Public Works crews are prepared to work through the night. Power outages are possible. Use extreme caution with downed trees and do not cut trees with power lines or wires in them. It’s difficult to tell when power lines are live. Lines that don’t have power can suddenly be turned on as line crews are out working to restore power. To report downed power lines, call the local power company for that area.
The Eugene Public Works, Fire & EMS and Police departments are responding to increased calls due to road conditions. The City advises people to use caution when going outside and to avoid any downed power lines or branches. Drive with extreme caution and be prepared for icy conditions.
Residents are advised to do the following to ensure their safety during the inclement weather:
•Stay indoors.
•If outdoor activity is necessary – don’t overwork, dress warmly in loose-fitting layered, lightweight clothing. Wear a hat. Mittens will keep hands warmer than gloves. Stay hydrated.
•Watch for signs of cold weather exposure when outdoors. These include uncontrollable shivering; vague, slow, slurred speech; memory lapses; immobile or fumbling hands; frequent stumbling; lurching walk; drowsiness, exhaustion; and inability to get up after a rest.
•Cold weather exposure can be treated in the following ways: get victim into dry clothing; put victim in a warm bed with a hot water bottle, warm towels, heating pad, or some heat source; concentrate heat on the trunk of the body first; keep the head low and feet up; give victim warm drinks; never give the victim alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers or pain relievers,keep the person quiet, don’ t massage or rub, call for professional help if symptoms persist.
If house is without heat do the following:
•Use alternate heat source such as wood stove or fireplace. But avoid using any device not designed for heating a home or space.
•Be careful of fire danger when using candles
•Generators or other devices powered by fuel that cause fumes should be placed outside the house to ensure safety.
•Use just one or two rooms. Close off the rest of house.
•Hang blankets over windows. Stuff cracks around doors with rugs or newspapers.
•Have all members of family dress warmly in layers.
•Eat well-balanced meals and quick-energy food such as raisins or other dried fruit.
•Wear hats, especially when sleeping.
•Sleep with several light blankets rather than one heavy one.
Travel only if it is essential
•keep a full tank of gas
•carry food, water, and warm clothing
•travel in pairs, convoy with other vehicles
•plan travel before starting and select alternate routes
•travel during the day
•keep radio on for the latest weather information
•seek shelter immediately if the storm becomes worse.
If trapped in a vehicle during storm
•avoid overexertion
•stay in the vehicle
•keep fresh air in the vehicle
•beware of carbon monoxide poisoning
•run motor-heather only when necessary
•turn on inside light at night so work crews can see vehicle
•exercise by clapping hands and moving arms and legs from time to time, avoid staying in one position, keep watch – one person should always stay awake.
City of Eugene officials also advise that people not call dispatch or 9-1-1 unless they have an actual emergency. However, there will be increased personnel on duty to respond to citizen needs. The Police non-emergency line is 682.5111. To report trees down or debris in the roadway within the City limits, please call 541-682-4800 (unless it is a life threatening emergency requiring 9-1-1 assistance).
PLEASE TUNE IN TO LOCAL RADIO, TELEVISION STATIONS, OR WEATHER CHANNELS FOR WEATHER UPDTES.