(Salem) – More than 500,000 acres have been burned, and approximately 4,000 Oregonians have been warned to evacuate their homes this wildfire season. Over 300 earthquakes have also shaken the state this year, including a 6.2 magnitude quake just off the coast in August. These alarming facts mean it is critical for Oregonians to get prepared for both natural and human-caused disasters.
National Preparedness Month has arrived, and Sept. 16-22 is Home Inventory Week. This week is designated to an often overlooked part of disaster preparation, protecting your personal property.
To recognize this week, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation encourages Oregonians to do two simple tasks that will save time, money, and stress when disaster strikes:
“These simple projects are easy to do, and should be an essential part of every Oregonian’s disaster prep,” said Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi. “Home Inventory Week is an ideal time to add these money-saving, stress-reducing tasks to your to-do list.”
Oregonians are encouraged to visit dfr.oregon.gov/preparenow for videos, apps, and resources to help complete these simple tasks. The site also provides social media tools to help residents share their experience and encourage their families, friends, and neighbors to get prepared as well.
The division is joined in this effort by the League of Oregon Cities, Oregon Sheriffs Association, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.