon."
In accordance with ORS 476.510 - 476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to a life, safety, and property exists due to fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources to assist local resources battling the fire.
STATE OF OREGON OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR KATE BROWN
For more information, contact Nikki Fisher, 503-689-2509
STATEWIDE UPDATE FROM THE OREGON OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management is assisting through the State Emergency Coordination Center multiple counties encountering limited firefighting resources, challenging transportation access, as well as power outages and cellular service interruption.
Local evacuation information may be unclear due to power outages and a quickly changing situation. Stay tuned to trusted social media sources – county emergency management offices, Red Cross Cascades, state agencies such as the State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department Forestry, Oregon Department of Agriculture, etc. If Internet resources are not possible, contact your county sheriff’s department. If possible, check in on family, friends and neighbors to ensure their safety.
Know evaluation level actions and heed them!
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Level 1 – BE READY – Monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs and, in some cases, pets and livestock.
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Level 2 – BE SET – Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. There is significant danger to your area. Be prepared to voluntarily relocate to a Temporary Evacuation Point (TEPO) as set up by the Red Cross, or move to family/friends outside of the affected area.
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Level 3 – GO – Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
Several roads are closed in affected fire areas and due to wind storm damage. Check TripCheck for the latest information. Additional statewide wildfire information can be found on the State of Oregon Wildfire Dashboard.
“Life safety is our number one priority,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Several jurisdictions have already declared a state of emergency. We are working closely with counties and tribes to assist in any and all ways that we can."
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
PGE implemented a public safety power shutoff (PSPS) due to hot, dry, and windy conditions for about 5,000 customers located in high fire-risk areas near Mt. Hood. This is a proactive safety outage to help protect people, property and the environment in the face of extreme fire danger conditions and high winds forecast in the area. This is expected to last 24-48 hours.
For additional information about public safety power shutoffs, including a map of the affected area, go to PortlandGeneral.com/wildfire or call 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818. Real-time information about unplanned outages can be found at PortlandGeneral.com/Outage.
Smoke
Smoke levels are currently fluctuating between unhealthy for sensitive groups and hazardous in areas closest to fires. Detroit, Florence, Eugene and Chiloquin – are having severe smoke impacts, as are other areas.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.
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Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
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Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
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If smoke levels are hazardous, consider leaving the area.
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Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
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If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Additional information on wildfire smoke can be found on the Oregon Smoke Blog.
State Park Closures
State parks that are closed until further notice include Silver Falls, Detroit Lake, North Santiam and Collier (north of Klamath Falls). No entry for any purpose is permitted.
COVID-19
Amid wildfire, smoke and erratic weather, the COVID-19 pandemic is still rampant. Face coverings are required in all parts of the state and Oregonians are reminded to maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently.
This update contains information from other state agency reports.
OREGON OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
For more information contact Paula Fasano Negele - 503-871-8689 - paula.negele@state.or.us or Bobbi Doan - 503-507-4481 - bobbi.doan@state.or.us
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ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information.
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Staying healthy this September (Photo)
The beginning of September normally means two things: the Labor Day Weekend and back to school for the kids. This year, those milestones – like nearly everything else – will look vastly different due to COVID-19.
Thanks to the many Central Oregonians who are following the guidance provided by national and local health officials, the number of new cases of COVID-19 have been declining over the past several weeks. With Labor Day and back-to-school activities though, the threat of another increase in numbers is great.
Please keep up the good work and continue to follow these basic guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19:
- If you are sick, stay home;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
- Wear a mask or face covering whenever you are in public or small groups (when you can’t stay six feet apart);
- Avoid touching your face, unless it is immediately following washing your hands.
All school districts and higher education institutions in Central Oregon have made their plans for the beginning of school and have communicated those plans to families and students. (See below for the links to the various websites). All are counting on continued adherence to the health guidance in order to be able to fully bring students back into the classrooms.
