Walking in slippery winter conditions is more of a challenge the older I get . Whether in Charbonneau , or visiting family and friends around the western states , I ’ ve learned about a way to walk that can significantly reduce the risk of falling — along with the resulting injuries and embarrassment that last for months and even years to heal .

From multiple videos found on You- Tube . com it is not a graceful way to walk but , when faced with a slippery grass hill , icy conditions on sidewalks , paths , or roadways , you should “ walk like a penguin ” to reduce the risk of falling . Yes , it looks like a “ waddle ” motion , and your friends might be curious , but it works . Check it out by searching on the internet for “ walk like a penguin ” and see why it makes perfect sense .

Here are other helpful hints to keep in mind as we all try to survive the next ice storm , atmospheric river , snow , and wet leaves — lots and lots of wet leaves .

Safety at home and in the car

From TravelOregon . com :

� Make sure your vehicle has clean headlights , good brakes , working windshield wipers and good tires

� Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility

� Keep about three times the distance

as usual between yourself and the vehicle in front of you in case there ’ s a spinout or incident ahead There is less traction on cold , wet , icy , or snowy roads

From the Oregon Department of Transportation - If you are traveling to family and friends during the holidays , there are many great sources of information from this website , www . oregon . gov / odot / pages / winter-driving . aspx , including :

� Current road conditions in OR , WA , CA and more

� Information on mountain passes and requirements for chains

� Useful videos such as “ Riding the I-5 roller coaster in Southern Oregon ”

From the Wilsonville Public Library - Information from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and city of Wilsonville staff . Get your home ready for winter at this website , www . wilsonvillelibrary . org / lib / page / be-prepared-winter-weather , including :

� Holiday decorating safety � Checking carbon dioxide detectors and smoke alarms � Preventing falls and hypothermia

Fall / Winter Flu Shot Clinic was a success

The Emergency Preparedness / Public Safety ( EPPS ) committee sponsored Charbonneau ’ s first ever flu shot clinic in October and it was very well received ! Two of the EPPS medically-trained residents ( MTRs ), Tim Bonino and Richard McLeod , organized the event with oversight from returned nurse Sue Swanson .

More than 160 residents received this year ’ s flu shot vaccine and were delighted to have such a convenient venue .

As shown in the pictures with this article , Albertson ’ s pharmacists administered the shots and students from Pacific University School of Pharmacy offered blood pressure and glucose checks . EPPS

Albertson ’ s pharmacists administered shots and students from Pacific University School of Pharmacy offered blood pressure and glucose checks during the flu shot clinic .

COURTESY PHOTOS

hopes to make this an annual event !

Volunteers are needed

Our present volunteer leadership team brings life skills and experiences that have made Charbonneau a resilient , prepared community that is ready to face emergency situations and safety concerns . You will find we are a congenial , relaxed group . But as time passes , people move on , move out , or wear out which leaves the EPPS committee in search of a few enthusiastic volunteers to join our team ; might you be one of those people ? Over the past few years , we have learned to use Zoom and other tools to make our contributions even when we are “ down South ” or traveling and can ’ t make a meeting . We ’ re more focused on your input , which you can share in person when you are here , or via email , text

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