County Urges Caution During Monday Morning’s Commute

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 22, 2008

Washington County residents are waking up to heavy accumulations of snow and scattered areas with icy conditions. Residents are advised to:

• Only call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies
• Use mass transit rather than driving personal vehicles
• Monitor local news for current weather and transportation updates
• Use traction tires or chains if driving is absolutely necessary

The following is a summary of response activities over the last 24 hours and public guidance for coping with the winter weather:

Traction Tires or Chains Required on Washington County Roads

Individuals who do not need to drive are encouraged to stay home. If you must leave your home, please use mass transit. Driving is treacherous due to slick roads, ice and snow. If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is ready with a full tank of gas, a fully charged battery and traction tires or chains. Please carry emergency supplies including a flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter), shovel, warning devices (flares), blankets and ice scraper. When driving, reduce your speed, avoid sudden changes in speed or direction and avoid abrupt stops. The Oregon Department of Transportation and Washington County are requiring chains and/or traction tires on all state and county roads. Vehicles towing a trailer or weighing more than 10,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW) are required to use chains. Two-wheel-drive passenger vehicles must use chains or traction tires. Vehicles that operate in four wheel drive or all wheel drive are exempt from the tire chain requirement if the vehicle is less than 6,500 GVW, is not towing a trailer, is equipped with traction tires and carries tire chains.

Road closures in Washington County

No Washington County roads are currently closed, but U.S. 6 is closed westbound at Oregon Highway 47 and U.S. 26 westbound is closed at U.S. 6 to all but local traffic. Washington County road crews continue to operate on round-the-clock, eight-hour shifts to sand and plow priority response routes. Updates on the conditions of the road system and the location of priority routes in Washington County can be found by calling (503)-846-ROAD (503-846-7623). Information about state highways within Washington County or elsewhere in Oregon can be found at www.tripcheck.com or by calling 5-1-1.

Public Safety Recommendations

Residents are encouraged to use caution when walking on icy steps, sidewalks and driveways and to dress warmly when going outside or during a power outage. Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves and a hat. Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow or pushing a vehicle. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.

Some Power Outages Reported

Loss of power is being reported in various areas of Washington County. As always, the public is reminded never to touch or even approach a downed utility line of any kind. PGE requests that customers report outages by calling 503-464-7777 or 1-800-544-1795. Forest Grove Light & Power customers can call (503) 412-2444. West Oregon Electric Cooperative customers can call (503) 429-3021. Please do not call 9-1-1 except to report an incident affecting life safety or other emergency.

Homeless Shelters and Warming Centers Activated

A severe weather sheltering network for the homeless has opened in Washington County's five major cities - Beaverton, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Tigard and Tualatin. Families and individuals seeking shelter and other support services are urged to call 2-1-1 (or (503) 222-5555 if using a cell phone). Updates about the availability of these emergency shelters are available at: www.211info.org

Washington County Offices Open for Business

Washington County offices will be open on Monday during normal business hours. For more information, please refer to www.co.washington.or.us. Citizens are encouraged to monitor weather reports so that adequate preparation can be made to lessen the impact of severe weather conditions. Information about how to cope during cold weather and avoid related injuries can be found at the Washington County Web site at: www.co.washington.or.us. Updates to the multi-agency response in Washington County will be provided as the winter weather continues.

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