HASSO HERING

A perspective from Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley

If disaster strikes

Written November 1st, 2012 by

Among the essentials: Water and a radio

The aftermath of Sandy, the big storm on the East Coast, reminds us all that we ought to be better prepared, even here in the tranquil mid-valley, where severe weather is very rare indeed.Our last really big wind storm was 50 years ago, and though it was bad, it was nothing like what hit the East Coast last week. We’ve had the occasional high water since then, and in the Cascades there’s been a big fire now and then, but for the most part, we have been spared disasters. That doesn’t mean we are immune. As we all know, our biggest threat is a big earthquake. The scientists keep telling us that we are due for one. And if it happens, it could be worse than any storm. A big quake would knock out power and destroy highways and bridges. It could also snap natural gas lines, and as the people back east have just found out, this could cause devastating fires.

So what does it mean to be prepared? Mainly, it means having a supply of food and water for everybody in your household for at least a couple of weeks. Also, figure out how to provide heat and light without either power or gas. A portable generator might come in handy. Radios and flashlights with lots and lots of batteries. Plenty of fuel for your fireplace if you have one. If not, some kind of burn barrel for outside, also with piles of fuel.

The main thing is to think ahead. Think of how you survive each day, and how you would manage without utilities at your house or gas for your truck. We may not want to look like a bunch of survivalists. But better to be prepared, better than to starve or freeze when the big one hits. (hh)





Comments are closed.

 

 
HH Today: A perspective from Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley
Albany Albany City Council Albany council Albany downtown Albany housing Albany parks Albany Planning Commission Albany police Albany Post Office Albany Public Works Albany riverfront Albany Station Albany streets Albany traffic Albany urban renewal Amtrak apartments ARA Benton County bicycling bike lanes Bowman Park Bryant Park CARA climate change COVID-19 Cox Creek Cox Creek path Crocker Lane cumberland church cycling Dave Clark Path downtown Albany Edgewater Village Ellsworth Street bridge Highway 20 homeless housing Interstate 5 land use Linn County Millersburg Monteith Riverpark North Albany North Albany Road ODOT Oregon legislature Pacific Boulevard Pacific Power Portland & Western Queen Avenue Railroads Republic Services Riverside Drive Santiam Canal Scott Lepman Talking Water Gardens The Banks Tom Cordier Union Pacific urban renewal Water Avenue Waterfront Project Waverly Lake Willamette River


Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved. Hasso Hering.
Website Serviced by Santiam Communications
Hasso Hering