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News Release

OEM Announces Free Webinar Series To Help Rural Communities Prepare For Disasters (Photo) - 03/31/26

From ice storms and flooding to wildfires and extreme heat, rural communities across Oregon face unique challenges when disasters strike. To help address these challenges, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting “Rural Communities Prepared for Disasters,” a free, two-part virtual educational series focused on practical strategies to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
 

The webinar series brings together trusted partners and subject-matter experts to share tools, resources and real-world insights tailored to the needs of rural communities across Oregon.
 

"Preparedness starts with making sure communities have the information and connections they need before disasters happen," OEM Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson said. "This series is designed to help rural communities strengthen their resilience by understanding risks, planning ahead, and knowing what resources are available during recovery."

Session Information

Session 1: Preparedness & Response

Wednesday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

  • How disasters can impact communication systems and ways to stay informed when systems are disrupted
  • How to know when to evacuate and what to do if evacuation is not possible
  • Understanding backup power options and how to determine what solution best fits your needs

Session 2: Recovery & Long-Term Support

Wednesday, May 13 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

  • How disaster recovery is funded and what the recovery process looks like
  • Steps individuals and communities can take to support smoother recovery efforts
  • The role of Long-Term Recovery Groups and how communities can get involved

Who Should Attend

This series is intended for:

  • Organizations, community groups, and faith-based organizations supporting rural communities
  • Emergency management professionals
  • Anyone interested in disaster preparedness and recovery

Event Details

  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yjdfu73d
  • Accessibility: The event will be offered in English with Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, and Ukrainian interpretation, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and CART real-time captioning in English.
  • Recordings: Both sessions will be recorded and posted on OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready YouTube channel.

For questions about the event contact:
 community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov

In Partnership With

This webinar series is offered in partnership with Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Sea Grant, Upstream Access, Woodburn Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (O4AD).

Together, these partners are committed to strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for Oregon’s rural communities before, during, and after disasters.

About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads collaborative statewide efforts to help Oregonians prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
 

Attached Media Files: Rural Communities Prepare for Disaster Webinar Series,

OEM Announces Free Webinar Series To Help Rural Communities Prepare For Disasters (Photo) - 03/31/26

From ice storms and flooding to wildfires and extreme heat, rural communities across Oregon face unique challenges when disasters strike. To help address these challenges, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting “Rural Communities Prepared for Disasters,” a free, two-part virtual educational series focused on practical strategies to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
 

The webinar series brings together trusted partners and subject-matter experts to share tools, resources and real-world insights tailored to the needs of rural communities across Oregon.
 

"Preparedness starts with making sure communities have the information and connections they need before disasters happen," OEM Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson said. "This series is designed to help rural communities strengthen their resilience by understanding risks, planning ahead, and knowing what resources are available during recovery."

Session Information

Session 1: Preparedness & Response

Wednesday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

  • How disasters can impact communication systems and ways to stay informed when systems are disrupted
  • How to know when to evacuate and what to do if evacuation is not possible
  • Understanding backup power options and how to determine what solution best fits your needs

Session 2: Recovery & Long-Term Support

Wednesday, May 13 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (PST)

Topics include:

  • How disaster recovery is funded and what the recovery process looks like
  • Steps individuals and communities can take to support smoother recovery efforts
  • The role of Long-Term Recovery Groups and how communities can get involved

Who Should Attend

This series is intended for:

  • Organizations, community groups, and faith-based organizations supporting rural communities
  • Emergency management professionals
  • Anyone interested in disaster preparedness and recovery

Event Details

  • Cost: Free
  • Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yjdfu73d
  • Accessibility: The event will be offered in English with Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, and Ukrainian interpretation, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and CART real-time captioning in English.
  • Recordings: Both sessions will be recorded and posted on OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready YouTube channel.

For questions about the event contact:
 community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov

In Partnership With

This webinar series is offered in partnership with Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Sea Grant, Upstream Access, Woodburn Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (O4AD).

