NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
September is National Preparedness Month and a great reminder to prepare for the unexpected. Disasters and emergencies can strike anytime; sometimes leaving our communities without adequate aid for hours, days, or even weeks. Take time this month to review your emergency plans and supplies.
Due to potential local wildfires, storms, floods, or landslides it is recommended that all Oregonians be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks. For coastal residents, like Lincoln County, it is recommended to be “4 Weeks Cascadia Ready” in preparation for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This means your household has enough food, water, medical supplies, sanitation supplies, and other life-sustaining resources to meet your needs for at least four weeks. In a major disaster such as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, supply chain, responders, and transportation would be disrupted. Our communities need to be prepared to take care of each other until assistance is available.
Be Informed
- Know about possible hazards that can occur where you live.
- Be familiar with local evacuation routes.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts through Lincoln Alerts.
Make an Emergency Plan
- Talk with family and friends about what to do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.
- Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or at another location?
- Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.
Build an Emergency Kit
- Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.
- Some supplies include:
- at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals if needed.
- battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- flashlight
- first aid kit
- extra batteries
- whistle (to signal for help)
- dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings
- plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- manual can opener (for food)
- local maps
- cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
More preparedness information and resources:
- Lincoln County Emergency Management – Plan and Prepare Resources
- Be Ready – Make a Plan
- Be Ready – Build a Kit
- CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Red Cross – How to Prepare for Emergencies
- Oregon Emergency Management – 2 Weeks Ready
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY - YACHATS
9/10/24 – Lincoln County, OR
The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 8am – 10am for a cup of coffee and a conversation Dream Machine Coffee (located at 131 Highway 101 North, Yachats, Oregon 97498).
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
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Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case.
With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.
Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.
What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:
- Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
- Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
- Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
- Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
- When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
- Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
- Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
- Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
- Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
- Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
- When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
- Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.
Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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On August 31st, 2024 at about 7:38 am, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle, head-on crash at approximately milepost 1.7 on Logsden Road, outside Siletz, OR. First Responders determined that one of the drivers involved, operating a 2002 Honda CRV, was deceased. Deputies identified the driver of the second vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet pickup, as 35-year-old Michael Eller of Logsden, OR. Fire and EMS determined that Mr. Eller was uninjured. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.
Deputies, including a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) with 23 years of DRE investigative experience, conducted a DUII investigation after determining that Mr. Eller exhibited signs and symptoms of impairment. Mr. Eller was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was charged with DUII and Criminally Negligent Homicide.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our agency partners in responding to this incident, and especially for the Oregon State Police in performing the crash reconstruction. The family members of the deceased have been notified and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has extended our sincere condolences for their loss. Members of the public with any information related to this crash are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number NPS24015277.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH – ANNUAL READINESS FAIR ANNOUNCEMENT
September is National Preparedness Month. This is a great time to make or update your emergency plans, work with family members and neighbors to help your household be more prepared and think about ways to protect your family and property during a disaster.
In promotion of National Preparedness Month, Lincoln County Emergency Management with NW Natural will host the annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair. The event is free and open to the public – no registration required. Lunch will be provided for the first 350+ attendees and the first 150 people will receive a free preparedness item. Additionally, there will be a raffle give away every hour.
- When: Saturday, September 7, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Where: Newport Recreation Center, 225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365
New this year: short, topical presentations
This year there will be short presentations from experts and local testimonials about their experiences and preparation. Sessions include:
- Go Kit Demonstration
- Psychological First Aid & Stress Reduction
- 2 Weeks Ready
- Cascadia Geology and Tsunami Information
- Staying Safe & Keeping your Community Safe During Fire Season
- Climate Hazards and Resources
- Long Term Recovery Group
Vendors and Exhibitors:
Local public safety and preparedness vendors will host preparedness booths and be available to answer questions. They will provide example readiness kits, wildfire safety, nutritional items, and more to help inspire your preparedness efforts. Some activities include:
- Bring your NOAA Weather Radio and learn how to operate it.
- Sample preparedness food products to decide which to include in your own go bag.
- Learn about bucket toilet systems and how to manage water purification after disaster.
- Check out examples of food preservation to help you improve your survival skills.
A detailed presentation schedule is located on our website at Lincoln County Emergency Management Readiness Fair webpage.
Local Media and Community Partners:
Local Media and community partners are encouraged to visit the National Preparedness Month website and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find outreach tools for promotion of National Preparedness Month.
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School is back in session, and you may be seeing more traffic, students walking or biking, and busses on the road. Drivers have a responsibility to stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights. Because buses are large vehicles, it is very difficult to see around them. The outcome of illegally passing a school bus can be devastating for children and drivers.
