Klamath Basin News, Friday, October 13 – Solar Eclipse Weekend; Safety Info Here; Oregon News Roundup

The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your Local Health and Medicare agents. Call 541-882-6476.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

It’s one day away. Tens of millions in the Americas will have front-row seats for Saturday’s rare “ring of fire” Solar Eclipse of the sun.

What’s called an annular solar eclipse — better known as a ring of fire — will briefly dim the skies over parts of the western U.S. and Central and South America.

As the moon lines up precisely between Earth and the sun, it will blot out all but the sun’s outer rim. A bright, blazing border will appear around the moon for as much as five minutes, wowing skygazers along a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Brazil.

The celestial showstopper will yield a partial eclipse across the rest of the Western Hemisphere.

It’s a prelude to the total solar eclipse that will sweep across Mexico, the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, in six months. Unlike Saturday, when the moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the sun from our perspective, the moon will be at the perfect distance on April 8, 2024.

Locally, tens of thousands are expected in the Fort Klamath area for Eclipsefest 2023, which kicked off Thursday and will run through Sunday.

The Klamath Basin will be one of the best places to catch the eclipse in Oregon because it’s directly under the path. That means people will be able to see the complete ring of fire. And, while Oregonians on the coast will theoretically be able to see the eclipse first, clear skies are no guarantee there, whereas Klamath Falls gets 300 days of sunshine a year.

Partly cloudy skies are forecast Saturday morning with a daytime high of 61 in the Klamath Basin.

Crater Lake National Park has been marketed as one of the best locations to view the eclipse, and EclipseFest 2023 is being held just a few miles away.

Authorities said anyone planning to drive to view the eclipse should make sure they’re fully fueled because rural gas stations can be far and few between. The same is true of ATMs, so it’s advisable to carry cash.

Potential eclipse viewers should also pack provisions like food, water and eclipse glasses for eye protection.

(local sources, more at heraldandnews.com)

 

It’s getting closer and closer. Be prepared!

Skywatchers across a large area of Oregon are preparing for an annular solar eclipse tomorrow on Saturday all over the state of Oregon, when the sun will create a ring of fire around the moon’s shadow.

Be sure to wear proper protective eyewear or special viewing glasses to view it. Regular sunglasses will not work and will damage your eyes.

During this eclipse, the sun will appear slightly larger than the moon, leaving a ring of light. In Oregon, the path starts above Florence and Coos Bay and then moves southeast over Yoncalla, Roseburg, Chiloquin and Lakeview.

But the 160-mile-wide shadow will be seen from Corvallis to Medford and Newport to Lakeview. Hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, including people in Klamath Falls, should be able to see at least a partial eclipse starting at 9:13 a.m. Saturday.  The moon will begin to move across the sun at 8:05AM with the maximum eclipse happening at 9:19AM. The moon finishes its path of blocking the sun at 10:41AM.Watch parties have been organized from Bandon to Bend.

The Klamath Basin will be one of the best places to catch the eclipse in Oregon because it’s directly under the path. That means people will be able to see the complete ring of fire. And, while Oregonians on the coast will theoretically be able to see the eclipse first, clear skies are no guarantee there, whereas she notes Klamath Falls gets 300 days of sunshine a year.

Festival organizers hope to capture the overflow of visitors by providing camping and RV parking in a field at Fort Klamath for 3,000 people.

An eclipse can be profound. Birds and other wildlife go quiet as the light fades and temperatures plummet. Even the shapes of shadows change.

Todd Davidson, the CEO of Travel Oregon, thinks the eclipse should be good for the economy as well. During the 2017 solar eclipse, Lane County saw a 28% increase in tax revenues from camping, hotel stays, restaurants and car rentals.

Davidson said this time, eastern Oregon should also be able to showcase its low-light pollution, one of the latest trends driving tourism.

Authorities said anyone planning to drive to view the eclipse should make sure they’re fully fueled because rural gas stations can be far and few between. The same is true of ATMs, so it’s advisable to carry cash.

Potential eclipse viewers should also pack provisions like food, water and eclipse glasses for eye protection. And while there’s a lot of public land on which to camp, it’s often indistinguishable from private property, so authorities advise being mindful about trespassing.   (more at HeraldandNews.com)

Eclipse Fest 2023 has many people there already, gathering to view Saturday’s Solar Eclipse in Klamath county near Chiloquin. 

Saturday is set to be the biggest day of the festival with the eclipse happening that morning and the band SmashMouth playing that night.

Event organizers are excited about the event, which offers a great experience for visitors to the county that will be there for more than just the eclipse.

