FEMA announced that the president has declared a "major disaster for Oregon." That might make you wonder if you missed some big news. But no, you didn't. The declaration referred to damage done by winter weather in some Oregon counties the week of Dec. 20 last.

That winter storm pretty much missed the mid-valley. In counties to the north, though, it caused damage with plenty of snow and ice.

The federal declaration means that state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations can be partially reimbursed by the government for their costs of responding to emergencies in Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk and Yamhill counties. All tribes and counties within the state might also get some money "on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures," the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.

In the Pacific Northwest where winter is not exactly unknown. The storm caused trouble and damage, yes. But a "major disaster"?

It's nice that FEMA wants to help. But it might think of a terminology less alarming, and more suited to what actually takes place. (hh)