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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 14, 2016)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL September 14, 2016 9A Are you ready? D ISASTER P REPAREDNESS Pruning a tree is a job best left for professionals Bountiful, healthy trees can be beautiful to behold and im- portant contributors to a thriv- ing environment. According to American Forests, a nonprofi t conservation organization, a tree can absorb as much as 40 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time the tree reaches age 40. The United States Forest Service adds that trees placed properly around a home can reduce air conditioning and heating de- mands considerably. Many homeowners are con- tent to leave healthy trees alone. However, trees eventually must be pruned or removed if they become safety risks or pose oth- er threats. Trees with roots that are damaging home foundations or those with limbs overhanging property limits or power lines can be troublesome. Although homeowners can handle rela- tively minor tree maintenance, for a variety of reasons, many tree projects are best left to the professionals. Avoid injury Professional tree contractors recognize and understand the hazards associated with tree and limb removal. Many oper- ate in accordance with national or local guidelines to maintain proper clearance of power lines and structures. Trimming trees close to elec- trical lines puts a person at risk of being electrocuted. Profes- sionals know how to protect themselves and prevent power outages, which can result when limbs come into contact with power lines. Professional tree services will use machinery appropriate for the task. Cherrypickers and cranes may lift workers to the correct height to work on trees, while do-it-yourselfers who rely on climbing trees or using lad- ders are at risk of injury. Prevent damage to the tree Many tree services under- stand the proper way to prune trees to minimize stress and damage to the tree itself. Nov- ice pruners may inadvertently do more harm than good, result- ing in proliferation of tree dis- ease or shock. Improper pruning technique also can lead to an unsightly tree. Liability A professional tree service will possess the correct liabil- ity and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects home- owners against litigation should someone be injured while tree work is being done. Homeowners who damage neighboring properties when cutting down a tree may fi nd that they are not covered by their homeowner’s insurance policies. This can be a costly mistake that’s easily avoided by simply hiring a fully insured tree removal service. The right tools The right tools can mean the difference between a job done correctly and one that results in disaster. Professional arborists and tree services have acquired the training, tools and tech- niques to perform the job safely. This includes using the right tools to tackle the job. Ropes, pulleys, cranes, stump grinders, and other heavy machinery are just a few of the tools tree ser- vices have at their disposal that the average homeowner does not. Trimming or removing trees can be an unpredictable and po- tentially dangerous endeavor. Such work is best left to profes- sionals. E R O T S R E H UGE R E S TORE F ALL P ARKING L OT S ALE F RIDAY AND S ATURDAY S EPTEMBER 23-24 10 AM -4 PM Home and Building Materials All at Aff ordable Prices Proceeds support CoƩ age Grove Area Habitat for Humanity Gardening & Landscaping • Furniture Mirrors & Glass • LighƟ ng Kitchen & Laundry Appliances Plumbing & Electrical • Cabinets Countertops & Sinks • Ceiling Fans Windows, Doors & Flooring • Desks & File Cabinets Tools & Building Supplies . . . and more ! Habitat Offi ce and Warehouse 2155 Getty Circle ~ Unit #1 in the Cottage Grove Industrial Park South on Hwy 99 past the High School S N O I T A DON S Y A W L A ! E M O C W EL Food by Big Bites Call 541.767.0358 for more information Email info@habitatcg.org Hurricane Sandy highlights importance of storm preparedness Hurricane Sandy, which blew through the northeastern United States in late October of 2012, left a path of destruction in its wake thanks to a record-break- ing low pressure system and a tidal surge that caused many coastal areas to be submerged in water. The storm crippled trans- portation systems, caused epic fl ooding, even in areas that nev- er had water breach storm walls before, knocked out power for millions of people and was re- sponsible for scores of fatali- ties. Although many people heed- ed the evacuation warnings in areas expected to be hit the hardest, others took precautions by stocking up on food, water and battery-powered items. But no one could fathom the scope of damage Sandy would bring. In the wake of Sandy’s destruc- tion, many people have resolved to go to greater lengths to pre- pare for future disasters. Those making plans for change in the new year may want to move di- saster preparedness to the top of their to-do lists. Record-breaking storms have increased in frequency and in- tensity in recent years. Hurri- canes Katrina, Irene and Sandy are each glaring examples of just how devastating such storms can be, and how important it is to be prepared for such disasters. The following are a few preparation suggestions from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency. * Pack an emergency “go bag.” Individuals may be urged to evacuate their homes when certain storms are on the hori- zon. Doing so quickly and ef- fectively means having packed items at the ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Pack several changes of clothes, some cash, medications, identifi cation, snacks and water, a fi rst-aid kit and a list of important phone numbers. * Have an emergency pre- paredness kit. People who are not in the immediate danger zones and will be staying put can have a kit at home that in- cludes the following items: * one gallon of water for each person for three days * nonperishable foods that your family has enjoyed before and will last at least three days * baby wipes and garbage bags for personal sanitation * plastic sheeting * duct tape * wrench or pliers * whistle * batteries and battery-oper- ated fl ashlights and radios * can opener * cell phone with charger * infant formula and diapers, if necessary * matches in a waterproof container * household bleach for sanita- tion * paper and pencils * pet food * Develop a communication plan. Establish a communica- tion plan so that family can be contacted and notifi ed of your situation should you be sepa- rated from your home or if fam- ily members become separated from one another. * Don’t forget entertainment. If power is lost for an extended period of time, many of the elec- tronics that keep children and adults amused will be rendered useless. Have books, puzzles and manual toys available for entertainment. * Pack your prescription medications. Individuals who are on maintenance medica- tions should be sure to refi ll or have doctors call in a refi ll to a pharmacy prior to the arrival of a storm. * Stock up on fuel. In the event of a power failure, fuel pumps do not work and gas shortages may occur. Fill your gas tank and have several gal- lons of gasoline available to run a generator if you have one. * Carry some cash. It is im- portant to withdraw cash before a storm arrives. The ATM at your local bank may not oper- ate, and the bank may be closed. Stores may not be able to accept credit or debit cards. A disaster is something no one anticipates. But everyone can and should take measures to prepare for a disaster should one such as Hurricane Sandy occur. Make sure all the pieces are in place to render you and your family prepared in the event of a natural disaster. • Listen to radio or television newscasts for the latest weather information, and follow all evacuation directions and suggestions. • Keep a stock of non-perishable food items as well as bottled water on hand inside your home. • Keep a 72 Hour Kit on hand inside your home that is easy to get to in the event of a disaster. For more information and tips on disaster response and preparedness, contact your local emergency services center. South Lane Fire & Rescue • 233 Harrison Ave, Cottage Grove 541-942-4493 • 55 South 1st Street, Creswell 541-895-2506 Twitter: @southlanefi re Facebook: southlanecountyfi reandrescue
