Florence Warnings and Dangers

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According to our dune buggy driver, there were some accidents in the dunes involving ATV's. Both drivers were brought to the hospital. The dunes have mounds and drivers can't see on the other side of the mound. When both drivers are not looking out for other ATV's, accidents happen.

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When there is a strong wind, the shapes and heights of the sand dunes change that even the professional drivers have difficulty in finding their ways back to the exit of the sand dunes. It is better to have a driver rather than driving the ATV's or sand rails by yourself.

Because Florence is so close to the ocean and located at the mouth of the Suislaw River, it is vulnerable to tsunamis and has a three siren warning system in place. The siren is tested on the last Saturday of the month at 11am. If you hear it at that time it is a test and you do not call 9-1-1! If at any other time you hear a wailing sound that goes on for 15 minutes, that is the warning to get to high ground. If there is an earthquake and the ground is shaking at Florence, do not wait for the sirens, get to high ground because a tsumami could hit in 10-14 minutes.

Thirty-five years ago a dead whale washed up on the beach of the South Jetty near Florence. The whale, who died of natural causes, was 45 feet long and weighed 16,000 pounds. Although quite an attraction, the smell soon became overpowering. The State Highway Department, who is in charge of Oregon's beaches, decided in their infinite wisdom, to blow the whale to small bits for the seagulls to feed upon. Using a half ton of dynamite, and in front of lots of spectators, "Thar she blew!!!!"
Unfortuately, since no one had ever done this before, huge chunks of blubber flew into the air and landed at random over a quarter mile away. Fortunately, no one was injured, but one auto was totally smashed in. Most spectators were covered with a blubbery rain and huge chunks of whale were still sitting on the beach.
So, if you ever encounter a dead whale on the Oregon Coast approach cautiously, as there may be an Oregon Department of Transportation whale demolition crew nearby.
REMEMBER: THE WHALE DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES!!

When you are on the beach stay off the Jetty Rocks... Don't play on logs on the beach, and watch out for sneaker waves! Oregon coasts are prone to sneaker waves. These are waves that do not seem big but they "sneak" in on you and pull you and your children out into the ocean!! Often tourists do not heed the warning signs posted everywhere and the Coast Guard gets to go out and rescue them...
Just keep you eye on the ocean when you walk on the beach and you will be fine!

Have Fun and Play Safe!

This is a pair of shoes that I came across that was perfectly placed.

Looking around no owner could be found.

Go ahead and take youur shoes off, roll up your pants, and bring a change of socks. It won't matter! You will bring sand into the car, you will find it in your pockets months later, and that Q-Tip will be digging sand out of your ears for days to come.
Perhaps it looks nice and tranquil. But that wind will put the sand in places you never imagined. You can't fight it.

When walking on the beach be careful of sneeker waves, Keep your eyes on the ocean at all times. People get sucked out to sea all the time. Do Not Stand or walk on the logs down by the surf A friend of mine almost lost her life when a log rolled on top of her.

Satsop Nuclear Plant on Highway 101 west of Olympia, near Elma. This nuclear plant never became operational after spending millions of dollars of bond payers money.

Just say WPPSS (Whoops!)