August Is National Emergency Management Awareness Month In Oregon (Photo) -08/01/25

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
 

“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
 

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
 

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly. 

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

 Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
 

###

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.  

Oregon Department Of Emergency Management Committed To Emergency Preparedness And Continuous Improvement -07/31/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today reiterated its dedication to continuous improvement and readiness across the state in the wake of recent emergency response activities. 

“Our agency recognizes that every incident is an opportunity to assess, learn and enhance our systems. Continuous improvement is baked into our organizational DNA,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. 

What Went Right During the Recent Tsunami Advisory 

• State, local and federal partners acted quickly to evaluate risks and communicate with the public, working in close coordination with the National Tsunami Warning Center  
• Timely and accurate public messaging was issued via multiple channels to inform coastal communities and ensure situational awareness  
• Our partnerships with county emergency managers, Tribal governments, and other agencies were essential to a united response effort  

“We acknowledge there is always room for improvement,” McMahon said. “As lawmakers and others have noted, this event shed light on areas where our emergency systems, critical infrastructure, and communication protocols could benefit from refinement and funding. This includes a need for robust federal mitigation funding and technical assistance.  We are committed to working collaboratively with partners statewide to address those gaps—especially as we review readiness for low-notice, high-impact events.” 

Staffing, ECC Activation, and Organizational Development 

OEM is not staffed 24/7 under normal operating conditions, but staffing is scaled up immediately when an emergency or threat arises—a common practice among states. Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are routinely activated in response to significant incidents, including natural disasters, major public events, or other large-scale emergencies. 

Activation decisions are guided by incident complexity and statewide coordination needs. When warranted, OEM launches its ECC and deploys necessary personnel—including state agency liaisons—to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. 

Since legislative changes in July 2022 established OEM as a standalone department, the agency has continued to evolve. One notable change from the last legislative session was the transfer of oversight for the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability program from the State Chief Information Officer to OEM. This program ensures emergency responders maintain effective communication during crises and supports the ORAlert.gov system. 

OEM has also been tasked with launching the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) by next summer, aimed at establishing a 24/7 statewide watch capability.  

“This program marks a significant advancement in readiness,” McMahon said. “Although not fully funded in the last session, we are actively identifying the equipment, systems and personnel needed to sustain this enhanced function. Once operational, OERS will strengthen Oregon’s ability to provide 24/7 monitoring and improve our ability to respond to and coordinate during emergencies—boosting statewide resilience.” 

While OEM does not currently maintain 24/7 monitoring or staffing, programs such as the emergency duty officer system and the current version of OERS do play critical support roles by maintaining on-call duty officers that enable activation and coordination around-the-clock. These systems are not the initial point of contact; that responsibility remains with 911 call centers, law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel—who provide direct, front-line service at all times.

However, when local resources are overwhelmed—whether by evacuation needs or technical support requirements—local emergency operations centers (EOCs) and emergency managers activate to coordinate wraparound services and leverage mutual aid agreements. If the incident escalates further and regional capacities are exceeded, OEM steps in to mobilize support from across the state, and when necessary, from national or international sources.  

Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Activation Levels and What They Mean 

Level 4: Normal Operations / Steady State  

• No emergency or disruption.  
• ECC is not activated.  
• Agencies operate under routine conditions.  

Level 3: ECC Regional Response  

• A regional emergency is anticipated or occurring.  
• May affect community lifelines or public safety.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person as needed.  

Level 2: ECC Limited Activation  

• A significant emergency is underway.  
• Requires multi-agency coordination and additional resources.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person, directed by the ECC Manager.  

Level 1: ECC Full Activation  

• A major emergency or disaster impacting multiple lifelines.  
• Full-scale coordination and resource deployment needed.  

“OEM will always remain committed to improving preparedness and building resilience throughout Oregon,” McMahon said. “And we value feedback from communities, policymakers and partners. We strongly encourage people to connect with the emergency management offices in their county to learn more about how they can help advocate for emergency preparedness in their area.” 

Tsunami Advisory Has Been Lifted For The Oregon Coast (Photo) -07/30/25

UPDATE: The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington from The Oregon California Border to the Washington Border. 
However, OEM is still urging visitors to the coast to exercise cuation as large debris washes ashore during the next few days. This is also a good time for people to reflect on their
tsunami preparedness plans and learn their evacutaion routes and warning levels.

