By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — (Release by Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management) Oregonians are experiencing more frequent wildfires, floods, heat domes, high winds, and ice and snowstorms on an annual basis. These events, coupled with the ever-present threat of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami, underscore the need for people to be ready for such disasters. Septemberโs National Preparedness Month raises awareness about planning for the unexpected before it happens.
โDisasters can happen anywhere without warning, so itโs imperative Oregonians take active steps to prepare in advance,โ said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) Interim Director Matt Garrett. โSit down with your household and talk about what youโd do if you lost electricity, water, internet and phone service for weeks โ thatโs how long it could take for help to reach you if transportation routes are blocked. Being prepared helps ensure you and your loved ones can survive.โ
ODEM urges every Oregonian to practice preparedness by having an emergency plan and enough food, water and necessary supplies for everyone in the household, including pets, to survive for at least two weeks following any large-scale disaster. While this might seem overwhelming, there are many effective low-cost and no-cost actions people can take today to be ready for tomorrow.
Be Informed
Have a Plan
Build a Kit
ODEM advises older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers to consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for emergencies and create a support network of people who can help during a disaster.
ODEM is partnering with several local, state and federal partners to message National Preparedness Month throughout September. Learn more about National Preparedness Month at oregon.gov/oem and ready.gov.