The eclipse will be viewable from most of Southern Oregon.  (kdrv 12)

 

More than 20 thousand or more extra visitors are headed to Klamath County this weekend to take a look at the annular solar eclipse on Saturday. 

Ahead of the event tomorrow, the Klamath County Public Health Department is sharing some tips on how to stay safe and healthy.

 

Eye safety

1. Grab a pair of eclipse glasses.  Eclipse glasses are crucial when it comes to looking directly at the sun. These special glasses block out ultraviolet rays and other harmful light from the sun.  

Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.Eclipse glasses are what you want! These are not regular sunglasses. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun.

Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

2. Get set for changes in the weather

There may be clouds in the forecast for Klamath Falls this weekend, but the weather can always change. Lane says it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen just in case, and have a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated.

3. Keep tabs on your medical needs

With thousands of people coming into Klamath County this weekend, prepare for delays or low stock at your pharmacy. Lane recommends you stock up a few weeks’ worth of prescription medications or other necessary supplies. You also might want to get your flu shot and wash your hands after being exposed to others.   (kdrv 12, Klamath County Health Dept sources)

A chip pile at Columbia Forest Products caught fire Tuesday night with flames 20 feet high.

Captain Lorrin Rose from Fire District 4 was on the scene at 11 p.m. Tuesday night, roughly 95 minutes after a call came in to report the fire. Rose said the update from crews as of 6 a.m. Wednesday morning said “all Klamath County resources were released.

The release came after private contractors, including Lost River Fire Management, arrived on scene to set up industrial sprinklers on the chip piles which will run throughout the remainder of the week.

She noted that there’s a chance for continued fire activity for the remainder of the week, but the fire’s forward progression is halted.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but chip piles, Rose said, have been known for unexpected combustion.  Additional chip piles located directly behind the fire are also being suppressed to prevent potential spread of the remaining burn. (more at HeraldandNews.com)

 

East Rim Drive at Crater Lake. Open, then closed, and possibly reopened.

East Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park, which has been closed for construction, fully opened to all traffic earlier week but a Tuesday snow storm resulted in it being closed on Wednesday. Park officials said the closure is temporary while snow plows clear the road.

Superintendent Craig Ackerman said reopening will happen “as skies clear,” but conditions will be assessed on a daily basis because some high elevation area received up to 6 inches of fallen and drifting snow.

The section of East Rim Drive from the Cleetwood Cove trailhead-parking lot was closed most of the summer because of ongoing road reconstruction. The project is expected to take five years and is limited to the summer because of the park’s routinely heavy snow as the section slated for 2023 rehabilitation has been completed. The road up to the Cloudcap Overlook also reopened, but that section will retain a gravel surface until next year.

The park will be open for the Saturday morning eclipse but the status of driving along East Rim Drive is weather dependent. Because seasonal interpretive rangers have completed their summer season no eclipse-related programs will be offered.

Park officials also released a statement about the East Rim Drive project.

(more at HeraldandNews.com)

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners said no to homelessness on public property, Tuesday, adopting an ordinance that outlaws camping, lying or sleeping from dusk to dawn.

The commissioners passed Ordinance 96 after a public hearing, during with resident Jesse Withers told the board he believes the ordinance will result in further problems with the county’s homeless population.

Withers told the Herald and News that passing Ordinance 96 would punish and further hinder the “good” homeless population. Withers also said there was potential for more breaking into properties by the homeless as there are no other sleeping alternatives for those not wanting to stay at the Mission.

The ordinance says that no person shall camp, lay or sleep from dusk to dawn on public property in the following areas: any area zoned for residential use; within 100 yards of any waterway or wetland; within 1,000 yards of a public school, childcare facility or homeless shelter; within the boundaries of any public right-of-way; on or near railroad tracks; on public sidewalks or trailers in a manner that prevents safe pedestrian and/or mobility device access.

It also says individuals may not allow any garbage or waste to accumulate; may not hook up to any utility; may not attach any camping shelter to nearby buildings or trees; may not dig or excavate; and may not erect any structures or tents.

Once a place has been used for sitting, lying or sleeping (including in a vehicle), the place cannot be used again for at least 72 hours according to the ordinance. If a person violates the ordinance, Klamath County Code Enforcement, or the sheriff’s office, will first give a 24-hour written notice to the individual to remedy the violation before issuing a citation.

The ordinance became effective upon passing.   (more at HeraldandNews.com)

 

Klamath County’s twice-elected sheriff is under investigation this week after a complaint was filed to the Oregon Ethics Commission for potential nepotism.