Law enforcement agencies receive reports each year from bus drivers and community members about motorists failing to stop for school buses. With nearly 6,000 school buses operating in the State of Oregon, motorists need to be alert.
When a bus is flashing amber lights, motorists should prepare to stop. When the red lights begin to flash, motorists traveling in both directions must stop before reaching the bus and must remain stopped until the red lights are turned off. The same rules apply to church or work buses equipped with amber and red flashing lights. Be aware when following any type of bus, it may make frequent stops.
Oregon law requires motorists to stop whenever the red lights on a school bus are flashing, regardless of the direction they are traveling. The law applies to any roadway with two or more lanes of traffic, including multi-lane highways such as Highway 101. The only exception to the law is for divided highways with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, such as in the Lincoln and Gleneden Beach areas. In this case, only drivers on the same side of the road as the bus must stop. A painted median strip or a center lane used only for left turns does not create two separate lanes. Where this situation exists, all lanes of traffic must stop.
By staying alert and following traffic laws, you reduce the risk of traffic crashes and pedestrian injuries in our community. Please do your part to make our roads safe.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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After nearly 5 years of partnering with Docupet for pet licensing services, your Lincoln County Animal Shelter is bringing pet licensing back in house.
Beginning September 1, 2024, Lincoln County pet licenses will no longer be available through Docupet. If you have a Docupet account, you will still have access to your account, including the HomeSafetm 24/7 lost pet service.
As we transition back to providing all licensing services through your Lincoln County Animal Shelter, all new license purchases and renewals can be obtained by mail, in person at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, or over the phone. We are still in the process of developing an online licensing option.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind our community why licensing is important:
License fees help support Lincoln County Animal Shelter and Services programs and operations, including providing food, veterinary care, safe shelter, training, behavior enrichment, foster and adoption services to hundred of animals each year.
License fees are an important way the community supports our policy of not euthanizing animals for space and finding new homes for as many animals as possible.
License fees help support Lincoln County Animal Services in their investigations into loose dogs, nuisance animals, aggressive dogs, bite reports, and reports of animal cruelty.
Lastly, dog licenses are required by law. By having your dog licensed, you avoid potential fines. If your dog is brought to the shelter and is current on their license, then the first impound fee is waived. Failure to obtain a dog license could result in a citation with a fine up to $265.
For more information on how to license your pet, please visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net/animalshelter. If you are not sure if your pet’s license is current, or you would like to purchase a pet license, please contact your Lincoln County Animal Shelter at 541-265-0720 or at lcanimalshelter@co.lincoln.or.us.
On 08/22/2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received information from the public regarding multiple scam calls. Residents in on the Central Oregon Coast are receiving calls from subjects identifying themselves as active members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers are requesting money for a COVID small business loan.
If you receive any calls from anyone identifying themselves as a police officer or Sheriff’s Deputy requesting money or anything of value please do not provide any financial information or resources. Note the number, the name of the caller, and report the call to your local police agency. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office does not solicit donations or money over the phone or through the mail.
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Drivers and passengers alike know the importance of wearing their seatbelt when riding in a vehicle. Next time you take your pet with you, make sure they are just as safe. Many dog owners let their dog run loose in an open truck bed, not thinking about the dangers. No matter how well-trained or coordinated your dog is, they can still fall or jump out of the back of a truck.
Oregon law requires a dog to be protected by a carrier or other restraint if transported on "the external part of a vehicle" on a highway. A carrier or cage is most ideal, but if you use a leash or lead, make sure it is of a length that doesn’t allow the dog to go over the side. A two-point restraint works best to ensure the animal can’t jump or be thrown in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
If your pet travels inside the vehicle with you, remember that driving with any animal on your lap presents a distraction and puts the pet, driver, passengers, and other motorists at significant risk for a collision; a collision that would otherwise be preventable. There are numerous pet-specific vehicle restraints that work with your existing seatbelts and can be purchased either online or in pet stores. Remember to keep your pet’s collar with ID tags on during the trip and keep their license updated. An updated license (required for dogs, recommended for cats) and current contact information can help reunite you sooner if there is a collision or your pet gets separated from you another way.
In addition to ensuring your pets are properly secured for the journey, remember to pack emergency supplies. Packing essentials such as extra food and water can make a big difference if you are stuck in traffic or inclement weather.
Our pets love to be on the go with us. Show them how much you care by always considering their safety when you take them on the road.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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