Every location in the world has one form of natural disasters or another.  In fact, currently, those are even being changed around from what we consider the "norm". 

Willamette Valley Flood 1996 

Here in Oregon, we have many different rivers and streams.  With large amounts of running water and with the run off of snow we get from our mountains, we can be prone to flooding.  This year, in particular, there has been discussion and speculation that flooding may occur.  Being one who both lives and works in Oregon City, I will be paying very close attention to the weather forecast as Spring gets closer.  The Willamette Valley Flood of 1996 startled many people as the Willamette River swelled to heights not expected.  In an attempt to be proactive, I have compiled a list of items that you should have together for any disaster.  Also, Oregon City has a great website to help you become aware of local flood information.  Check it out so that you can be prepared...just in case.

The list is below:

  • Flashlight                             
  • Portable, battery-operated radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First Aid kit with manual
  • Essential medications (my husband is type 1 Diabetic...so insulin, chem strips, etc.)
  • Blankets
  • Cash and Credit cards
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non electric can opener
  • Warm outer wear and sturdy shoes for the family

Personally, my family is not in the flood zone area of Oregon City.  At the same time, I want to be prepared for an emergency to prevent the panic from striking when life throws its curve-balls quickly.  Another reminder is to make sure that the expiration dates are kept up to be of help.  I recommend that we check expiration every six months (or every time we check the batteries on our smoke detectors).  Yes, I know I am obsessed with safety.  I hope you are too.

Finally, if you have had any experience with a natural disaster that you would like to share here, please do so.  I find that learning in life is easiest when we are able to learn from another's experience.

I will be watching, reading, and writing!

 
This post has been included in Oregon Information Clackamas County, OR Information

20 Comments on Disaster Preparedness

FEB
27
2008
264,988 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sarah - Good to know for when I move out that way:-)  Very useful tips for those in the Oregon Area.
11:11am • #1
4 Featured Posts
Jason ~  Thanks!  :)  I do not think you will need those tips.  "Your" house is out of harms way.  However...there was a tornado not too long ago that shocked everyone.  Jennifer, the other Sara and I were out at "lunch" that day!  You just never know...
11:13am • #2
113,405 Points Outside Blog

Hi Sarah-

This type of preparedness is mandatory for this hurricane zone down South.  The most difficult thing for us is timing the traffic mass exodus that results! Because I am self employed, I was able to drive my elderly parents out of Houston a day ahead just to be on the safe side during the Hurricane Rita scare two years ago.  Others were caught in a huge traffic tie-up the next day, taking 8 hours to go a one hour drive.  There has been alot of highway planning and contraflow lanes built since then, and I hope it is much better next time!   

Kathy

12:35pm • #3
132,990 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Here in tornado alley (NC) we all have these in our closet downstairs and our truncks... good info!
2:33pm • #4
109,408 Points 8 Featured Posts

Not to worry little Sarah... if we have another flood, you and the gang can come shack up at my house! I have plenty of 'no expiration' type of refreshments for all!

See you both Friday! I wonder what weather disaster we can stir up this time!!

3:38pm • #5
4 Featured Posts
Kathy ~  Wow.  I am glad you all were safe and what a great testament to planning ahead!  Thanks for the comment...  :)
4:59pm • #6
4 Featured Posts
Eleanor ~  Yes, I have a great friend in North Carolina.  They are often worried about weather events!  Thanks for stopping by!  :)
5:00pm • #7
4 Featured Posts
Jennifer ~m  Aww...you are so sweet!  I do not know if Red Rum can be (or should be) consumed by kidlets!  See you Friday!  :)
5:02pm • #8
190,973 Points Outside Blog
It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
8:14pm • #9
4 Featured Posts
I couldn't agree more!  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!  :)
8:31pm • #10
FEB
28
2008
Great to be prepared, but this makes Oregon seem worse that it is
1:51am • #11
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sarah, A very good Localism post. Keep yourself dry (outside).

Bill Roberts

9:56am • #12
Folks:
Here is something you might want to check into in your communities.  Here in Montgomery County Maryland, the Montgomery County epsrtment of Homeland Security has been training citizens to aid first responders in emergincies.  It is a 16 hours course.
10:11am • #13
FEB
29
2008
4 Featured Posts
Hi Lindsey...  Good of you to stop by.  You know, Oregon is not a bad place to live.  Having travelled much of the world, I would not want to live anywhere else.  My point in this article is to be prepared.  Thanks for your comment.
9:41am • #14
4 Featured Posts
Bill ~  Thanks for the comment, and may I just say that Oregon has been beautiful this past week.  Sun, temperature in the 60's, and my top down (on my convertible)!  :)
9:42am • #15
4 Featured Posts
Hi Bob ~  Great advice.  I will check into what we may have here that would be similar!  Have a great weekend...
9:43am • #16
MAR
02
2008
121,518 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sarah~You have provided such a great list of information to help people all over. We too, have a lot of snow and as it warms up, I'm taken back to '83 when we had a lot of floods that washed away some of the homes in our city. My neighbor said he just came back from Oregon and the snow drifts were 10 ft high. Please keep safe and many, many blessings to you and your family and to everybody in Oregon. 
11:58am • #17
MAR
03
2008
4 Featured Posts
Julie ~  Thanks for reading and adding your two very valuable cents!  You stay safe over there too!  Have a great week....
9:07am • #18
302,440 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Sarah,
Here it's hurricanes, though we've not had one in a few years.  Stay informed and prepared, that's the secret, right?  Good information.
9:13am • #19
4 Featured Posts
Cynthia ~  That is definitely the secret.  We have not flooded here in over ten years.  We may not flood this year.  No one knows for sure, but I say better safe than sorry!  Thanks for your comment and your support.  Have a terrific week!  :)
9:18am • #20

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Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public

Oregon City, OR

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Hill Valley Financial Services

Address: Oregon City, OR, 97045

Office Phone: (503) 657-3311

Cell Phone: (503) 442-1349

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