Sisters Country Prepared & Ready – 2020-10-14

BE PREPARED FOR A DISASTER in Sisters Country #SistersCountryPreparedandReady PHOTO OF GREEN RIDGE FIRE COURTESY BARRAGESTUDIO.COM

Sisters Country is a magical place, surrounded by majestic mountains and clear-flowing rivers. This landscape is also fraught with risk from natural hazards. The beautiful mountains that

grace the horizon are actually dormant volcanos that once were active. The meandering creeks and rivers that flow through our community are subject to flooding and ice dams. Significant wind, hail, and snowstorms can cause extensive damage. And it is rare to make it through the summer season without a wildfire on the landscape.

Even with these natural hazards in our backyard, there isn’t a better place to call home.

Thank you for reading Be Prepared for a Disaster in Sisters Country . This publication was prepared by the SistersCamp Sherman Fire District in partnership with The Nugget Newspaper, Deschutes County Emergency Management, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Our hope is that you review the following information and evaluate your level of preparedness. We also encourage you

to share this information with friends and family.

This preparedness insert is divided into three distinct sections. The first section encourages residents to be prepared, and provides helpful checklists to make sure you are ready for what could happen at any time. The second section provides specific information about the Cascadia Subduction Zone and how an earthquake on the Oregon Coast could have significant impacts in Sisters. This section also includes information on how you and your family can participate in the Great Oregon Shakeout, the world’s largest earthquake drill. The last section is dedicated to home safety and includes important information about how to make your home more resilient to wildfires and prevent kitchen fires.

We have also included information about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

We encourage you to keep this insert and to refer to it as you prepare for what could happen in Sisters Country. We also hope you will join us on October 15 for the Great Oregon Shakeout exercise.

For more information visit Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at www.sistersfire. com or on Facebook @SCSRFPD.

Preparedness happens in steps Jack McGowan has been on a decades-long journey into emergency ourney — and it starts with the first steps. step ps. preparedness. He emphasizes that it is a journey

of supplies and gear; like Jack, they y add add Few people can afford to lay in a big stockpile of to it incrementally. so ources,â€? he said. Looking over ove verr his his kit, kit, he ki he “You don’t have to have a lot of economic resources,â€? ake e the first step and the the first firrst step ste tep p doesn’t does do esn’ n’t n’ noted, “this is over many years‌ You have to take have to break the bank.â€? kin ng for Mayor Bud Bud Clark Cla lark rk of of Portland, Portland Po nd,, nd Thirty-five years ago, when he was working uln nerabilities from Portland’s Por ortl tlan an nd’ d s emergency em e mer e ge genc ncy cy McGowan got a personal tour of the city’s vulnerabilities ch hanged man,â€? ,â€? he he said. s id sa d. services manager. “I walked away from that a changed g about a whatt Most of us go through our days not thinking n the earth h could — and inevitably will — happen when storm howls howl wlss shakes, the forests burn, or a crippling winter storm nd to be prepre ein. Jack learned to think about those things and co oul uld, d,,â€? he he pared. “I brought that message everywhere I could,â€? said. p your your family yo fam amililly Being prepared means you’re ready to keep rst respondre esp pon o d-safe — and it means taking the pressure off first ers in a major emergency. enc nc ce we p utt “The more responsibility, the more resilience put rsstt upon ourselves‌ we can say to those first responders, ‘We’re OK; you go help others.â€? ith h Preparedness is within everyone’s reach with ed d simple steps. It really just requires continued re eawareness. Every step taken toward greater preity it y,, y paredness creates a greater sense of capability, erss er of responsibility and resilience, helping Sisters Country to be ready to take care of our own.

The Sisters Country Vision Project encourages Sisters residents to be prepared and ready for any type of disaster or emergency

In 2018, hundreds of Sisters Country residents provided input regarding a shared vision for the future of Sisters Country. From this input, the Sisters Country Vision was born. The Vision consists of 20 Vision Strategies in four focus areas: Prosperous, Livable, Connected, and Resilient Sisters.

