Salem-News.com Vernonia articles Page 2

American Red Cross Work to Vernonia Continues

During the last two weeks, the Red Cross provided 1,875 overnight stays, served more than 68,000 meals and snacks, and distributed about 15,700 items to residents in Oregon's flood-affected communities.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - After operating for nearly two weeks in Vernonia, Oregon, the American Red Cross will close the Cedar Ridge Camp shelter at noon on Monday, December 17th. Red Cross assistance will still be available to Vernonia residents by calling 1-866-GET-INFO.

"We've been very active in Vernonia since the floods began," said Thomas Bruner, CEO of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the Red Cross. "Just because this shelter is closing doesn't mean our help is over, and that's what we want to stress to the community."

FEMA Offers Disaster Unemployment Assistance

North coast workers may be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits.

(SALEM, Ore.) - With President Bush's declaration of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties disaster areas, workers from those counties may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. The President made the declaration at the request of Governor Ted Kulongoski through the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster.

Oregon Declares `Abnormal Disruption of Marketplace` in Wake of Storm

Oregon's Attorney General is monitoring supply and sales of basic consumer goods and services in affected North Coast areas.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced his decision to declare an abnormal disruption of the marketplace in geographical areas affected by last week’s storm, as allowed by Senate Bill 118, the state’s new anti-price gouging law.

“The storms and their aftermath have wreaked havoc on many Oregonians in the last week,” stated Governor Kulongoski. “By issuing this declaration, these victims will be protected from unscrupulous retailers and those attempting to take advantage of the needy and vulnerable,” he added.

Providence Vernonia Reopens as a Tent Hospital

Though the clinic building was under three feet of water and mud, Providence has continued to provide care in Vernonia immediately following the storm.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - The doors have reopened following the flood at Providence Medical Group's Vernonia clinic - thanks to the deployment of some heavy-duty emergency tents that will allow Providence to provide care while the clinic's building is being repaired. These aren't your ordinary shelters - more like the Taj Mahal of tents.

They are equipped with everything the clinic needs to resume operations, including four private exam rooms. Heated, insulated and with electrical power and running water available, the tents also feature a durable vinyl floor that is designed to handle the traffic anticipated at the clinic.

Vernonia Gets Good News from Governor and FEMA

The healing process for flood victims will take several months. In the meantime, however, over 1,100 volunteers and several cooperators are working to help residents return to normalcy.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - One week after Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski declared a state of emergency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized a full declaration for federal assistance for flood victims in Columbia County.

On Wednesday, Kulongoski asked President Bush for an expedited federal declaration of emergency. As of noon today, FEMA began taking applications for federal assistance for flood victims.

American Red Cross Assists Oregon Flood Victims

Those who have already evacuated their homes are encouraged to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well site, where you can leave behind a message for your loved ones.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's Red Cross Chapters are staying busy in their efforts to assist flood victims in Vernonia and other parts of Oregon and Washington.

Margaret Sanner with the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Red Cross in Salem, says Red Cross operated and supported shelters housed approximately 600 people Tuesday night, and those same shelters are helping hundreds of other residents during the day.

Update on Vernonia Flooding (VIDEO)

Water rationing is in effect, but there are options for staying healthy and sanitized, which is extremely important in a floodwater area.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - Residents in Vernonia are now asked to only use water for basic health and food preparation. "Please do not use water for laundry or washing down residences, walkways and driveways," Elaine Parrott with the Office of State Fire Marshal said.

She says bottled water is available at the Vernonia City Hall. In the meanwhile Parrott says, residents need to wait a few more days for the system to normalize.

Inmate Work Crews Join Vernonia Clean-up

The prisoners are staff-supervised, they're helping our with the major flooding in this Oregon log town.

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Corrections dispatched 14 staff supervisors and 100 minimum-security inmates earlier today to help remove debris and clean-up around the city of Vernonia, which has been severely affected by weather damage and flooding.

Staff and inmates will erect a mobile work camp and a kitchen in L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, which is 11 miles south of Vernonia. The Department of Corrections is prepared to distribute 4,000 meals to inmates, staff and other personnel helping with the clean-up and repair.