Together, these partners are committed to strengthening preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for Oregon’s rural communities before, during, and after disasters.

About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads collaborative statewide efforts to help Oregonians prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
 

Attached Media Files: Rural Communities Prepare for Disaster Webinar Series,

Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Returns To Oregon Coast To Help Residents Prepare - 03/24/26

A previous version of this press release misidentified the photo location as Coos Bay, not Reedsport. We apologize.

Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Returns to Oregon Coast
to Help Residents Prepare

2025 Tsunami Roadshow

Photo from the 2025 Tsunami Roadshow visit to Reedsport in Douglas County
 

SALEM, Ore. — March 23, 2026 — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the National Weather Service, is continuing the Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow, a long-standing public education effort designed to help coastal residents and visitors understand tsunami risks and how to stay safe.

 

First launched in 2012, the Tsunami Roadshow brings subject-matter experts directly into coastal communities to share practical, lifesaving information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

 

Community members are invited to attend these free sessions featuring expert presentations and actionable steps people can take before, during and after a tsunami or major earthquake event.

 

“You’ve heard about the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami risk—now is the time to learn what you can do to prepare,” OEM Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo, said. “These workshops are designed to give Oregonians practical information that can help save lives.”

 

What Attendees Will Learn:

  • How tsunamis impact the Oregon coast
  • How to recognize natural tsunami warning signs
  • Where evacuation zones are located
  • How to plan evacuation routes and family communication plans
  • How to build emergency kits and be prepared to be self-sufficient

Participants will also hear directly from local and state experts, including:

  • Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
  • National Weather Service
  • Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM)
  • Local emergency management partners

Upcoming Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Events

Manzanita

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Pine Grove: 225 Laneda Ave., Manzanita, OR 97130

Tillamook

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tillamook Library: 1716 3rd St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Newport

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Newport Library Community Room: 35 NW Nye St., Newport, OR 97365

Lincoln City

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln City Community Center: 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City, OR 97367

Gold Beach

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Curry County Fairgrounds: 29393 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach, OR 97444

Coos Bay (Business Preparedness Session)

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Coos Bay

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Reedsport

Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lower Umpqua Senior Center: 460 Winchester Ave., Reedsport, OR 97467

Prepare Before the Next Wave

As part of preparedness efforts, residents are encouraged to download the free NVS Tsunami Evacuation App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, which provides evacuation maps and preparedness information.

 

OEM also encourages everyone—especially those living or visiting coastal communities—to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster.

Learn More

OEM encourages all Oregonians to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster. This includes having food, water, medications and a plan to stay connected with family members.

 

Learn how to build your emergency kit and make a plan on the OEM website.

 

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Returns To Oregon Coast To Help Residents Prepare - 03/24/26

A previous version of this press release misidentified the photo location as Coos Bay, not Reedsport. We apologize.

Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Returns to Oregon Coast
to Help Residents Prepare

2025 Tsunami Roadshow

Photo from the 2025 Tsunami Roadshow visit to Reedsport in Douglas County
 

SALEM, Ore. — March 23, 2026 — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the National Weather Service, is continuing the Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow, a long-standing public education effort designed to help coastal residents and visitors understand tsunami risks and how to stay safe.

 

First launched in 2012, the Tsunami Roadshow brings subject-matter experts directly into coastal communities to share practical, lifesaving information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

 

Community members are invited to attend these free sessions featuring expert presentations and actionable steps people can take before, during and after a tsunami or major earthquake event.

 

“You’ve heard about the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami risk—now is the time to learn what you can do to prepare,” OEM Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo, said. “These workshops are designed to give Oregonians practical information that can help save lives.”

