KWSO News Tue., Nov. 13, 2018

More than a week after the main water line break in Warm Springs – the Boil Water Order for those on the Agency Water System remains in effect. Remember to continue to boil tap water for a few minutes then cool to use for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.  The order will remain in effect until the EPA cancels it, which will be after test results show the water is okay.  When a water system loses pressure, harmful microbes can enter it.  Once the water pressure returns – it may take some time for the system to flush.

Warm Springs ECE will remain closed today and will be closed until the Boil Water Order is cancelled.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Health Authority has released new guidelines for prescribing opioids to patients with short-term acute pain. It’s part of a larger strategy to curb opioid abuse. The guidelines include advising doctors not to consider opioids for mild to moderate pain in patients who haven’t had past exposure to opioids. Doctors should also check on the patient’s history of substance abuse problems, educate them about safe storage and disposal and prescribe the lowest effective dose. State Health Officer Dr. Katrina Hedberg says most people who end up using opioids in the long-term are those who started with a prescription to treat mild to moderate acute pain, such as a broken arm. The guidelines are aimed at urgent care facilities, outpatient facilities, primary care doctors, emergency departments and post-surgery doctors.

It’s the time of year again for folks to be wary of tax scams. The Oregon Department of Revenue  says it’s never really safe to let your guard down and that scam tactics are always evolving and becoming more effective. Scammers may call you claiming to be a representative of the Revenue Department. They may send letters that contain legitimate looking logos, addresses and phone numbers to fool you. They even set up fake websites designed to look official. Remember the best way to make payments directly to the Oregon Department of Revenue is through Revenue Online, which you can find at oregon.gov/odr.

Fire crews battling a Northern California blaze that leveled a town and killed at least 42 people made gains overnight and prevented the blaze from advancing toward a town of 19,000 people. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Tuesday that firefighters held containment lines to slow the wildfire’s advance toward Oroville. Officials say more than 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that destroyed the town of Paradise. Firefighters, equipment and Red Cross volunteers have been sent from Oregon to help in California. The Three Rivers Humane Society in Madras is asking for folks to help with pets. The Butte Humane Society in California has been overwhelmed by pets of the Camp Fire. Homeless, injured, and displaced animals are in need of things like food and medical supplies, and sheltering. It is estimated that 90 percent or more have lost their homes in the town of Paradise. Those who would like to make a donation to can do so online at www.buttehumane.org.