What The Major Disaster Declaration Approved For Oregon Following March Storms Means -07/24/25

SALEM, Ore.– Governor Kotek’s office announced today that FEMA has made federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Oregon to support recovery efforts following severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that struck Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties from March 13–20, 2025. 

The assistance includes Public Assistance funding on a cost-sharing basis for state, tribal, and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, to aid in emergency response and infrastructure recovery.  

While requested, Harney County was not included in this declaration by FEMA. However, state leaders recognize the situation in Harney was especially severe. The flooding breached levees and led to the failure of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. Sewage-contaminated floodwaters caused serious public health hazards, damaged homes, and forced extended evacuations.  

As a result, State Legislators provided statutory funding during the 2025 Legislative Session for Harney to minimize flooding through repair and improvement of infrastructure. This work will include work on dikes, levees, dredging and vegetation thinning along waterways.  

“Our staff worked tirelessly, compiling damage assessments, coordinating with local jurisdictions, and ensuring every detail was accounted for,” Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon said. “Their dedication and advocacy for Oregon played a crucial role in securing this declaration and helping communities get needed assistance.” 

John F. Harrison, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), has been appointed to aid in the recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if further assessments warrant expanded assistance. Harrison recently severed as the Oregon FCO for the 2024 Wildfire recovery.  

Understanding Federal Assistance  

Public Assistance (PA) is one of two main types of recovery dollars FEMA offers communities after a disaster. The other is Individual Assistance (IA). Neither are meant to help people cover the total cost of replacing their homes. Public Assistance is to help replace public infrastructure damaged by the disaster and recover the cost of responding to it.  

Individual Assistance (IA) has a higher overall damage cost threshold than Public Assistance and acts as a supplement to insurance, savings or loans for individuals whose property is damaged or destroyed. Far fewer disasters qualify for Individual Assistance because the overall devastation has to be far greater and more widespread, and it was never meant to pay replacement costs. 

Federal and State Assistance Available Currently for Oregon Communities Recovering from Floods 

• Public Assistance: funding for emergency work and repair or replacement of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. 
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits to cover physical damage and economic injury. People can apply online by visiting https://lending.sba.gov. 
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland and conservation structures damaged by natural disasters and implement emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought. More information is available on this Fact Sheet or visit the USDA website. 
• Oregon Legislature statutory funding: for Harney to minimize flooding through repair and improvement of infrastructure.  

Damage Impacts in Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney Counties 

• Coos County: floodwaters caused road failures and prompted water rescues. Officials noted damage levels not seen since the 1960s. 
• Curry County: landslides and mudslides disrupted access and damaged infrastructure. SBA loans and other federal resources were requested to support recovery. 
• Douglas County: highway 138 suffered at least 10 landslides, with major damage to drainage systems and roadways. Homes and businesses were inundated, and evacuations were widespread. 
• Harney County: breached levees and led to the failure of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. Sewage-contaminated floodwaters caused serious public health hazards, damaged homes, and forced extended evacuations. 

How to Make Sure Your Home is Insured for Flooding 

Flood insurance provides financial protection against damage caused by flooding, which is not typically covered under standard homeowners or renters' insurance policies. It’s a separate policy offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, and it covers things like structural damage to your home and loss of personal belongings.  

Because flood risk varies by location, coverage and rates are based on your property's elevation, flood zone, and more. Many people only discover it's excluded after it's too late—so it's worth checking before the storm rolls in. Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation has a good resource page to help the public navigate flood insurance. 

Oregon's Search And Rescue Canine Teams Deployed To Texas For Disaster Recovery Efforts (Photo) -07/23/25

Smoke And Wildfires Impacting Road Safety Across Oregon (Photo) -07/18/25

Donations After Disaster: Why Monetary Donations Are Best -07/17/25

In the aftermath of a disaster, Oregonians often ask, “How can I help?” While offers of donated goods like clothing, food, and household items are heartfelt, they can create serious logistical challenges for emergency responders and community organizations already stretched thin. Unless specifically requested, these types of donations can actually slow down relief efforts.

The best way to support disaster survivors is by donating cash to trusted relief organizations.