According to the complaint filed by Commissioner Derrick DeGroot on June 15, Sheriff Chris Kaber broke county policy by reappointing his son, Sgt. Ryan Kaber, to fulfill the vacant role of detective sergeant, a supervisory position over the detectives unit which he recently left after being selected to oversee the K-9 Unit.

Had the county approved the requested change of status for the sergeant, Ryan would have been tasked with both the duties of leading the K-9 Unit as well as his former detective division.

The sheriff said the detective division was falling into disrepair after losing experienced officers earlier this year.

Sheriff Kaber told Herald and News that the appointment of his son was intended to be temporary. Kaber also told the paper that he made this decision based on the most up-to-date policy provided by Lexipol, a private company which provides legal support with regularly updated policies and laws that are relative to law enforcement.

Lexipol policy states that the selection process for special assignment positions may be waived for temporary assignments, emergency situations, training and at the discretion of the sheriff.

The agreement in question is Resolution 2018-016 which was passed by the county in 2018, one year into Sheriff Kaber’s first term.

In an interview with Herald and News, DeGroot said the resolution serves as an “exception to county policy” as it relates to relatives working in the same department.

To date, the sheriff has not been in direct supervision of either of his sons as the duties were assigned to Sgt. Bryan Bryson and Lt. Randy Swan.

Sheriff Kaber said he remains hopeful that an alternative solution can be found.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)

 

Klamath County’s woodstove air quality season starts this weekend.

Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) officials say the seasonal Air Quality Advisory for woodstove heating begins Sunday, October 15, and ends March 15, 2024.

KCPH Environmental Health Administrator Lance Lindow says residents within the air quality zone (AQZ) help reduce local air pollution from woodstoves and fireplaces by using information provided by Klamath County Public Health. During more extreme events of air stagnation, agencies and residents outside the AQZ are also involved in the reduction of pollution by reducing or restricting burning in their area.

Klamath County residents can learn when to burn by calling 541-882-BURN (2876), or checking an air quality message board at the Fairgrounds as well as online.  Daily information is available after 8:30 a.m.

Klamath County Public Health supplied a color-coded guide to help determine whether wood heating is allowed within the AQZ:

• Green: All woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces may be used inside and outside the air quality zone. Outdoor burning is allowed outside the air quality zone. Check with your local fire district prior to burning. Use only seasoned dry wood.
• Yellow: Only certified woodstoves, pellet stoves, and fireplace inserts may be used inside the air quality zone. Individuals with approved exemptions may use their wood burning heat source inside the air quality zone. Use only seasoned dry wood.
• Red: Only pellet stoves may be used inside the air quality zone. Individuals with approved exemptions may use their wood burning heat source inside the air quality zone. Use only seasoned dry wood. Outdoor burning is prohibited countywide.
• Red health alert: Only pellet stoves may be used inside the air quality zone. Exemptions are void inside the air quality zone. All Klamath County residents, inside and outside the air quality zone, are encouraged to use a non-wood burning source of heat. Outdoor burning is prohibited countywide.

Klamath County is in the process of updating the Air Quality Ordinance for the Klamath Falls-area Air Quality Zone. The changes make the ordinance simple to understand with only three burning-related options: burning allowed, exempt woodburning devices only, and no burning allowed.

Map of alert index area here.  air quality map of KF  (kdrv 12)

 

In the midst of fall weather, it’s the time of year to get out the winter attire for the coming cold months and, if you can, help others in need.

The annual Coats for Kids campaign is underway with donations of children’s new and gently used coats are now being collected in communities across southern Oregon.

A news release from Windermere Real Estate announced the start of the coat collection drive which will continue through Oct. 29.

The public can donate youth-sized coats at local Windermere branches, including one in Klamath Falls, located at 519 Main St. in Klamath Falls.

Donated coats can be dropped off between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. To donate at a different time, the release said community members can contact their local Windermere broker for more details.

Coats will cleaned and delivered to local schools every Friday for children in need, the release said.   (more at HeraldandNews.com)

 

Oregon’s workers’ compensation insurance and benefits agency has free safety seminars planned for agriculture and construction industries.  They include Central Point and Klamath Falls.

The State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation (SAIF) says it will tour the state during the next few months to offer those free agriculture and construction safety sessions.  The seminars are designed primarily for people working in the two industries but are open to anyone interested in safety and health—they don’t have to be insured by SAIF.

SAIF is offering seven free construction seminars in four cities, starting October 31 and planned through May 2024. Three of the seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish. SAIF also is hosting English and Spanish webinars online.

