Oak Lodge CERT

08/28/2026

A safety inspection called this huge tank of corrosive liquid “unfit for service” a full 10 months before it collapsed, killing 11 workers. Even when warned, the company did nothing to prevent disaster. Safety inspections are only as good as the follow-through to mitigate risks.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board’s update about the May 26 failure in Longview, which expelled enough caustic liquid to blow out building walls, is part of an ongoing investigation. The federal agency said it is still determining the cause of the failure.

08/26/2026

You may be checking the Air Quality Index more these days, as wildfires wage across the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a bit of history about how this index came into being, and what our air was like before landmark Clean Air legislation came about.

In the 1950s, a toxic shroud of pollution settled over New York City for six days as a shift in the weather trapped emissions from local coal power plants, factories, and cars. Some people called it “smaze,” a portmanteau of smoke and haze ; the word smog hadn’t been fully popularized yet. Aft...

08/22/2026

"Climate change is driving unprecedented extreme weather around the world, from catastrophic floods and prolonged droughts to blistering heat waves and raging wildfires.
While these events are unprecedented, they were not unpredicted, and largely align with what scientists have been warning about for decades.
Climate science tells us that things will get worse as long as humans keep emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But the science also shows us that a better future is still within reach."

Climate change is undeniably here, and it’s bad. But is it, as some are claiming, worse than even the scientists expected?

08/21/2026

We need our governments to get on board. "80 percent of people globally want their governments to take stronger action to tackle the climate crisis. Even more - 86 percent - want to see their countries set aside geopolitical differences and work together on climate change."

https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-06-20-80-percent-people-globally-want-stronger-climate-action-governments-according-new

A new survey of public opinion research reveals the overwhelming majority around the world support more ambitious efforts, and want to overcome geopolitical differences, to fight climate change.

08/19/2026

Get Two-Week Ready at the Preparedness Fair — Saturday, Sept. 12
Located at Rose Villa on River Road; all are welcome.
https://mailchi.mp/ba7e5acd2a0c/2026-rose-villa-prep-fair

08/19/2026

Tragically, thousands of people across our regions have been forced to evacuate during this year’s horrific wildfires. There are things you can do before leaving your home that can increase the chance the building won’t burn. If you are notified to get into Be Ready status, that’s the time.

08/15/2026

This article is more political than those we usually share here, but the evidence is clear: decisions about FEMA disaster funds are being made based on partisan politics rather than on need. In his second term, Trump has rejected disaster aid for Democratic-run states at the highest rate in the 47-year history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
It’s especially sad that these denials are aimed at the state level but often affect rural “red” counties in blue states. Recent denials of aid to fight wildfires in Oregon are examples of this.
More info here: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/23/trump-denies-disaster-aid-for-democratic-led-states-00831199

08/14/2026

Images generated by artificial intelligence are increasing on today’s internet. But when searching for information that can be trusted, be sure to vet the source. Convenience is no substitute for accuracy. For example, look at this graphic about how to use a potentially life-saving defibrillator device (an AED). That “patient” has a bigger problem than chest pains— his head appears detached from his body! And chest compressions should definitely be done to the chest, not the stomach! Is the rest of the information equally detached from reality? You won’t know until you try to verify it elsewhere. Be a critical reader and check those sources!

08/12/2026

Based on current dry conditions and forecasted high temperatures, effective today, August 12, Clackamas Fire in conjunction with Oregon Department of Forestry will move into EXTREME Fire Danger. This will remain in effect until further notice.

The following restrictions apply to properties within ODF-protected areas:

•No debris burning
•No campfires
•No smoking while traveling on forestlands
•No power saw use
•No off road-driving
•No cutting, grinding, welding
•No mowing/cutting of dried, cured grass
•Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine

To find out if you live in ODF protected area, use this map: https://bit.ly/3OJazE1

While Clackamas Fire does not impose these restrictions throughout our entire coverage area, backyard/debris burning is currently prohibited. We also strongly discourage recreational fires and other spark- or flame-producing activities, during periods of elevated fire danger. Parts of Clackamas Fire’s coverage area fall within ODF boundaries, so be sure to check your address and any applicable restrictions before having a recreational fire or participating in these activities.

Let’s all do our part to prevent wildfires and help keep our communities safe.

08/12/2026

It’s one thing to know your neighbors by name or give them a smile and wave in passing. But are you ready to level up by exchanging emails and cell phone numbers? Knowing how to contact each other- even when you’re not at home— is a vital step for safety and resilience. It’s also a good idea to include a next of kin or other close contact person for each neighbor to build in even more community readiness.

Do you know how to contact your neighbors to check on them in the event of an emergency? Consider starting or joining a neighborhood organization or creating an online document with contact info.