November Preparedness Tips
On the FEMA preparedness page November is ‘winter weather preparedness.’ Hmm. It’s a broad term for what we all need to do to make it through the mostly rainy months here in the Pacific Northwest.
Even though my husband and I have lived here for over 9 years, it is very different from our preparedness efforts back in the Chicagoland area. In November, our neighborhood snow blower, which was stored in our garage, had been checked over and sent out for maintenance, if needed. In the early fall.
We found our snow shovels and windshield scrapers and stored them in our cars. Our neighborhood street signs were re-read so that we knew when alternate street parking would take place so that the snow plows would come and clean our street. If we didn’t pay attention, our cars could be towed or worse – the snow plow would move around the cars that weren’t moved – often moving the mounds of snow in front of our driveway.
When we moved to Sunnyside we were shocked to find out that street cleaning was rare (or never) and that neighbors’ cars parked on the block never had to be moved. Never. Whaat?
So, what does November preparedness look like in Sunnyside?
Here are some tips:
* Remove leaves not only from your sidewalk but from the street in front of your property, including under your cars. We have lots of pedestrians and bikers and we should make it safe for them to get to where they need to be.
* Get a snow shovel and use it to remove the ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of your home. Clear the steps leading to your front door so that our mailperson/delivery people can safely navigate.
* Help clear the street drains so that the ice and snow can safely get to the sewers. Here is how to locate and clear street drains safely: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/319667 If you are reading the printed newsletter, you can google “Stormwater Drainage/Street Care/City of Portland, Oregon” and you will find tips there.
* Continue to bring foodstuffs to the Sunnyside Free Food Resources, located at SE 42nd and Taylor on the north side of the street, near our beloved chickens. Feed the chickens while you are there with the quarters you brought along just for that reason. And, while you are there, drop a book or three in the Little Free library. It’s a great community support spot.
Questions, tips, thoughts? Email me: [email protected]