 

What Attendees Will Learn:

  • How tsunamis impact the Oregon coast
  • How to recognize natural tsunami warning signs
  • Where evacuation zones are located
  • How to plan evacuation routes and family communication plans
  • How to build emergency kits and be prepared to be self-sufficient

Participants will also hear directly from local and state experts, including:

  • Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
  • National Weather Service
  • Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM)
  • Local emergency management partners

Upcoming Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Events

Manzanita

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Pine Grove: 225 Laneda Ave., Manzanita, OR 97130

Tillamook

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tillamook Library: 1716 3rd St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Newport

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Newport Library Community Room: 35 NW Nye St., Newport, OR 97365

Lincoln City

Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln City Community Center: 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City, OR 97367

Gold Beach

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Curry County Fairgrounds: 29393 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach, OR 97444

Coos Bay (Business Preparedness Session)

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Coos Bay

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Reedsport

Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lower Umpqua Senior Center: 460 Winchester Ave., Reedsport, OR 97467

Prepare Before the Next Wave

As part of preparedness efforts, residents are encouraged to download the free NVS Tsunami Evacuation App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, which provides evacuation maps and preparedness information.

 

OEM also encourages everyone—especially those living or visiting coastal communities—to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster.

Learn More

OEM encourages all Oregonians to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster. This includes having food, water, medications and a plan to stay connected with family members.

 

Learn how to build your emergency kit and make a plan on the OEM website.

 

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Following Pushback From Oregon Officials, Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming - 03/24/26

Following Pushback from Oregon Officials,
Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is providing an update on the status of Oregon’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program applications following new information issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 18, 2026. 

FEMA has notified states, tribal nations and territories that the agency is resuming key BRIC program activities — including project monitoring, closeout processes and pre-award reviews — if and when federal appropriations are restored. The announcement follows FEMA’s cancellation of the BRIC program in early 2025, and subsequent successful lawsuits brought by several states, including Oregon, and applies to BRIC subawards and subapplications from fiscal years 2020 through 2023. 

 

A March 17 letter from FEMA to OEM provided a status update for Oregon’s projects. The list was not comprehensive as it included only awarded projects and selected-but-not‑funded subapplications from fiscal years 2020–2023. It should not be interpreted as a final list of future BRIC awards. 

 

On March 23, 2026, FEMA announced that the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) and Non‑Disaster Grants (ND Grants) systems have been restored and are now operational for grant recipients. These systems have been inaccessible since the federal funding lapse began on February 14, 2026. 

Grant recipients may now submit amendments and payment requests on all grant awards, including the BRIC program.  

 

Because the Department of Homeland Security remains in a funding lapse, federal staff are only available to support the following grant programs: 

  • Operation Stonegarden Grant Program 
  • FIFA World Cup Grant Program
  • Countering-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program 

 Any amendments or payment requests requiring federal staff action will not be processed during the lapse, except for the programs named above. Please see FEMA’s Advisory and Frequently Ask Questions for additional context. 

Due to the partial federal shutdown, OEM’s Mitigation Section is unable to coordinate with FEMA. However, once FEMA is fully open again, the team will reach out for clarification on Oregon BRIC projects, timelines and other questions around next steps. Subaward recipients should continue to drawdown funds based on actual expenses and submit Phase I deliverables before Phase II funding can be reviewed. 

Status of Oregon BRIC Applications 

FY2020 

Oregon’s single awarded FY2020 project has completed implementation and is currently in closeout. No additional FY2020 projects remain under FEMA review. 

FY2021 

All selected FY2021 projects have been awarded and remain within their period of performance. No changes are anticipated as a result of FEMA’s recent program review. 

FY2022 

Awarded FY2022 projects continue in active implementation. FEMA’s review includes requests related to the Columbia Memorial Hospital project as well as other previously selected projects that may move forward pending federal approval. Staffing constraints due to previous the partial federal shutdown may result in administrative delays.  

FY2023 

Several Oregon projects were selected in FY2023 but have not yet been awarded. These subapplications will undergo additional review that may result in awards.  