Within the Resilient Sisters focus area are a total of five vision strategies. Disaster preparedness and response is the fifth strategy and calls for the promotion of enhanced coordination of disaster preparedness and response in Sisters Country within the statewide network. Improved and enhanced natural disaster preparedness, and socioeconomic resilience training and education programs are also identified as top priorities. The information provided in this insert supports the efforts of the Sisters Country Vision and provides important information for all Sisters Country residents.

For more information about the Sisters Country Vision, visit www.sistersvision.org.

A large earthquake or tsunami could destroy much of the area’s transportation network. Sisters Country residents are encouraged to be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of two weeks. This preparedness lessens the strain on emergency responders, who need to focus limited resources on injured and other vulnerable populations immediately following a disaster. What does two weeks look like? There is no one correct way to put together two weeks’ worth of supplies since everyone has individual dietary and medical needs. If your family includes children, seniors, or pets, you will have additional needs. Everyone’s kit will look different, but for a basic starting point, keep reading!

MAKE A PLAN

Emergencies can happen at any time.

Does your family know how to get in touch with each other if you are not together? Visit this site to create your Family Communication Plan: www. ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ ready_family-communications-plan_ parents.pdf.

BUILD A KIT

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.

Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

FIRST-AID KIT

Your first-aid kit should include any medications you or members of your family take regularly, phone numbers of healthcare providers, a copy of health insurance cards for each member of your family, medical history

information, photocopies of prescriptions, and any other health essentials used regularly. Once you have built your first aid kit, make sure your family members know what items it contains and how to use them. Replace items as soon as they are used and check your kit periodically for expired contents to replace. You can customize your kit to make it work for you and your family, such as including a reflective vest, rain poncho, and LED road flares in your car kit. Consider your individual needs when designing your kits for your home, work, and car. For more information on putting together your first-aid kit visit www. oregon.gov/oem/Documents/15024_ O E M _ 2 We e k s Re a d y _ F i r s t % 2 0 Aid_2018%20v2.pdf

GET TRAINED

Get trained in CPR/First Aid. SistersCamp Sherman Fire District offers monthly classes for the community.

Sign up at www.sistersfire.com/ first-aid-cpr-aed-classes/.

EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE!

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. Below are some tips on how to survive an extended power outage.

For more information visit www.ready.gov/power-outages.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.

• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.

Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

• Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

• Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

BASIC EMERGENCY KIT Water, 14-gallons per person (one gallon per person per day) Food (14-day supply) for each person Radio, battery-powered or hand-crank Flashlight and extra batteries First-aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask Moist towelettes Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Manual can opener for food Local maps Cell phone and charger Seasonal jacket Additional Items for Emergency Kit: Prescription eyeglasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents (insurance papers, birth certificates, bank records, etc.)

Cash (small values, such as $5 or $10) Emergency reference material (first-aid books) Sleeping bag or warm blankets Complete change of clothing Household chlorine bleach, unscented & soapfree (change every 6 months along with water) Fire extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container or a lighter Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Toilet paper Plastic bags for sanitation Mess kits, paper cups and plates Paper & pencil games, books, puzzles, activities For additional information on emergency kits visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

City of Sisters is prepared for emergencies Preparedness and resilience are a partnership between individuals and their families and public-safety agencies and organizations, from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District to the City of Sisters.

The City has worked steadily and mindfully to improve its infrastructure to be prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Paul Bertagna, public works director for the City of Sisters reported that the water, sewer, and transportation systems have all been prepared in the event of a disaster in Sisters Country.

Water system: Each of the City’s three existing wells are strategically located in different quadrants of the city, including a new well that will be online in the spring of 2021. This

provides system redundancy in case Sisters has catastrophic failure in one or more of the well locations.

• Two of the City’s wells have back-up power to operate in a power outage. Well #4 will have back-up power as well.

• The City also has the ability to gravity-feed the water system from a reservoir, which they keep above 70 percent capacity at all times.

Sewer system: The primary pump station that serves the entire City has back-up power to operate in a power outage.

• The sewer treatment plant was designed to be able to operate without power for an extended period of time.

• The City has a vacuum truck that can be

mobilized to handle any additional high water levels at the City’s three small satellite pump stations.

Transportation system: The City of Sisters and County public works departments have authority to close streets and bridges within their respective jurisdictions.

