SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Office of Emergency Management urged Oregoners not to travel this week as many areas of the state are recovering from one major winter storm system and preparing for another.

Officials said a complex winter weather system in parts of the state brings heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds, as well as heavy rainfall and thawing snow in others. OEM urged people to “stay home to stay safe” and relieve the state response system along a number of treacherous roads.

“We have severe weather warnings, monitors and warnings across the state, including impending flooding from heavy rain and snowmelt. This can trigger debris flows and landslides in steep terrain, and the risk is higher with scars from forest fires, ”said OEM director Andrew Phelps. “We need to take the dangers of winter weather seriously and make good decisions to reduce our risk of getting stuck on snow-covered roads or being trapped in floods. If you don’t have to be on the road, stay at home: do your part to protect yourself and others. “

Southern Oregon has seen relatively less weather exposure this week than the state’s northern and eastern foothills, but there is more weather on the way. The StormWatch 12 meteorological team predicts that another storm system will penetrate the region from Thursday evening to Friday.

OEM said it is monitoring and coordinating responses to statewide threats, impacts and needs, and trying to keep Oregoners informed of the tools and resources available to stay safe. Meanwhile, Oregon Department of Transportation crews are working to keep the roads clear, urging travelers to respect freeway closures, give crews space to work, and never drive around barricades or right-hand snow plows.

Counties that are expecting floods have set up sandbag locations. For local flood warnings and sandbag locations, call 211.

The OEM has asked all Oregonians to do their part to reduce the common risk by implementing the following safety best practices:

Stay informed. Be ready.

Be careful.

  • Watch out for road hazards such as flooding, fallen power lines, falling trees, and washed-out roads.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through high water; only six inches of moving water can knock a person over, and a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Learn how to prepare for a flood and what to do about it https: /ready.gov/floods.

Avoid unnecessary travel. When travel is required:

  • Check weather and road conditions in advance below https://tripcheck.com/ or call 511. Be patient and allow for extra travel time.
  • Share travel plans with others and know the route; GPS doesn’t always have the latest road conditions, and if the main roads are in bad shape, the back roads are likely to be in worse shape.
  • Bring chains, cell phone and charger, water, food and warm clothes.
  • If you are stuck in dangerous winter conditions, stay in the vehicle to stay warm and make it easier for emergency services to locate. Let the vehicle run for about 10 minutes every hour to heat. Open a window for fresh air and remove snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Read more winter weather travel tips from ODOT at https://oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx.

Prepare for power outages.

  • For power outages in the area, see https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon.
  • Have a flashlight, extra batteries, durable food, and blankets ready.
  • Make sure phones and other electronic devices are fully charged.
  • To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Avoid Using Camping Stoves Indoors And Place Generators At least 20 Feet From Your Home.
  • More resources can be found at https://ready.gov/power-outages.

Assemble a go kit.

  • A go-kit is a self-contained and portable supply of emergency supplies that is often tucked into a backpack and kept in an easily accessible and safe place. Read about what should be in a go kit https://ready.gov/kit.
  • Make sure the go kit includes waterproof matches or a lighter and a waterproof container for important documents.
  • Be self-sufficient.
  • First responders may not be able to reach everyone within hours or even days of a disaster. Every Oregon resident should proactively prepare to be self sufficient for at least two weeks if a disaster strikes.
  • To be “ready for 2 weeks” means to have a plan and enough supplies so that a household can survive on its own for a full two weeks in the event of a disaster. Learn more at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx.

“As Oregonians, we have a shared responsibility to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities,” Phelps said. “Everyone should take steps now to stay warm, dry, and safe during this series of storms. Connect with friends, family or neighbors and help them access the resources they need. We count on every Oregonian to reduce their risk and be part of the solution. “