07-15-2025  10:01 am   •   PDX and SEA Weather

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NORTHWEST NEWS

Nurses’ Union Warns of Drastic Changes Under Medicaid Cuts

‘The only way for the government to save money on Medicaid is to stop people from getting services’

Faith Kipyegon Sets 1,500 World Record at the Prefontaine Classic

Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion in the event, bested her own record of 3:49.04, set last July before the Paris Games.

Gov. Kotek Prohibits Cell Phone Use in Schools

Executive Order 25-09 establishes statewide policy cell phone use in K-12 school

Multnomah County Commissioners Fight Preschool For All “Preemption”

Proposed amendment would mean end to universal preschool program, county says.

NEWS BRIEFS

Rev. Al Sharpton Reacts to New IRS Ruling Allowing Churches to Endorse Political Candidates

While many Black churches and others have been victims of harassment for organizing non-partisan rallies, this new ruling says...

Black Education Elders Honored for Their Legacies Supporting Students

Some honorees led sweeping institutional change. Others built community organizations from the ground up. ...

Oregon WIC Updates Food List to Boost Nutrition, Expand Choice

The updated WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with healthy dietary patterns recognized around the...

PSU-Led Performing Arts and Culture Center Builds Momentum With $155 Million in State, City and Private Funding

The Oregon Legislature on Friday evening approved 7.5 million in state bonds for the PSU-owned community theater and academic...

OPINION

SB 686 Will Support the Black Press

Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick brings attention to the fact that Big Tech corporations like Google and Facebook are using AI to scrape local news content and sell advertising on their platforms, completely bypassing local news sites like The...

Policymakers Should Support Patients With Chronic Conditions

As it exists today, 340B too often serves institutional financial gain rather than directly benefiting patients, leaving patients to ask “What about me?” ...

The Skanner News: Half a Century of Reporting on How Black Lives Matter

Publishing in one of the whitest cities in America – long before George Floyd ...

Cuts to Minority Business Development Agency Leaves 3 Staff

6B CDFI affordable capital for local investment also at risk ...

AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

U.S. & WORLD NEWS

Helen Silvis

A massive line of thunderstorms struck across the Pacific Northwest in 2009, knocking out power in over 100 communities across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. So what should you do when the lights all go out? All power outages can cause a number of safety concerns as residents seek to light, heat, cool or power their homes from alternative sources. Emergency management officials urge residents to exercise caution.

"Our region is prone to natural disasters ranging from windstorms and lightning strikes, to seasonal flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and even volcanic activity," said FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger. "Power grids, generating plants, transformer stations, power poles and even buried cables are vulnerable. As we all review our family disaster plans and disaster kits, emergency power needs can rank right up with food, water, first aid kits and shelter, but we need to be careful!"

When the power fails, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information—that's what your battery-powered radio is for. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage. Turn off electric appliances to protect against power surges when power is restored. Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when power resumes). Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency calls—cordless phones require electricity. Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps). Candles can be dangerous fire hazards. Flashlights and electric lanterns are safer by far. Battery operated radios and clocks are other essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries. If electric wheel chairs or electric life support devices are part of the equation, consider extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire stations for priority support.

Never use a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Install home Carbon Monoxide alarms that have battery back-up. Store fuel safely.
When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if there's a sharp increase in demand. If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.

LINKED STORIES
Prepare, Survive a Disaster
When Disaster Strikes It's Up to You
72-hour Emergency Kits and Family Plans
Wanted: Heroes
What Do You Do When All the Lights Go Out
Disasters Are Not Rare, FEMA Count 69 a year
Multnomah County Info and Trainings

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