April 06, 2004

By: Synthia Cebula
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

Irrigon Volunteer Firefighters to Start Recirculating Air Filter Distribution

Irrigon residents can protect themselves by sheltering in place if there is a chemical accident at the Depot—where 12 percent of the nation’s chemical weapons are stored. Sheltering in place also works for emergencies such as an accident involving a tanker truck with chemicals.

Morrow County Emergency Management Director, Casey Beard plans to make safe-safer by distributing recirculating air filters to all homes in Irrigon. These filters are designed to be used year around, in your home, to help clean the air of impurities, particularly useful to those with allergies. Irrigon residents will also receive a special charcoal filter, to be used only in the event of a chemical emergency, allowing them to remain longer in their shelter rooms.

Volunteers from the Irrigon Rural Fire Protection District will start distributing Phase I RAF’s the last week in September. They will give a brief demonstration on how to operate the filter and how to change over to the special charcoal filter in the event of a chemical emergency. There are 390 RAF’s to be distributed in the first phase. They will be delivered to the homes closest to the Umatilla Chemical Depot fence line. The remaining homes in Irrigon will receive a RAF in early Spring 2003.

If a chemical accident does occur at the Umatilla Chemical Depot, Irrigon residents, along with other communities in the Immediate Response Zone, will be asked to shelter in place. Communities around the Depot need to be prepared for that emergency and others.

The ideal safe room would be on the top floor of your home or office, and have no outside doors or windows. You will not run out of air in a shelter room. Sealing the room just slows the flow of air from the outside, protecting you longer from possible exposure. You should have a shelter kit if you live in the IRZ.

You are encouraged to pre-cut the plastic to fit your doors, windows, vents and outlets, in your safe room, and place the kit in your designated safe room. Contents of the kit include duct tape, scissors, plastic sheeting and a towel. Feel free to add other items such as a battery-powered radio, flashlight, snacks, water, extra clothing, games and books to your safe room.

About The Author:

Synthia Cebula is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.