Oregon Dept. of Emerg. Management
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News Releases
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Activates State Emergency Coordination Center for Election Support - 11/04/24

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) out of an abundance of caution in preparation for the upcoming election period. This activation is a proactive measure to ensure readiness and support for communities and local leadership across the state. It is not in response to any specific threat or situation but is part of OEM’s ongoing commitment to support safe and secure elections.

In July, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) achieved a significant milestone by securing approval for pre-award costs from FEMA to enhance election security across the state. In coordination with the Oregon Secretary of State, local county clerks, and the Department of Homeland Security, Oregon’s most vulnerable election infrastructure was hardened to ensure the integrity of the election statewide. According to FEMA, this is the first time a state has been awarded pre-award costs under the Homeland Security Grant Program. This accomplishment underscores Oregon’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its election process.

OEM is working in close collaboration with the Oregon Secretary of State and state agencies, tribal and local jurisdictions, and private sector partners, and other essential service providers. This coordinated effort is designed to enhance the state’s ability to respond quickly and effectively should any requests for support arise from community leaders or local emergency management offices.

Activating the Emergency Coordination Center enables the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to maintain a heightened state of readiness. The goal is to ensure that, if any requests for assistance arise, OEM can promptly coordinate and provide support across all levels of government during the election period.

OEM remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard communities and maintain open lines of communication with all partners. The State ECC will remain operational to monitor and support ongoing election activities. 

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About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem

Notification Process for Elections and Resources for Addressing Hate Speech and Bias Crimes - 11/01/24

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is committed to supporting safety, and preparedness during election periods and beyond. OEM emphasizes the importance of addressing hate speech and bias crimes that impact our communities.

Understanding Hate Crimes:

A hate crime is defined as a crime motivated in part or whole by bias against another person’s actual or perceived protected class—including race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Examples of hate crimes include:

  • Racist or discriminatory graffiti.
  • Theft or destruction of symbols such as Pride flags.
  • Threats involving slurs or derogatory language.
  • Physical assault based on someone’s identity.

Reporting Hate Crimes:

If you or someone you know experiences a hate crime, it is crucial to report the incident. Oregon residents have access to the following reporting resources:

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline
Phone: 1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)
Available: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time

Details: Trauma-informed operators are ready to assist. Interpretation services are available in over 240 languages. If you call outside of business hours, please leave a message, and someone will return your call.

Online Reporting:

Bias crimes and incidents can also be reported via the Oregon Department of Justice’s Bias Crime Reporting website.

Support:

An important resource for Oregonians is the Voter Protection Hotline, managed by the Oregon Department of Justice. This hotline, launched earlier this month, will remain active until after the election to assist voters with non-emergency questions and concerns about the voting process. The hotline number is 971-673-4111, and messages are reviewed regularly, with calls returned within 24 hours on weekdays and on Monday following the weekend. Voters should call the hotline if they suspect or have experienced any types of voter intimidation, at a voter drop box or elsewhere.

Trauma-informed support is key when dealing with hate crimes. Being "trauma-informed" means understanding how trauma affects people. It means knowing how trauma can change a person’s feelings, actions and overall well-being. Being trauma-informed means, we create a safe and supportive space to help people heal without making things worse. It's about showing empathy, knowing what the survivor needs, and giving the right care and support.

To learn more about staying informed and reporting bias incidents during the election, please visit the Secretary of State’s and the Department of Justice’s websites.  

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.


You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711. 

Oregon Requests a Major Disaster Declaration After Historic Wildfire Season Impacts Rural Communities - 10/29/24

SALEM, Ore.The unprecedented severity of this wildfire season led Governor Tina Kotek to declare a State of Emergency on July 12 and prompted a request for a federal major disaster declaration from President Biden.  

Governor Kotek’s request, made under the Robert T. Stafford Act, seeks federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program. If approved, federal aid will help reimburse state, tribal, and local governments, for some of the costs associated with response efforts, and the recovery of public infrastructure damaged during the 2024 wildfires—one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon’s history. 

