News Story on Oregonian Hams

Here is a good news story coming out of Oregon on the emergencies there.

They are doing a great job.

73s

ARES Oregon Communications for Flooding

ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is still providing communications
to the coast, with 60+ volunteers working at the coast and many more at
points in between. The District One emergency radio network was activated at 8
AM Monday morning and is still in operation today. District One ARES serves
the following counties: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook
and Washington. We are working closely with the American Red Cross as well
as the major hospitals Heartnet radio network and district-wide emergency
managers, including the Oregon Operation of Emergency Management in
Salem.

Columbia County has put out a request for more licensed ham operators to
help. Anyone available should report to their county ARES organization
linked through http://www.oregonaresd1.org/main.html.

If media would like to speak with someone regarding the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service I'd be happy to put you in touch with our District One Emergency
Coordinator, David Kidd.

Thanks Lars,

Steve Sanders
PIC- Oregon Section ARRL
PIO - District One ARES
503-320-4100

Clatsop County Oregon Current Emergency with ARES

At about 6 am this morning, the 9-1-1 lines that would normally be answered in Seaside and Astoria for callers in Clatsop County were diverted by the phone company to Columbia 9-1-1 Communications Center, on a temporary emergency basis.

The emergency phone calls are being taken by Columbia 9-1-1 staff who are relaying the information via Columbia County and Clatsop County Amateur Radio Emergency Services Volunteers to the police fire and emergency medical dispatchers in Clatsop County, who then are activating Clatsop County first responders.

Columbia 9-1-1 has doubled up on staff to handle the extra call load. Both counties are experiencing severe flooding causing numerous high water situations, road closures, flooding and evacuations.

Columbia County emergency operations center, Clatskanie, Vernonia, St. Helens, Columbia City, Rainier, Scappoose city emergency operations centers are activated.