Red Cross Assistance in Clatsop County
  

Power and services have been restored to most of Clatsop County, and businesses and stores are now able to provide food, propane and other necessities to residents.

The Oregon Trail Chapter has closed the warming center in Seaside at the Bob Chisholm Community Center, and the mobile feeding kitchen at the Cannon Beach Fire Department and the Cannon Beach Presbyterian Church.

Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers provided immediate emergency needs for four counties in the aftermath of the windstorm. Four shelters were opened for affected residents and the Red Cross served over 5000 meals and snacks.

Approximately 1,900 residents scattered throughout the county remain without power. The Oregon Trail Chapter will provide home delivery of meals for residents with no other options. Those in need can call the Red Cross at (503) 325-4721 for assistance.

The Red Cross urges residents in Clatsop county without power to take these steps to stay warm:

• Dress warmly. Wear several layers of loose clothing. Trapped air insulates; many layers of thin clothing are better than single layers of thick clothing.

• Wear a hat, even when sleeping. Most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

• Use blankets for yourself and to insulate windows and doors.

• Keep hands and feet warm. Mittens are better than gloves.

• Stay indoors in one room on the sunny side of the house and close it off to keep heat in. Close off unused rooms.

• Stay dry.

• Consider staying with friends or relatives who have power in another area of town.

• Use extreme caution if you plan to use a wood-burning fireplace to heat your home. Keep the flue open after burning wood or firelogs to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide.

• IMPORTANT: Never bring a barbeque or heating equipment (such as propane, kerosene or charcoal briquettes) inside your home; there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Be a good friend and neighbor; Check on elderly and others in the neighborhood. Call elderly relatives or those with infants in other parts of town to see if their power is out and if they need help.

• If you need someone to check on you, set up a schedule with them to call you throughout the day.

• Stay informed: use a battery-operated radio tuned to a news station.

If the power is still out tonight

• Don’t use candles. Use lightsticks or flashlights instead.
• Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible to avoid food spoilage.
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage. (Phone lines should be left open for emergencies threatening life and property).

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Local Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters every 40 hours on average. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org