 In this issue:
We know many are anxious to return to properties damaged or destroyed by fires; however, it’s important to follow the process carefully to protect your health, the environment, and the community's ability to rebuild as quickly as possible.
Most important will be for you to complete a Right of Entry form by October 16 to allow state and federal authorities temporary access to your property for removal of hazardous household waste and debris.
This service will be provided at no charge to you and is the first step in a two-step cleaning process for removing fire debris:
- Step 1: Clearing properties of household hazardous waste (this includes batteries, chemicals, and fuels that can negatively impact human health, waterways and drinking water resources, and soil). This is being offered free of charge to property owners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assess and remove household hazardous waste from burned properties. This work is being funded by FEMA and the State of Oregon. Using this service is optional but highly recommended to ensure debris is properly removed and disposed of to protect the health of soil, waterways, and the community.
- Step 2: Removal of ash, debris, and burned-out structures. State, county, and federal partners are actively working to develop options for ash and debris removal. We will notify you when more information becomes available for this step of the process.
Learn more about the two-step clean-up process at www.wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup.
Watch for updates coming soon!
The Right of Entry form will be available on the Marion County website within the next few days. In the meantime, please begin gathering the following information so that you are prepared when the form is available:
- Gather your insurance information for the property as well as secondary insurance information for other damaged or lost items on the property such as vehicles, RVs, boats, etc. This should include the following items:
- Insurance policy
- Proof/statement of loss
- Insurance settlement agreement
- Property account number
- If you are an authorized agent, rather than the property owner, you must provide a copy/proof of being an authorized Agent of Owner.
- Property address
- Age of structure
 Follow these steps to ensure you receive the maximum insurance benefit:
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Contact your insurance company to discuss the next steps and processes you will need to follow to maximize your reimbursement.
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Assess damage and take photos of your home and belongings. Be sure to take precautions when returning to the fire zone and your home.
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Make a list of damaged or lost items.
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Apply for FEMA Disaster Reimbursement. Whether your home was damaged or destroyed, you are eligible for reimbursement through FEMA. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in one of three ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Through the FEMA app
- Call: (800) 621-3362 or TTY: (800) 242-7585
FEMA representatives are also available at Gates Community Church at 40070 Gates School Rd. in Gates to help you fill out an application.
Please be prepared to provide the following information to FEMA:
- Proof of identification
- Insurance determination letter
- Proof of occupancy or ownership
Oregon Department of Transportation continues to use pilot cars in the Santiam Canyon to safely move residents through numerous work zones where hazard trees are being removed. The pilot car service will be maintained between Gates and Detroit until OR 22E is fully opened.
The current pilot car schedule is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m. Detroit to Gates
- 9 a.m. Gates to Detroit
- 11 a.m. Detroit to Gates
- 1 p.m. Gates to Detroit
- 5 p.m. Detroit to Gates
- 6 p.m. Gates to Detroit
Also, the road block from mile point 50.5 has been moved to approximately 46.7 to allow for access into Mongold State Park for restroom and other facilities. The state park is being used as a staging area for people wanting to gain access to the pilot car line. To check for the latest schedule and road information, visit www.tripcheck.com.
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Santiam Canyon residents affected by the wildfires can still receive their mail and vote.
Mail for the cities and areas of Idanha and Detroit can be picked up at the Mill City Post Office (101 SE Kingwood Ave., 97360). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on rerouting: www.bit.ly/MarionCountyMail.
Post Office Service has resumed: Scotts Mills, Mill City, Lyons
Voter ballets will be mailed out to registered voters on October 14 and will need to be mailed back no later than October 27 in order to be counted on Election Day. They can also be placed in a drop box up until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voters affected by the wildfires can also choose to have their ballots mailed to an alternate address, regardless of damage to residential property.
Updates to your mailing address can be made at www.oregonvotes.gov, then clicking on “my vote”. You can also send the Marion County Clerks Election Office an email with your address change to elections@co.marion.or.us, by mailing in a signed note or voter registration form to the Marion County Clerk (PO Box 14500, Salem, Oregon 97309), or by coming into the Marion County Clerks Election Office during business hours, 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday – Friday (555 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, 2nd floor).
For more on election information, please visit www.co.marion.or.us/CO/elections.
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