| Press Release |
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| December 3, 2007 |
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State Agencies Respond to Impact of Winter Storms
Salem - After issuing a declaration of emergency to deal with weather-ravaged communities around Oregon this afternoon, and launching the Emergency Coordination Center at the Anderson Readiness Center , Governor Ted Kulongoski met with the ECC and emergency front-line officials from state agencies and the Oregon Military Department.
During the meetings, Governor Kulongoski received updates from counties about the conditions on the ground and from agency leaders about what services they can provide.
“We are responding quickly to keep people safe,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Under a declaration of emergency we can marshal people, materials and resources to communities that have been hit by this series of storms.”
Among the hardest hit counties are Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Yamhill. Roads in and out of Vernonia and surrounding communities are blocked by downed trees and homes are flooded.
“My heart goes out to those people who are hurt or displaced by these storms,” said Governor Kulongoski.
The Emergency Coordination Center will operate 24-hours a day until the emergency has ended.
The Red Cross has reported that the Tillamook Fairgrounds is open as a shelter. In Clatsop County, residents are taking shelter at Oregon National Guard’s Camp Rilea.
Meanwhile, Oregon Department of Transportation workers are fighting to clear state roads. Under the Governor’s executive order, the Department of Forestry, Department of Corrections and Department of the Military are assisting. Highway 6 into Tillamook has been opened and crews will work through the night on other main roads.
Several other state agencies are responding to the emergency. Activities include but are not limited to:
- State officials are gathering a supply of potable water and identifying communities that need water or filtration systems;
- The Oregon Department of Human Services have begun working with local health officials, medical centers and hospitals to determine emergency medical needs, including medications, hospital beds and critical care patients. Four senior care facilities have already evacuated – one due to flooding, two due to threat of flooding and one due to a power outage;
- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is dispatching a veterinarian to affected communities to help with pets and livestock who may be in distress; and,
- The Governor’s Recovery Cabinet has been convened.
Conditions allowing, Governor Kulongoski and other state officials will tour the affected areas by helicopter at 8:30 in the morning and will hold a news conference at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the Oregon National Guard Army Air Support Facility, 1921 Turner Road, SE, in Salem.
Contact:
Patty Wentz, 503-559-7408
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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