Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety |
By NEIL KENNEDY
Be ready before winter KENNEDY
As October settles in, Wilsonville begins its shift from crisp autumn days to the gray skies and unpredictable weather of an Oregon winter. While our community doesn’ t face the heavy snowfalls of the Cascades
or Eastern Oregon, we are no strangers to ice storms, high winds,
power outages, and the travel disruptions that come with them. Preparing now, before the first big storm arrives, is one of the smartest things we can do for our families, neighbors, and community.
Preparing for winter weather at home
Every household should take time this fall to ensure they are ready for the season ahead. Winter storms can arrive quickly and linger, sometimes knocking out power for hours— or even days. Here are a few simple but important steps:
Check emergency supplies: Continue your march towards“ Two Weeks Ready.” Stock at least 14 days’ worth of food and water for each member of your household. Flashlights, batteries, warm blankets and a battery-powered radio are essential. Remember to include pet supplies and prescription medications.
Winterize your property: Clean
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gutters to prevent water backups, trim trees that could fall in high winds and secure outdoor furniture or holiday decorations. Even a light windstorm can scatter unsecured items.
Plan for heating: If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Portable space heaters should be used with caution— keep them at least three feet from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
Prepare for communication: Write down important phone numbers and keep them handy. Cell service and internet connections can fail during storms.
The key is not to wait until the forecast calls for an ice storm. By then, stores are often crowded, and supplies may already be running low.
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Holiday travel: car kits that save the day
The holiday season is a time of family gatherings and celebration, but it often involves more time on the road. Even short drives can become hazardous when ice or snow is present. If you plan to travel during the winter months— whether across town or over the mountain passes— take a few minutes to equip your car with a winter safety kit.
A reliable kit should include:
■ Ice scraper, snow brush and a small shovel
■ Warm blanket or sleeping bag
■ Bottled water and non-perishable snacks such as granola or trail mix
■ Remember that water will freeze( and burst bottles). It might be a good idea to only put it in the car during trips.
■ Flashlight with extra batteries
■ Jumper cables and tire chains
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■ First aid kit and basic tools
■ Portable phone charger( battery-powered)
■ Sand or cat litter to help with traction on icy roads
■ Flares or emergency triangles
■ High visibility traffic vest and gloves
It’ s also wise to keep your gas tank at least half full during the colder months. This prevents moisture from freezing in the fuel lines and ensures you have enough fuel if you become stranded in traffic or delayed by weather. Before any holiday trip, check road conditions at TripCheck. com and give yourself extra time. Rushing in poor weather only increases risks.
Security for our snowbirds
Each year, many Charbonneau residents pack up and head south for the winter months. Whether you’ re bound for Arizona, California or beyond, it’ s important to leave your Wilsonville home secure and cared for in your absence. An unattended home can become an easy target if precautions aren’ t taken.
Consider these steps before you leave:
■ Arrange for house checks: Ask a neighbor or friend to walk around your property regularly. Nothing deters trouble more than signs of activity.
■ Set up timed lights: A house that appears lived-in— lights coming on at night, curtains occasionally adjusted— is far less appealing to potential burglars.
■ Mail and deliveries: Stop or forward your mail and pause newspaper deliveries. Packages left on porches are an obvious giveaway.
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■ Outdoor security: Store ladders, tools or other items that could be used to access windows. Lock gates and sheds.
■ Notify your neighbors: Informing them of your travel dates allows them to keep an extra eye on your property, pick up packages left on the porch, and remove any solicitation door hangers( i. e. Christmas tree recycling).
■ For added peace of mind, some homeowners choose to install alarm systems, security cameras or smart doorbells. Even if you’ re hundreds of miles away, you can still check in on your home through your phone.
Building a culture of preparedness
Preparedness is more than just stocking supplies or locking doors— it’ s about building habits and community awareness. When each household takes steps to be ready, the entire neighborhood becomes more resilient. Neighbors can help each other during outages, share resources and look after homes when families are away. This is the core of Neighborhood Watch.
As your Community Safety Coordinator, my message this October is simple: don’ t wait. Take action now to prepare your household for winter weather, equip your vehicle for safe holiday travels and— if you’ re heading south for the season— make sure your home will be secure in your absence.
By planning ahead, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing you’ ve taken practical steps to keep your family, your neighbors and your property safe.
Stay safe, stay prepared and let’ s work together to keep Charbonneau a strong and resilient community.
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