Winter driving can be hazardous and scary, especially in northern regions that get

a lot of snow and ice. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer, or help

motorists deal with an emergency. This sheet provides safety information to your

residents to help prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms.

The three P’s of Safe Winter Driving:

PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road.

PREPARE

Maintain Your Car: Check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, keep your

windows clear, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check your antifreeze.

Have On Hand: flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even

floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and

blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication and cell phone.

Stopped or Stalled? Stay in your car, don’t overexert, put bright markers on antenna

or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and

run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if

necessary), be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know your route

and arrival time.

Practice Cold Weather Driving!

* During the daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on ice or snow in an empty lot.

* Steer into a skid.

* Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump on non-antilock

brakes.

* Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice.

* Don’t idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

PROTECT YOURSELF

* Buckle up and use child safety seats properly.

* Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.

* Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat.

PREVENT CRASHES

* Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.

* Slow down and increase distances between cars.

* Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road.

* Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours,

and rotate drivers if possible.

* If you are planning to drink, designate a sober driver.

South Lane County Fire & Rescue was called to a structure fire in the 2200 block of Hillside 
Drive, Cottage Grove at 1:00 PM 12/28/2015.

First arriving crews found a fully involved house that was overgrown with blackberry bushes. Neighbors in the area state that the house was being occupied by transients. The transients living in the structure were later located in downtown Cottage Grove.

The structure was heavily damaged by the fire and is not inhabitable. South Lane County Fire & Rescue responded with two engine companies, one medic unit and three water tenders. South Lane was assisted by crews and apparatus from Goshen Fire District.

South Lane County Fire & Rescue was called to a Structure Fire in the 3100 block of Camas Swale, Creswell at 10:00 AM 12/21/2015.

First arriving crews found a camp trailer fully involved in fire. The camp trailer was under a cover attached to the main structure. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly and limited damage to the main structure. The main structure suffered minimal fire damage and moderate smoke damage.

South Lane County Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire at 785 Barber Drive in Creswell at 7:27 PM Dec 01 2015.

Initial dispatch information stated that the home was occupied and that the fire was contained to a bedroom. First arriving crews arrived to find the home full of smoke and fire coming from the rear bedroom. The home suffered heavy smoke damage throughout, and fire damage was contained to the room of origin.

On behalf of SLCFR, we wish to thank everyone who voted in support of Measure 20-237. The support of our communities is extremely important, and not something we take for granted.

Approval of Measure 20-237 will provide five new pieces of fire apparatus for the District, including a much needed ladder truck or quint. As we move forward with this project, updates will be provided via our web and social media pages, so our communities can see the progress.

The next step will be deciding which manufacturer will build the fleet. This decision has several factors like getting the most for your money. Thank you again to everyone, including all of the groups and organizations lending support to the bond project. We look forward to serving you more safely and efficiently.

John Wooten

Fire Chief