• Sisters has relationships with all Central Oregon public works departments for access to additional equipment, labor, traffic control, and bridge/road-assessment resources through the Central Oregon Public Works Partnership Intergovernmental Agreement.

The City of Sisters has a 750-gallon fuel trailer to refuel back-up generators.

What is the Cascadia Subduction Zone?

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a 600-mile fault that runs from northern California up to British Columbia and is about 70 to 100 miles off the Pacific Coast shoreline.

Camp Sherman

There have been 41 earthquakes in the last 10,000 000 years within this fault that have occurred as few as 190 arthyears or as much as 1,200 years apart. The last earth700, quake that occurred in this fault was on January 26, 1700, used with an estimated 9.0 magnitude. This earthquake caused the coastline to drop several feet and a tsunami to form and crash into the land. Japanese historic records indicate that a destructive distantly-produced tsunami struck ogical their coast on January 26, 1700. By studying the geological records and the flow of the Pacific Ocean, scientistss have been able to link the tsunami in Japan with the great earthgends quake from the Pacific Northwest. Native American legends also support the timing of this event.

Oregon has the potential for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake caused by the Cascadia Subduction Zone and a resulting tsunami of up to 100 feet in height that will impact ling will the coastal area. Two to four minutes of shaking or rolling be felt along the coast line with the strength and intensity decreasing the further inland you are.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone has not produced an earthquake since 1700, and is building up pressure where the Juan de Fuca Plate is subsiding underneath the North American plate. Currently, scientists are predicting that there is about a 37 percent chance that a megathrust earthquake of 7.1+ magnitude in this fault zone will occur in the next 50 years. This event will be felt throughout the Pacific Northwest.

With the current preparedness levels of Oregon, we can anticipate being without services and assistance for at least two weeks — possibly longer — when the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake occurs. While this will be difficult to overcome, our citizens, businesses, schools, government and communities as a whole can take steps to get prepared. Take action now by actively planning and preparing yourself and your community to be ready for two weeks.

Information courtesy Althea Rizzo, Ph.D.—Geological Hazards Program Coordinator for Oregon Emergency Management

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What W hat will Cascadia be like in Sisters Country?

After-Shock Link: www.opb.org/aftershock-story/ Join the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District right from your home or business for International ShakeOut Day October 15, 2020 at 10:15 a.m.

1. Drop, Cover and Hold On: DROP to the ground, TAKE COVER under a table or desk, and HOLD ON to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds).

Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes.

2. While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?

Impact of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake to the Sisters area Subduction zones produce the largest earthquakes and tsunamis on Earth. The Pacific Northwest is bordered on the west by a 600mile fault that can produce earthquakes similar in size and impact to 2011 in Japan. Only half of the time does Cascadia produce the largest 9.0 earthquakes, though the smaller earthquakes range from 7.6 Mw to 8.4 Mw. The earthquake shaking will last two to four minutes. Shaking intensity could be strong near Sisters, with some areas of moderate shaking. Some areas will see stronger shaking in soft soils near rivers and lakes. Most of the damage to the built environment will not come from the intensity of shaking but the duration.

Damage to the built environment will be mostly to vulnerable building types such as unreinforced masonry buildings or non-ductile concrete. Single-family homes do quite well in

these types of earthquakes if they have been built or retrofitted to the current seismic building codes. Consider securing the nonstructural elements of your home, such as bookcases and wall art. The most common injury is from things falling on you during the shaking and is easily prevented. Earthquake early warning systems, such as ShakeAlert, will give a few seconds warning that an earthquake is coming and to take protective actions and Duck, Cover, and Hold on.

The most damaging aspect of the earthquake will be to the utilities and supply chain.

Remember COVID-19 toilet paper shortages?

Now imagine not having a working water system or power for several months to several years. Christchurch, New Zealand had residential areas without working sewer systems for two years. The supply chain will be severely

impacted in the entire Pacific Northwest, with major ports on the West Coast closed for months. This means goods will have to come from the east via truck and train. Sisters is at the end of that supply chain.