Cash donations:

• Allow relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed
• Help local businesses recover by sourcing supplies locally
• Requires no transportation, storage, or sorting
• Can be deployed immediately to where they’re most needed

Before giving, always confirm that your donation is going to a verified, local fund or nonprofit that is active in the response and recovery effort.

Supporting Rowena Fire Recovery

We continue to receive generous offers of support for those impacted by the Rowena Fire in Wasco County. While we deeply appreciate this compassion, we kindly ask that the public donate cash instead of goods to help the community recover effectively and efficiently.

Here’s how you can help:

Make a donation to the official Rowena Fire Relief & Recovery Fund, managed by United Way of the Columbia Gorge: https://uwcg.ejoinme.org/RowenaFireReliefRecoveryFund

100% of donations will stay local and directly support individuals and families impacted by the fire.

For Wasco County-specific updates and long-term recovery efforts, visit: https://www.co.wasco.or.us/departments/emergency_management/rowena_fire_long_term_recovery_group/index.php

Join a Community Fundraiser This Sunday

Come out and cheer on our first responders as they take the field for a great cause!

Charity Baseball Game: Mid-Columbia Fire District vs. The Hustlers
Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM
Quinton Street Ballfield

This fun, family-friendly event will raise funds for Rowena Fire survivors. All donations collected at the game will be directed to the official United Way fund.

We appreciate your support and generosity. In times of crisis, compassion paired with coordination helps our communities recover stronger and faster.

Extreme Heat Advisory: Health And Safety Guidance From State Agencies / Aviso De Calor Extremo: Orientación Sobre Salud Y Seguridad De Las Agencias Estatales (Photo) -07/14/25

JOINT RELEASE

Extreme Heat Advisory: Health and Safety Guidance from State Agencies 

As temperatures surge across Oregon,  the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch, Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings for parts of Oregon, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are urging all residents to take precautions against the dangerous heat affecting the region. Heat of this intensity poses serious health risks for everyone—particularly older adults, children, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, pregnant people, and those without air conditioning.

Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, emphasized that one of the most serious risks during extreme heat is how easily people underestimate its effects over time. “It’s not just about a single hot day,” she said. “The real danger comes from the ongoing impact of several days of high temperatures without a break, which can have deadly consequences.” She noted that during the July 4–7 heatwave last summer, 11 people in Oregon lost their lives—making it one of the most lethal weather events in the state’s history. “Heat is deadly,” she warned, “and we must respond to it with the seriousness it demands.”

Recognize and Respond to Heat Illness

Heat-related illnesses can progress rapidly and impair judgment. Understanding the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is critical: 

Learn more at: bit.ly/45XeNlS 

Stay Cool and Safe 

• To locate cooling resources near you, call 211 or visit 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources/. 
  • 211info’s core operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., but hours may be extended during emergency incidents, including extreme heat.
• If you need help getting to a cooling location, call 211 to discuss transportation options.
• Check on family, neighbors, and those living alone. 
• Hydrate consistently—don’t wait until you feel thirsty and limit sugary and alcoholic drinks. 
• Dress in loose, light-colored, breathable clothing. 
• Take lots of cold showers or seek out air-conditioned buildings or cooling shelters during the hottest part of the day. 
• Keep windows closed during the day and open at night (unless wildfire smoke is present). 
• Never leave pets or children in vehicles. 
• Limit physical activity—even athletes should limit their activity during extreme heat. 

For medical emergencies or concerns about someone at risk, call the Police Non-Emergency number in your area for a welfare check—or 911 if immediate care is needed. Your actions can save lives. Stay cool, stay safe and stay connected.

Remember the Increased Fire Danger and Energy Conservation 

High temperatures heighten the risk of wildfires: 

• Respect burn bans 
• Use fireworks cautiously 
• Report unsafe conditions 

Oregonians are also urged to conserve energy: 

• Avoid running major appliances during peak demand hours (morning and evening) 
• Help prevent power outages and grid strain 

Report excessive pricing of essential goods or lodging to the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Services: doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection 

Stay Informed 

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov 
• Follow National Weather Service (NWS) updates: Heat Risk Page. 

