Umatilla, Morrow counties are included in heat emergency declaration
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 29th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
SALEM – At the request of the Oregon Health Authority, Gov. Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency in 23 counties to ensure additional resources are available to respond to excessive high temperatures. The Office of Emergency Management has been directed to activate the state’s Emergency Coordination Center to respond.
In addition, Brown ordered state agencies to provide any assistance requested by OEM. The OHA is also activating the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon. That’s a roster of licensed physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other health professionals who are to respond as needed to the heat event.
The 23 counties include Umatilla, Morrow, Grant, and Gilliam counties. Union, Harney, Wallowa, and Baker counties are not on the list.
Oregonians are encouraged to call 211 for information on cooling centers. That line will be staffed around the clock to respond to inquiries and requests for assistance.
