Portland

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Issues Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Holiday as Call Numbers Fluctuate

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Published on November 27, 2025
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Issues Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Holiday as Call Numbers FluctuateSource: Facebook/Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is reminding residents to stay safe over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In a recent release, MCSO noted that it typically receives hundreds of calls during this period. In 2025, the office reported 359 calls, down from 403 in 2023 and 365 in 2022, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

MCSO is providing safety reminders ahead of the holiday weekend, noting that the three-year average for calls during this period is 375. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 in emergencies or 503-823-3333 for non-emergencies. Safety tips include keeping windows, doors, and garage doors locked, using exterior lighting for visibility, and keeping fire hydrants, sidewalks, and driveways clear. The office also reminded residents to avoid driving while impaired and to use designated drivers or rideshare services during the holiday.

Even with no major winter weather expected to affect driving conditions, MCSO advises residents to remain cautious on the roads. Recommended precautions include carrying extra chargers, minimizing distractions, and keeping emergency supplies such as chains, blankets, and food on hand. Drivers are also encouraged to plan routes ahead of time and use the Oregon Department of Transportation website for traffic updates.

MCSO increases patrols during the holiday weekend at popular events, including the annual Christmas Tree lighting downtown. The office advises extra caution in high-traffic areas such as parking lots and gas stations, recommending well-lit parking and avoiding leaving valuables visible in vehicles. For child safety, MCSO suggests using technology or apps to store contact information or location details. When shopping online, residents are advised to use verified websites, create strong passwords, and avoid saving credit card information.