As Oregon steps into the first-ever National Emergency Management Awareness Month this August, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is spearheading a campaign designed to shine a spotlight on the significance of emergency managers in maintaining statewide safety, according to an announcement made on the official website of the State of Oregon. With a full slate of activities planned, the goal is to enhance public understanding of what it takes to mitigate and respond to potential disasters from wildfires to winter storms, and ensure residents are not only aware but also prepared for such eventualities.
In a statement that underscores the necessity of community preparation and the varied nature of emergencies Oregonians might encounter, OEM emphasizes the pivotal role emergency managers play in safeguarding people, properties, and the environment, these professionals do not rest, working tirelessly to bolster Oregon's readiness and resilience in the face of emergencies before these emergencies strike, during their onslaught, and in the efforts to recover afterward. With a slate of diverse activities such as community presentations on preparedness, behind-the-scenes tours of Emergency Operations Centers, training exercises, and public safety demonstrations, August is set to be an influential month dedicated to the education and engagement of the public.
OEM's call to action is not just directed at emergency professionals but extends to residents, business entities, nonprofit organizations, and government representatives, encouraging wide participation in National Emergency Management Awareness Month. "Every action counts," states OEM, as it invites communities to host learning sessions on emergency management, promote preparedness on social platforms, or start grassroots dialogues about creating emergency plans. The intentions are clear – to weave a tapestry of involvement across the state where each thread contributes to a stronger, more resilient Oregon.
As part of the effort to facilitate collaboration and offer support, a variety of resources will be provided and updated throughout August, which will include shareable graphics, outreach tools, and suggestions for community participation, these tools are intended to bolster the campaigns at the local level, helping to ensure messages are consistent and impactful as they ripple out across the digital and physical landscapes of Oregon. In a bid to further amplify the message and foster a statewide conversation, OEM will keep the lines of communication open through a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and NextDoor, urging Oregonians to follow suit and play a part in this collective drive for preparedness, reminding all that "Emergency management matters—and now, more than ever, we need every Oregonian to be part of the effort to build safer, more resilient communities."
