The Top 5 Disasters of 2008
January 2nd, 2009The American Red Cross’ Disaster Online Newsroom has posted a video of 2008’s top 5 disasters. These disasters were mostly weather-related.
Major Flooding in Western Oregon
January 2nd, 2009
Last week parts of Oregon had declared a state of emergency because of heavier-than-expected snowfall. This week parts of the state are dealing with the aftermath now that the temperatures have warmed up and turned the snowfall into rain.
The rivers are at flood-stage in the coastal areas and geologists are warning there may be landslides due to the weight of the melting snow. The Oregonian reports: “On Thursday, rain was falling at the rate of one-half inch an hour (in Tillamook County), and a second storm was expected to push through later in the evening…The Oregon Department of Transportation reported that water up to 16 inches deep closed Oregon 22 (Three Rivers Highway) about four miles west of the junction with Oregon 18 (Salmon River Highway)…The county opened a shelter at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds and activated its reverse 9-1-1 system to warn residents and businesses in flood areas to evacuate.”
Clackamas County in the Portland-Metro area has also declared a state of emergency. Mobile home parks and various neighborhoods have been evacuated and authorities have closed some roads. According to The Oregonian: “(Clackamas) County has closed about 60 roads. That includes the following due to landslides: U.S. 26, west of Sleepy Hollow; Oregon 224, near Tong Road; Welches Road, about a half mile north of Salmon River and Clackamas River Drive, between house numbers 13405 and 15077.” Residents are encouraged to stay home and not travel unnecessarily. One home has already been severely damaged from a landslide that injured five people.
Find relief information about the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross here.
Check out the following links for information about flood restoration:
Corncob Fire Now A State of Emergency
January 1st, 2009
Commissioners in Carroll County have declared a state of emergency after fire fighters have found it difficult to control corncobs that have set ablaze. The 17,000-ton mountain of cobs has been burning since Saturday.
So far, mostly volunteer firefighters have been dealing with the incident and working 12-hour shifts. Although now considered a state of emergency since Wednesday, this fire is not a threat to the area. Officials hope to receive state and federal assistance.
Read the full story.
Find tips on how to prepare for fire damage here.
Flood Watch for Seattle
December 26th, 2008
After what is considered “massive amounts of snow” by Seattle residents, the area is now under a flood watch as it all begins to melt.
Seattlepi.com reports: “Meteorologists predict that the combination of rising temperatures, rainfall and the last week’s snowfall could cause flooding in the city.” City officials are anxious about the costs the floods could incur after already having spent nearly $1 million during the recent snowfall and ice development in the city.
The temperature is expected to rise this weekend in the Pacific Northwest. This is a problem because there could be a lot of standing water on the roads as drains are clogged by sand and gravel placed to provide traction in the snow and ice.
It is also feared that rain falling into the snow could weigh-down flat roofs, therefore causing them to collapse.
Read the full story.
Click below to learn about the following about flooding:
Space Heater Causes Fire
December 26th, 2008
A small church in Lawrence, Massachusetts was destroyed on Christmas morning by a fire that was caused by a small space heater. The popular Latino church, Iglesia Nueva Jerusalem, also had a small community thrift shop. The church did not have the heater turned on when the fire started, but the heater was left plugged in to the outlet. Officials, however, are still investigating the incident.
The three-alarm fire caused about $200,000 of damage. Fortunately, no one was injured in the event. However, restoring the building will be difficult as the owner did not have it insured.
The Boston Globe, who reported this story, states in the article:
“In 2005, heating equipment fires accounted for 16 percent of all reported home fires and 22 percent of home fire deaths. Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third of the home heating fires and three-fourths of home heating fire deaths, the association found.”
Click here to see tips about how to heat your home and business safely. Also learn how businesses can get back on their feet with restoration specialists that focus on business continuity after fires.
Do you notice anything wrong with the picture of the space heater above? (Hint: Think of its placement.)
