STAYING SAFE
ON THE
PENINSULA
INFORMATION:
All emergency services can be reached by calling
911. As a visitor it is very important that you are
aware of your surroundings and know your
address if you are staying in a vacation rental.
If emergency service personnel can’t find you,
they can’t help you.
FOR AN EMERGENCY
DIAL 911
Surf rescue volunteers save lives every year on the Peninsula, but it's best to stay out of trouble by keeping children and weak swimmers out of the ocean. — OBSERVER FILE PHOTO
T
he Peninsula is a wonderful place to
visit, and we want your stay to be an
enjoyable one. Staying safe makes your
visit so much nicer. It is sincerely hoped
that you will never be faced with any
emergencies, but in case you are, here is
some information that will be useful.
The Peninsula shoreline is designated as a state
highway. All drivers and vehicles must be
licensed and insured just as on any other state
highway. The speed limit is 25 mph, with extra
caution to be taken for other vehicles, pedestrians
and beach debris. The beach is patrolled
frequently and all laws are strictly enforced.
Recreational beach fires are permitted 100 feet
west (that’s towards the ocean) of the dune grass.
Be aware of wind direction and be sure to
completely extinguish the fire before leaving the
area. Recreational and outdoor cooking fires are to
be no more than 2 feet x 2 feet with seasoned
wood or charcoal. If your fire gets out of control,
you may be held personally responsible!
If you have a vacation home on the Peninsula
and are here to do some cleanup projects, be
advised that there are designated “No Burn” areas
on the Peninsula. Residential yard debris burning
is permitted at various times and under certain
conditions in other areas with a burning permit.
Burn permits may be obtained free of charge at
Jack’s Country Store in Ocean Park, Pioneer
Market in Long Beach, Seaview One Stop in
Seaview, Fire District No. 1, Station 1 in Ocean
Park and Station 2 in Seaview. For a recorded
message on burn conditions, call 360-665-3508.
Tsunami evacuation signs have been posted
up and down the Peninsula in an effort to make
people aware of evacuation routes. There may or
may not be much warning time in such an
emergency, so the best policy is to make your way
to high ground as soon as possible. If you are on
the beach and unable to get to high ground go
inland as far as you can and pay close attention to
emergency personnel.
In the event of a sudden earthquake, be
prepared to move to higher ground immediately,
keeping clear of buildings, trees and power lines.
Also be careful of damaged roads with gaps in the
pavement. Do not call 911 and do not attempt to
evacuate the Peninsula, there will not be enough
time or access roads to accommodate an
evacuation.
Our surf can be dangerous, be sure to carefully
safeguard your children in the water and never
turn your back on the ocean.
DISCOVERY COAST 2017-18 • www.chinookobserver.com • 29