As wildfires continue to shape the landscape and society of Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed September as Preparedness Month, joining forces with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) in an initiative designed to foster community resilience. Recognizing the critical efforts made by local and state authorities, Kotek emphasized the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters. "I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year's unprecedented wildfire season," she stated, as reported by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
In an endeavor to bolster preparedness, the OEM unveiled the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit. This progressive step is aimed at assisting individuals and their communities in gearing up for emergencies realistically, without daunting investments. As unveiled by Erin McMahon, director of OEM, the toolkit promises to cultivate a culture of preparedness that penetrates everyday life. "As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters," McMahon said, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The guide is free and accessible in multiple languages on the OEM website, ensuring a wide reach across the diverse fabric of Oregonians.
Among the suggested measures, residents are encouraged to engage in practical actions such as enrolling for local emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov, enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices, and being well-versed with evacuation protocols as well as the official TripCheck.com for travel information. Echoing the attainable nature of preparedness, the OEM and Governor Kotek stress the significance of community-driven efforts in increasing resilience against the backdrop of calamity. They urge Oregonians to pack essential go bags for all family members, including pets, and to safeguard vital documents online or in waterproof containers, as part of a sustainable approach to emergency readiness.