Topics include how to prepare for an injury-free workday and how to respond to incidents and analysis. The seminars—in Wilsonville, Eugene, Central Point and Newport—run 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

SAIF says its 30 free agriculture safety seminars in 17 cities across Oregon start October 24 and continue through March, with 10 of the seminars presented entirely in Spanish.  SAIF also will host online sessions in December and March in English and Spanish. (kdrv 12)

 

Friends of the Children of the Klamath Basin will launch its Annual Potato Sale fundraiser Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the parking lot of Klamath Falls Subaru on Washburn Way.

Beginning November 6, potatoes will be available for delivery in Klamath Falls.

The potatoes are premium russets donated by CAL-ORE Produce. They will be sold in 20-pound boxes for $25, with all proceeds directly supporting youth mentoring in the Klamath Basin.

New this year is online ordering through https://ddock.co/199bdd. Buyers can also call 541-273-2022.

Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin is a chapter of a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. We select youth facing the greatest obstacles and commit to working with those children for 12+ years. Learn more at friendsklamath.org.  (submitted press release)

 

The Ross Ragland Theater in partnership with the Klamath Community Band will present “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas,” an evening filled with Halloween-inspired music that will get you in the spooky season mood.

The concert is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday.

The wickedly talented band is directed by Rob Izzett.  This performance is the first of the Ragland Classical Series for the 2023-24 season. General admission tickets start at $15. Senior, military and student discount options are available, and youth under 12 get in free.

Visit the theater’s website at www.ragland.org to learn more and RSVP in advance. The box office is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or two hours before show time the day of any show at 218 N. 7th Street. Doors open an hour before the event.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)

Ready for a scare?

Monster Mac’s Lunatic Asylum is back to haunt your dreams this October for one last year of fright before moving on from Klamath County.

The “Monster” himself said this year’s production is a real scream with an assortment of famed static and animatronic props.

With an animatronic hand 10 feet in length and a few choice pieces straight from the 1982 film “The Thing,” the Asylum doesn’t intend to

disappoint.

Though it is their last production here in Klamath Falls, Mac and his wife, “Kreepy” Kristi McCune, aren’t ready to give up the ghost quite yet, with promises to continue the memorable haunt in Nevada, to which they’re currently in the process of moving.

For now, though, the horror enthusiasm continues in Klamath Falls with tickets available every Friday and Saturday in October, as well as Oct. 30 and, of course, Halloween Day, Oct. 31.

Tickets can be purchased online at app.hauntpay.com/events/monster-macs-lunatic-asylum, or by scanning the QR code available on their official Facebook page, facebook.com/monstermac2018.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door, at 601 Main St.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)

 

Around the state of Oregon

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office says today the body of a rafter on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River was both recovered and identified yesterday.

It says the body of 46-year-old David Bartecchi of Colorado was located this week after it received notification Monday afternoon that a deceased man was located between Upper and Lower Washboard on the Rogue River, later identified as Bartecchi.

The Sheriff’s Office says local rafting outfitter Orange Torpedo volunteered time and assisted the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office recovering Bartecchi who was rafted about two miles downriver to Black Bar Lodge, where help from Black Bar Lodge staff and Hull and Hull Funeral Service was provided.

The Sheriff’s Office says 46-year-old David Bartecchi of Colorado was pinned under water to the side of the rock, despite several people in the group working to pull him out. (kdrv 12)

 

Two Washington state murder suspects were arrested in the City of Medford Wednesday.

According to Medford Police, William Charles Williams, 40, and Kennedy Marie Karpf, 24, were wanted for a deadly shooting on September 28 in Shelton, Washington.

Police say Williams and Karpf were located in Medford.  Williams was arrested at a home on Swing Lane without incident.  Karpf was located shortly after at a local business where she was arrested without incident.

Medford Police say it is in contact with the Shelton Police Department about this case and arrest.

Any ties Williams and Karpf have to Jackson County are not being released. William and Karpf were both booked into Jackson County Jail.  (Medford PD)

 

The FBI is assisting the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office in searching for an adult male who is considered armed and dangerous and could be in the Ontario area, the agency said on social media.

Authorities say a woman was found dead in her car in the Ontario School District parking lot on Tuesday. She’s identified as 24-year-old Daniela Perez.

The FBI says the man is pictured wearing a white “bowling-like” shirt with stripes and a lanyard.

According to the post, investigators believe the suspect, in a silver Chevrolet with Mexico tags, may have been in the Ontario, Oregon area of Love’s Truck Stop between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and at the Natural Food Market between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on October 10.

If you see anything suspicious or recognize the suspect, or the vehicle, you are asked to call the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office at 541-473-5126.