For more information about K-12 school schedules, visit these local public district websites:
Bend–LaPine: www.bend.k12.or.us
Crook County: http://crookcounty.k12.or.us/covid-19/
Culver: https://www.culver.k12.or.us/
Jefferson County: https://www.jcsd.k12.or.us/
Redmond: https://fall2020.redmondschools.org/
Sisters: http://ssd6.org/covid19/
For more information about local higher education classes, visit these websites:
Central Oregon Community College: https://www.cocc.edu/
OSU – Cascades Campus: https://osucascades.edu/covid
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Monday, August 24, 2020
Wildfire Updates
Wildfire Updates - Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Check out the Twitter feed on the left of this page. We will continue to pass on important wildfire and emergency updates by our partner agencies. @COEmergencyInfo
Be Wise - Be Prepared - Be Alert.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
CAMP SHERMAN LEVEL 2 - (GET READY)
CAMP SHERMAN LEVEL 2 - (GET READY)
A Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation notice for the following areas have been issued: Residences north of Indian Ford Road; east of Green Ridge Rd 11 and west of Fly Lake Road (USFS 2055). Level 1 (Get Ready) notice issued for south of Indian Ford Rd. See link. http://flashalert.net/id/DeschutesSO/137105
Camp Sherman Level 1 Evac
CAMP SHERMAN LEVEL 1 EVACUATION NOTICE "BE READY"
News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
Frontier Regional Alerts issued the following notice on Wednesday, August 19, 2020; 2:19pm -
Level 1 Evacuation Notice "BE READY"
There is a wildfire on Green Ridge and people residing in the Camp Sherman area should be aware of a potential evacuation order. Be aware of the danger, monitor emergency service sources and local media for information.
Those persons who will need additional time to exit an area or have health conditions (especially respiratory conditions that could be made worse by smoke) should consider leaving now. You are encouraged to prepare or even move livestock and pets out of the area. Be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Level 1 Evacuation notice is being sent to all persons residing in the Camp Sherman area. This order does NOT affect the rest of Jefferson County.
This order is authorized by Sheriff Jim Adkins of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Approved Oregon Evacuation Levels
LEVEL 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
LEVEL 3: A Level 3
Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is
current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to
ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be
available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings
or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU
RECEIVE Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe. Area
radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
New Jefferson County Drop-Off Site for Warm Springs Donation Drive
NEW JEFFERSON COUNTY DROP-OFF SITE FOR WARM SPRINGS DONATION DRIVE
News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
Jefferson County Public Health is partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to collect much needed donations for residents, including unhoused individuals and families. The Warm Springs area has been particularly hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be under a Boil Water Notice. This collaboration will help ensure community needs are being met.
New supplies are preferred since used supplies are required to be quarantined before distribution. Much needed items include:
Shampoo – Environmentally Friendly
Antibacterial Soaps (castile preferred)
Deodorant (male & female)
Non-alcohol Mouthwash
Small Sunscreen & Lotions
Flashlights (easy to pack, solar if possible)
Fluorescent Vests
Socks (unisex/white)
Bandanas
T-Shirts, Unisex (L, XL, XXL)
Sleeping Bags / Backpacks (min. 20L)
Tents (compact 2/3 person or 3/4)
Diapers / Baby Wipes
Canned Foods (soups, chili, fruits)
Hardtack / Pilot Bread
Hard Candy (sugar free & regular)
Disinfectant Type Cleaners
Laundry Soap
Kleenex
Bleach Wipes / Bleach Dish Soap / Dial Bar Soap
Bottled Water
Toothbrushes / Toothpaste
Gift Cards – Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Thriftway ($5.00 limit)
Items can be dropped off at the Jefferson County Public Health Building located at 715 SW 4th St., Madras, OR 97741 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for delivery to Warm Springs. A box will be visible at the entrance. If items are too large to fit, they may be placed next to the box.
Additional donations for Warm Springs are being collected in Deschutes County by a community group utilizing an online Community-led Donation Drive Pledge Form (link provided in text). The Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly and Bellatazza Coffee located in downtown Bend, are also continuing a water donation drive for Warm Springs and more information can be found on the COBLA Facebook Page.
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Tami Kepa'a, Jefferson County Public Health
541.475.4456, tami.kepa'a@publichealth.jeffco.net