Clackamas County and the Oregon National Guard are partnering to conduct welfare checks on residents affected by the winter storm and ongoing power outages -- ensuring those residents have what they need to stay safe and healthy.
As detailed in Clackamas County's earlier Feb. 19 press release, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners asked Oregon Governor Kate Brown to deploy National Guard members to assist in door-to-door wellness checks.
Working with information provided by Portland General Electric and Clackamas 911, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies and will begin door-to-door welfare checks on Saturday of residents identified as "high-risk" for need in the wake of the storm and ensuing power outages. These high-risk residents include the older adults, homebound and those who are medically fragile and have been without electricity.
Information will then be provided to Oregon National Guard members and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, who will follow up and manage the logistics of care. The Oregon National Guard has committed four vehicles and 12 personnel to this effort.
Door-to-door welfare checks will begin tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021). National Guard members are expected to begin delivery of supplies on Sunday, Feb. 21.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These welfare checks will be conducted during daylight hours by uniformed deputies. Deputies will begin going door-to-door in rural areas of the county, then work toward more populated areas.
"It takes all of us to ensure that everyone in our community makes this through this long-term power outage safely. We cannot lose any more lives," said Clackamas County Board Commission Vice Chair Paul Savas "We are so appreciative of the local partnerships making this possible, as well as the service of our National Guard members."
WINTER-STORM RESOURCES FROM CLACKAMAS COUNTY:
List of Clackamas County warming centers
Clackamas County winter-storm emergency declaration
NEWS RELEASE: Clackamas County requests National Guard outreach to residents without power
NEWS RELEASE: Clackamas County Opens Up Storm Resource Centers; Chair Smith Asks Neighbors To Support Their Community
NEWS RELEASE: Sheriff's Office offers carbon-monoxide safety tips after multiple deaths, close calls during winter storm, power outages