(FBI/Oregon)

 

As cold and flu season quickly approaches, the American Red Cross of Oregon is reminding donors that they can still give blood or platelets after receiving a flu vaccine, so long as they are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation.

Likewise, there is no deferral or wait time for those receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Since announcing a national blood and platelet shortage a month ago, thousands of donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to help rebuild the American Red Cross blood and platelet supply.

As that generosity continues, the Red Cross is working around-the-clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations – over and above expectations – each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs.

Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets. 

Don’t wait – patients are counting on critical care this fall. To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

(submitted press release)

 

Independent contractors hired to review an Oregon Secretary of State audit of the state’s cannabis program said officials should remove the audit from the state’s website and “conduct additional work to ensure the public can have full trust” in its independence, according to documents released Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Justice.

Gov. Tina Kotek had tasked the Justice Department with arranging the outside review after revelations that former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan had a $10,000-a-month side job with an embattled cannabis company owned by Rosa Cazares and Aaron Mitchell, her friends and political supporters.

Records showed Fagan shared information about the pending audit with Cazares and that Fagan incorporated Carzares’ feedback almost verbatim. Cazares was later interviewed by auditors at Fagan’s suggestion and gave a withering view of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission and its leadership. Fagan’s work for Cazares’ company, Veriede Holdings, an affiliate of pot chain La Mota, led to her resignation in May. (Oregon news)

 

Are you America’s next billionaire? No, unfortunately you are not. ha.

The Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth $1.76 billion, the game’s second-largest prize, was sold in California last night, October 11^th, Wednesday night.

The winning numbers were 22, 24, 40, 52, 64, and the red Powerball 10.

The life-changing ticket was sold at Midway Market & Liquors in Frazier Park, Calif., located 75 miles north of Los Angeles.

…BUT… three tickets sold in Oregon for Wednesday’s second-largest Powerball in history, and someone in Oregon won a $100,000 ticket, which was sold in Eugene and two $50,000 winning tickets were sold in Tigard and Beaverton.

Since the current Powerball jackpot run up began on July 22, several winners in Oregon won prizes adding up to a total of $7.75 million. The jackpot prize ranks as the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.

The Oregon Lottery sold more than $32 million in tickets for the game run as excitement for this jackpot gained momentum. Approximately a third of sales from Powerball will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

 

With Southern Oregon and Northern California officially showing “low” level of COVID-19 transmission, the nation’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows COVID-19 hospitalizations in late September in Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Lake and Siskiyou counties.

With coronavirus lingering in the area, Siskiyou County Public Health is advising people about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bridge Access Program (BAP) for COVID-19 vaccines, as vaccine distribution changed last month as these products moved onto the commercial market.

Siskiyou County Public Health (SCPH) says COVID-19 vaccines are still covered at no cost for most people living in the U.S. through private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans.

CDC’s Bridge Access Program is a temporarily offering COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to adults 18 years and older without health insurance and adults with insurance that doesn’t offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccination, as BAP “is leveraging existing public health infrastructure through jurisdiction immunization awardees, local health departments (LHDs), and HRSA-supported health centers to provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines.  (submitted press release)

 

During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross Cascades Region reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes.

The top reason for cooking fires is someone leaving the stove unattended while cooking.

Follow these 10 steps to help stay safe while cooking:

1. If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended — stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
2. Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
3. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
4. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
5. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. (submitted press release)

 

Oregon State Parks ready for Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, Annular Solar Eclipse

Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse.

Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.

“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.

He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event.

He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse.

Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used.

Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Whether you’re an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes and clear skies.

For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.

 

October Events Raise Awareness About Earthquake Preparedness

Oregon is home to several fault lines that cause dozens of earthquakes every year. The most known earthquake threat is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault located off the Pacific coast that puts Oregon at risk for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake.

A quake of that size could cause five to seven minutes of shaking, followed by a tsunami that would devastate coastal areas. October features several events reminding Oregonians to prepare and protect themselves before the ground starts shaking.

Wireless Emergency Alerts
“One of the most important steps people can take is to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, on their cell phones,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon. “WEA are short emergency messages sent to your phone to warn of an impending natural or human-made disaster, like an earthquake. WEA messages can provide immediate, life-saving information.”

ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Notifications
People in Oregon, Washington and California who’ve opted into WEA automatically receive ShakeAlert earthquake early warning notifications for earthquakes in their area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, which can offer critical seconds of warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace themselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people on their cell phones. The alert makes a distinctive sound and displays a text message reading, “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself.” This message is also available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language. Some cell phones with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.

Great Oregon ShakeOut
An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment.

“Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.”

When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:

• Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website.

ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready
OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare. Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.

 

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