Heat Alerts Made Simple

• East of Blue Ridge: Alerts kick in at slightly higher temperatures

• West of Blue Ridge: Thresholds are a bit lower due to cooler climate conditions

En Español

Aviso de calor extremo: Orientación sobre salud y seguridad de las agencias estatales 

Mientras suben las temperaturas en Oregon, el Servicio Nacional de Meteorología (National Weather Service – en inglés) ha emitido una Alerta de calor extremo (en inglés), Avisos de calor (en inglés), y Advertencias de calor extremo (en inglés) para partes de Oregon. El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (Oregon Department of Human Services, ODHS por sus siglas en inglés), y el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias de Oregon (Oregon Department of Emergency Management, OEM) piden a todas las personas que viven en el área que se cuiden por el calor fuerte que hay en la región. El calor de esta intensidad es un riesgo grave para la salud de todos – especialmente los adultos mayores, los niños, las personas con discapacidades, las personas que trabajan al aire libre, las personas embarazadas y las personas que no tienen aire acondicionado.  

Erin McMahon, directora del Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias de Oregon, indicó que uno de los riesgos más graves durante el calor extremo es lo fácil que es subestimar sus efectos acumulativos. “No se trata solo de un día caluroso,” dijo. “El verdadero peligro proviene del impacto continuo de varios días de altas temperaturas sin alivio, lo cual puede tener consecuencias mortales.” Señaló que durante la ola de calor del 4 al 7 de julio del verano pasado, 11 personas en Oregón perdieron la vida, convirtiéndola en uno de los eventos meteorológicos más letales en la historia del estado. “El calor es mortal,” advirtió, “y debemos responder con la seriedad que exige.”

Aprenda a reconocer y actuar a las enfermedades por calor 

Las enfermedades causadas por el calor pueden avanzar rápido y afectar el juicio de las personas. Comprender los síntomas del agotamiento de calor y el golpe de calor es muy importante:  

Obtenga más información (en inglés): bit.ly/45XeNlS  

Manténgase fresco y seguro 

• Para encontrar recursos de enfriamiento cerca de usted, llame al 211 o visite 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources/.  
• El horario principal de atención de 211info es de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., pero el horario puede extenderse durante los incidentes de emergencia incluyendo el calor extremo. 
• Si necesita ayuda para llegar a un centro de enfriamiento, llame al 211 para platicar sobre las opciones de transporte. 
• Asegúrese de que sus familiares, vecinos, y las personas que viven solas estén bien.  
• Hidrátese con consistencia – no espere hasta que tenga sed y limite las bebidas con azúcar y alcohólicas.  
• Vístase con ropa floja, de colores claros y fresca.  
• Tome muchas duchas frías o busque lugares con aire acondicionado o refugios frescos durante las horas del día en las que hay más calor.  
• Mantenga sus ventanas cerradas durante el día y ábralas en la noche (a menos que haya humo de incendios forestales).  
• Nunca deje a sus niños o a sus mascotas encerrados en los vehículos.  
• Limite la actividad física – hasta los atletas deben limitar su actividad durante el calor extremo.  

En caso de emergencias médicas o si le preocupa alguien en riesgo, llame al número de la policía que no es de emergencia en su área para solicitar una visita de bienestar – o llame al 911 si necesita atención inmediata. Sus acciones pueden salvar vidas. Manténgase fresco, manténgase seguro, y manténgase conectado. 

Recuerde el aumento del peligro de incendios y la conservación de energía 

Las temperaturas altas aumentan el riesgo de incendios forestales:  

• Respete las prohibiciones de quemas  
• Use los fuegos artificiales con cuidado 
• Reporte las condiciones que no son seguras 

A las personas de Oregon también se les pide que conserven la energía:  

• Evite usar los electrodomésticos grandes durante las horas de mayor demanda (en la mañana y en la noche)  
• Ayude a prevenir los cortes de luz y la sobrecarga de la red eléctrica  

Reporte si ve precios excesivos de bienes esenciales y alojamiento a los Servicios de Protección al Consumidor del Departamento de Justicia de Oregon: doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection (en inglés)

Manténgase informado  

• Inscríbase para recibir alertas de emergencia en ORAlert.gov  
• Siga a las actualizaciones del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología (National Weather Service, NWS por sus siglas en inglés): Página sobre Riesgos de Calor.  

