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Published on October 15, 2024
Oregonians Gear Up for Disaster Readiness with Statewide Great Oregon Camp-InSource: Oregon Department of Emergency Management

As the autumnal chill sets in, Oregonians are preparing not just for the seasonal festivities, but for potential disasters in a uniquely practical way. In what's being called the Great Oregon Camp-In, families and individuals across the state are brushing up on their emergency plans and preparing for the worst-case scenarios in a way that's both educational and engaging. "It is a time to practice day-to-day activities as if a large disaster has occurred," announced the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

The Great Oregon Camp-In is structured so that participants can dip in for a few hours or commit to a full weekend of preparedness activities. From identifying meeting places outside their homes to ensuring everyone knows how to use emergency alerts, the event is geared toward making sure every Oregonian knows what to do when disaster strikes. Oregon Emergency Management stresses the importance of having a plan that involves basic essential details such as a designated meeting spot for family members, a point of contact that is out of town, and subscriptions to emergency alert systems.

For those looking to take their emergency preparedness up a notch, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management provides a toolkit with activities designed to get families tailored and ready. Activities include preparing a go-bag for all, including pets, storing critical documents in a waterproof container, creating a home inventory for insurance purposes, and identifying gaps in existing emergency supplies. "Create an inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes using Unit 2, Activity 7: Catalog and Insure Belongings on page 55 in the Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit," encourages the department's announcement.

Moreover, the Camp-In emphasizes community engagement. Engaging with neighbors about various plans and support strategies during a disaster is another recommended activity. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages sharing experiences on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #GreatOregonCampIn2024, to foster a sense of communal resilience. Information and updates are accessible at the state's emergency management website, ensuring no one in the web of community is left unprepared.

Activities aren't all about hardcore preparation; they also suggest setting up a "campsite" inside your home, with blankets, pillows, and other supplies, making the experience more tangible and less abstract for folks of all ages. Beyond just preparing, the Camp-In aims to facilitate a certain ease with survival practices, hence the push to practice cooking with no electricity and utilizing emergency radios. The initiative strikes a balance, marrying the solemnity of its cause with the inherent engaging nature of a shared statewide event.