What does this mean to residents and visitors to the Sisters area? Being prepared to be self-sufficient and to be able to support your neighbors and community will be vital and lifesaving. It could be weeks before any aid is sent to populations more distant and rural.

Remember, everyone you would normally call on for aid will also be victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Be prepared to take care of yourself and to help others. We are all in this together.

By Althea Rizzo, Ph.D. | Geological Hazards Program Coordinator Operations and Preparedness Section | Oregon Office of Emergency Management

H

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HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Have a plan to escape if a fire occurs in your home. Plan at least two ways out of every room — usually a window and a door.

Make sure that doors and windows function. If your home is multi-level, consider using a collapsible ladder for upper stories. Consider if anyone in the home might need assistance. Plan for a meeting place in front of your home, such as a tree or mailbox, where firefighters can easily find you. Never go back inside. Have a plan for calling 9-1-1 from outside. Practice the plan at least twice a year.

Make sure everyone in your home knows how to call 9-1-1 and when to use it.

Make sure everyone knows your address.

“Close before you doze.” Make sure all sleeping areas have a door that can be shut. Doors can limit the spread of smoke and fire, and buy critical time to escape.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove have the flue inspected and cleaned by certified chimney sweep at least once a year. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Make sure that the chimney is clear of snow.

Dispose of ashes directly outside in a non-combustible container away from the house. Ashes may stay hot for days.

If you have gas-burning appliances, such as a stove for cooking or heating, or a water heater, make sure that they are vented properly, especially when it snows.

Give heaters space — make sure that there is at least three feet of clearance between anything that creates heat, such as space heaters, wall heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves, and combustibles.

Only use extension cords temporarily, and never plug a space heater into an extension cord. Never run extension cords under carpets, through walls, or in a place where they can be pinched.

Have a plan for a power outage. Never use a generator or barbecue indoors, even in the garage. Use battery-operated lights, not candles.

If you choose to use candles, make sure that they are in a sturdy container that can retain melted wax and keep them away from things that might burn, including decorations. Always extinguish candles when leaving the room.

If you smoke, dispose of smoking materials in a non-combustible container.

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Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen and garage, in an easily accessible location. Know how to use it by remembering PASS. Have an escape route before fighting a fire, and make sure all other occupants are evacuating.

If you have to evacuate due to a fire, close all doors as you exit to limit the spread of the fire. Stay below the smoke.

Test SMOKE

ALARMS monthly

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution” • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

What to do when the EARTH SHAKES?

DROP!

COVER! HOLD ON!

DROP where you are, onto your next to an interior wall (away from hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.

• If no shelter is nearby, crawl

windows).

• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

HOLD ON until shaking stops.

• Under shelter: Hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts • No shelter: Hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are important! During a fire, you may have less than three minutes to escape. Smoke alarms alert you to the danger and give your family time to get out.

You are four times more likely to survive a home fire if you have a working smoke alarm.

CO is a poisonous, odorless gas that is created when fuels burn. CO poisoning can be fatal at high levels, and can result from fireplaces, woodstoves, gas furnaces or other gas appliances, portable generators, or vehicles left running in garages.

CO alarms installed in your home give you early warning of carbon monoxide.

You should have working smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), inside each bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom.

For both types of alarms, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height, as well as for the type of battery to use. For information on the number of alarms required by Oregon law, contact your local Building Codes Division.

Smoke alarms and CO alarms with a nonreplaceable (long-life) battery are designed to be effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, immediately replace the alarm. For smoke alarms with any other type of battery (9 volt, AA, etc.), replace the battery at least once a year.

If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery. You should replace all smoke alarms that are 10 or more years old.

Test your alarm batteries by pushing the test button at least once a month.

For more information call the Fire District at 541-549-0771.

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FIRST AID KIT!

READ this Sisters Country Prepared & Ready publication.

JOIN US on October 15, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. for International ShakeOut Day (see below).

TAG US in a photo or video on Facebook or Instagram @SCSRFPD of your family participating in the drill and let us know what you learned. #SistersCountryPreparedandReady

Join the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District right from your home or business for International ShakeOut Day, October 15, 2020, at 10:15 a.m.

1. Drop, Cover and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes!

2. While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others?

What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?