FY2024–2026 BRIC Funding 

FEMA has confirmed that the FY2024 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was canceled nationwide and will be reissued with a shortened application window and potentially reduced funding levels. FEMA also intends to release BRIC NOFOs for FY2025 and FY2026, likely on a similar accelerated timeline.  

Next Steps 

OEM’s Mitigation Team is conducting a detailed review of FEMA’s notice and will provide updated guidance as more information becomes available. The team will continue to work closely with state, Tribal, and local partners to advance critical mitigation investments that strengthen community resilience across Oregon. Once FEMA is fully open again, the team will reach out for clarification on timelines, etc.  

 

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Following Pushback From Oregon Officials, Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming - 03/24/26

Following Pushback from Oregon Officials,
Federal BRIC Mitigation Funding Resuming 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is providing an update on the status of Oregon’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program applications following new information issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on March 18, 2026. 

FEMA has notified states, tribal nations and territories that the agency is resuming key BRIC program activities — including project monitoring, closeout processes and pre-award reviews — if and when federal appropriations are restored. The announcement follows FEMA’s cancellation of the BRIC program in early 2025, and subsequent successful lawsuits brought by several states, including Oregon, and applies to BRIC subawards and subapplications from fiscal years 2020 through 2023. 

 

A March 17 letter from FEMA to OEM provided a status update for Oregon’s projects. The list was not comprehensive as it included only awarded projects and selected-but-not‑funded subapplications from fiscal years 2020–2023. It should not be interpreted as a final list of future BRIC awards. 

 

On March 23, 2026, FEMA announced that the FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) and Non‑Disaster Grants (ND Grants) systems have been restored and are now operational for grant recipients. These systems have been inaccessible since the federal funding lapse began on February 14, 2026. 

Grant recipients may now submit amendments and payment requests on all grant awards, including the BRIC program.  

 

Because the Department of Homeland Security remains in a funding lapse, federal staff are only available to support the following grant programs: 

  • Operation Stonegarden Grant Program 
  • FIFA World Cup Grant Program
  • Countering-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program 

 Any amendments or payment requests requiring federal staff action will not be processed during the lapse, except for the programs named above. Please see FEMA’s Advisory and Frequently Ask Questions for additional context. 

Due to the partial federal shutdown, OEM’s Mitigation Section is unable to coordinate with FEMA. However, once FEMA is fully open again, the team will reach out for clarification on Oregon BRIC projects, timelines and other questions around next steps. Subaward recipients should continue to drawdown funds based on actual expenses and submit Phase I deliverables before Phase II funding can be reviewed. 

Status of Oregon BRIC Applications 

FY2020 

Oregon’s single awarded FY2020 project has completed implementation and is currently in closeout. No additional FY2020 projects remain under FEMA review. 

FY2021 

All selected FY2021 projects have been awarded and remain within their period of performance. No changes are anticipated as a result of FEMA’s recent program review. 

FY2022 

Awarded FY2022 projects continue in active implementation. FEMA’s review includes requests related to the Columbia Memorial Hospital project as well as other previously selected projects that may move forward pending federal approval. Staffing constraints due to previous the partial federal shutdown may result in administrative delays.  

FY2023 

Several Oregon projects were selected in FY2023 but have not yet been awarded. These subapplications will undergo additional review that may result in awards.  

FY2024–2026 BRIC Funding 

FEMA has confirmed that the FY2024 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was canceled nationwide and will be reissued with a shortened application window and potentially reduced funding levels. FEMA also intends to release BRIC NOFOs for FY2025 and FY2026, likely on a similar accelerated timeline.  

Next Steps 

OEM’s Mitigation Team is conducting a detailed review of FEMA’s notice and will provide updated guidance as more information becomes available. The team will continue to work closely with state, Tribal, and local partners to advance critical mitigation investments that strengthen community resilience across Oregon. Once FEMA is fully open again, the team will reach out for clarification on timelines, etc.  

 

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.