Entendiendo las Alertas de Calor  

• Al este de Blue Ridge: Las alertas comienzan a activarse a temperaturas un poco más altas 
• Al oeste de Blue Ridge: Los límites son un poco más bajos debido a las condiciones de clima más frescas 

RSVP Requested: Media Tour – Rowena Wildfire Debris Cleanup -07/11/25

You're invited to join the Rowena Wildfire Debris Management Task Force for a media tour highlighting household hazardous waste removal of the debris cleanup effort. This is an opportunity to learn more about the coordinated recovery work underway, ask questions of subject matter experts, and gather photos and footage for public awareness.

Location: Mayer State Park, 5865 Rowena River Rd, Rowena, OR 97058
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.

Who will be available for media interviews:

• Stephanie Krell, Public Information Officer, Debris Management Task Force

• Charles Kennedy, State On-Scene Coordinator, Debris Management Task Force

• Sheriff Lane Magill, Deputy Incident Commander, Debris Management Task Force

Closed-toe shoes are required and long pants are recommended. Please bring personal protective equipment, including high-vis vests, safety glasses and N95 masks, as their availability will be limited on-site.

? Registration is required to participate. Please register by 5 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2025.

For more information or special accommodation requests, please contact Stephanie Krell, Public Information Officer, pio@co.wasco.or.us or by phone (541) 993-8173

Staying Informed During A Communications Outage: Best Practices For The Public -07/10/25

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it's vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There's an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials' and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners.

Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Returning Home Safely After The Rowena Fire -07/10/25

[Rowena, Ore.] – As residents return to areas impacted by the Rowena Fire, safety remains a top priority. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Wasco County strongly recommend property owners not perform cleanup themselves, because of the serious toxic hazard threats posed by burned homes and outbuildings. 
 

Doing your own cleanup without proper protection puts your health at risk. Burned materials are hazardous and require more than gloves and a mask to protect your health. Buildings constructed before 2004 are likely to contain asbestos, which is carcinogenic.

If residents do decide to do their own clean-up rather than hiring a qualified contractor, they should wear appropriate personal protective equipment. 

Before entering your property:

• Wear sturdy shoes, eye goggles, heavy-duty work gloves and an N95 mask when inspecting damage.
• Watch for hazards such as unstable structures, ash pits, smoldering debris and electrical hazards including downed power lines.
• Take photos of damage for insurance and recovery documentation.

Avoid bringing ash from outside to the inside:

• Don’t let children play on or near any ash. Wash off toys before children play with them.
• Wash fruits and vegetables from your garden thoroughly before you eat them. Read the OHA Healthy Gardening fact sheet for more tips.
• Remove shoes before you enter your home or use “sticky mats” in entries and doorways to remove dust and ash from your shoes.
• Keep pets out of areas where there is any ash. Bathe them when exposed to ash.
• Wash off any ash right away if it gets on your body or clothing.

Keep indoor spaces clean from ash. Minimize other pollutants:

• Protect your home from outside air, this includes proper seals for windows and doors. Home weatherization assistance may be available for people with low income.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or non-ozone producing electrostatic precipitator (ESP) filter in your central air system to filter air throughout your home. There are also DYI air filter tutorials.
• Make sure any air purifier you buy has an airflow rate of at least two to three times the size of the room.
• EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
• California Air Resources Board-certified air filtration devices

See Oregon Health Authority’s Long-Term Wildfire Recovery Healthy Home Advice Fact Sheet for more detailed information.

Smoke may linger even after flames are out. To protect yourself and your family:

• Limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed.
• Use air purifiers indoors if available.
• If you have heart or lung conditions, consult your doctor about potential impacts and monitor symptoms closely.
• Visit Oregon Smoke Blog for local air quality conditions and tips.

Additional Cleanup Resources:

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is providing technical assistance and coordinating with subject matter experts to support safe debris management. Guidance on proper cleanup procedures and disposal of fire debris can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq
 

Local recovery and safety resources are also available through Wasco County Emergency Management Long-term Recovery page.
 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Wasco County Citizen Alert for the latest updates on recovery, road access, and support services.
 

For more information on state-led wildfire recovery and preparedness efforts, visit:
 wildfire.oregon.gov