In a move aimed at shoring up the state’s defenses against an array of threats, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has pulled back the curtain on its new 2025-28 Oregon Homeland Security Strategy, outlining a plan to bolster the state from natural disasters, technical mishaps, and human-caused dangers, according to an announcement made yesterday, as reported by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
Erin McMahon, OEM Director and Oregon Homeland Security Advisor, emphasized the necessity of a united front against these evolving risks, and said, “Oregon’s risks—whether natural, technological, or human-caused—demand a coordinated, data-driven approach," in a statement obtained by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, McMahon detailed the collaborative effort behind the strategy, which came together with input from local, tribal, and state partners, aiming to bolster intelligence sharing, protect critical infrastructure, and improve crisis response across the board.
The strategy aligns with FEMA's National Preparedness System and zeroes in on seven strategic goals; these include beefing up intelligence and information sharing, enhancing both critical infrastructure and cybersecurity resilience, counterterrorism, public health and medical emergency preparedness, interoperable emergency communications, and finally, improving all-hazards preparedness and response capabilities at every level of government, as per the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
Anchoring these objectives is a commitment to a 24/7/365 common operating picture, allowing threat intelligence to be synthesized quickly and efficiently while remaining in step with Oregon's privacy and civil rights laws; Oregon Department of Emergency Management has also proposed to lawmakers a next-generation data-management system for this purpose, the plan hinges on cooperation, tapping into the collective strengths of councils and workgroups across government sectors, private industry, nonprofits and academia to foster a rounded and resilient security posture.
In the wake of escalating natural disasters like wildfires and ice storms, and the rise of human-caused threats including violent extremism, drug trafficking, ransomware, and disinformation campaigns, the 2025-28 HSS presents a streamlined approach to security, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management official release.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is focusing on practical steps like creating a disaster supply program, improving communication between agencies, increasing public education, and following the Statewide Communications Plan. They also plan to work more with private companies, find funding for safety upgrades—especially in cybersecurity and infrastructure—and update the state's main emergency plan.
