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What to do during a disaster

During a disaster, it is important to stay calm, use common sense, and follow the instructions of officials. Keep your radio or TV on throughout the event to ensure that you receive updated information and instructions.

Below are tips for surviving the kinds of events that are known to occur during the winter and spring months in Oregon.

Flood
Flooding can cause extensive physical devastation. Find out if you live in a flood-prone area by contacting your local emergency-management office or Red Cross chapter. See Learn more box, below.
If a flood happens in your area:
  • Tune into the radio or TV for instructions to evacuate.
  • Raise or remove valuable items if there is time.
  • Don’t walk or drive through flowing flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with flood water that may be contaminated.
Severe winter storms
A major storm can be dangerous, particularly when it is followed by a prolonged power outage.
Steps to take in the event of a storm:
  • Before the storm, secure loose items that could be blown about.
  • Store extra food, water, a first-aid kit, and fuel in case you get stuck at home without electricity.
  • Keep vehicles fueled and in good repair, with an emergency preparedness kit inside each vehicle.
  • Have a snow shovel and rock salt on hand to remove snow and melt ice on walkways.
  • Have a back-up heat source.
Thunderstorms
Some thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. Look out for dark, towering, or threatening clouds, and distant lightning and thunder.
When a thunderstorm strikes:
  • Stay inside away from windows, water, and faucets.
  • Use the phone only for emergencies.
  • If outside, move away from high ground, power poles, and trees.

How to stay informed
Tune into, or turn on, your media of choice to get more information during or after an emergency.

Television:
Use your TV antenna to tune in the new local TV station, KWVT. You can find this station on broadcast television UHF Channel 52 in Salem, Silverton, Woodburn, McMinnville, and additional outlying areas.

Radio:
It is a good idea to keep a transistor, hand-crank or battery back-up radio on hand. Tune into one of the following radio stations:

  • KRKT 99.9 FM, Albany, 541-926-8628
  • KBZY 1490 AM, Salem, 503-362-1490
  • KSND 95.1 FM, Salem. 503-763-9951
  • KWBY 940 “La Pantera,” Woodburn, 503-981-9400
  • KYKN 1430 AM, Salem, 503-390-3014

Internet:
If you have power, you can check in at www.salem-news.com and www.statesmanjournal.com for local disaster updates.

To find out if hospital classes are cancelled or anything else at the hospital is affected by the emergency situation, go to Salem Hospital’s Web site at www.salemhospital.org. Select the “News and Events” tab for emergency notices.

Learn more
For more information on how to prepare for a disaster, refer to any of these Web sites:

 
Health News
Disaster preparedness
What to do during a disaster