The FEMA–State Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment determined that public infrastructure in six counties—Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler— had damage that met the federal cost threshold, prompting those six counties to be included in the state’s request for a federal major disaster declaration.  

The destruction of utility poles and power lines led to prolonged power outages, communication failures, compromised emergency response capabilities, and limited access to critical services. Temporary shelters were required to support medically fragile individuals, elderly residents, and isolated communities affected by extended power outages. 

Other areas of the state—such as Baker, Douglas, Harney, and Malheur counties—also sustained damage. However, the public infrastructure damages in these counties did not meet the federal cost threshold necessary to be included in the request for a major disaster declaration via FEMA’s Public Assistance program. 

Governor Kotek also requested a waiver for Oregon’s required cost-share for emergency response activities. This additional federal support is requested due to the state’s significant resource commitment to wildfire response and the financial strain on these rural areas.  This season’s extraordinary wildfire activity saw the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) mobilize a record number of resources under the Emergency Conflagration Act, deploying 17 times, and thousands of wildland firefighters mobilized through the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). 

This wildfire season, Oregon endured 1.9 million acres of wildfire damage, far surpassing the state’s 10-year average of 640,000 acres. Fires destroyed more than 40 homes, damaged an additional 132 structures, and disrupted critical transportation, utilities, and essential services. Ranchers in eastern Oregon face long-term recovery challenges due to the devastation of livestock resources, which have severe financial implications for these communities. 

While the federal government’s response to the disaster declaration request may take up to six weeks, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management continues coordination with community partners to ensure support reaches residents and ranchers in these areas. OEM continues to provide resources, guidance and support to communities as they navigate the aftermath. 

In addition, OEM is assessing the substantial economic losses faced by small businesses in the impacted areas. Small business owners within fire-affected communities are encouraged to complete the economic injury loss form by October 31 to help OEM evaluate the extent of the damage and shape future support efforts. 

For further information on Oregon’s wildfire response and recovery initiatives, please visit the Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery Homepage or consult the online Community FAQs.  The 2024 Wildfire Spotlight also offers an overview of the challenges faced, the coordinated response efforts, and estimated recovery costs from damage assessments conducted with FEMA. 

Those interested in supporting recovery efforts can help in several ways. Donations of hay are being coordinated by OSU Extension and the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, and volunteers are needed to transport hay from the Willamette Valley to ranchers in need. Additionally, the OSU Foundation, Oregon Farm Bureau, and Oregon Cattlemen's Association are accepting cash donations that will be distributed directly to ranchers and farmers to help offset recovery costs. 

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 

 
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711. 

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See the state's Emergency Coordination Center in action! (Photo) - 10/22/24

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all members of the media to tour the state Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) during the IronOR 24 exercise from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

This tour will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ECC in action during the IronOR 24 exercise and will offer insights into how Oregon is preparing to respond to a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to RSVP at your earliest convivence. We look forward to hearing from you.  

More about IronOR 24

This four-day exercise is designed to test Oregon’s capabilities and readiness in responding to a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.  

Building upon the Cascadia Rising 2016 exercise, which simulated the immediate response to a Cascadia up to day 3. IronOR 24, scheduled for October 28-31, 2024, will focus on continued operations Day 4 through Day 7 of the disaster response.

The exercise will evaluate the state’s ability to maintain operational coordination, ensure critical communication systems remain functional, and develop a strategy for human impacts during these critical days of response.

OEM has developed a dedicated online storyboard for IronOR 24, which serves as a central hub for exercise planning, updates and resources. This tool supports participating agencies and provides non-participating organizations with critical context about the exercise. 

Read more details about the exercise on the OEM Newsroom Blog.

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The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads statewide efforts to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies. By fostering collaboration with partners and the community, OEM ensures that Oregon is ready to respond to any disaster. 

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Join Us for the Great Oregon Camp-In: Prepare for the Unexpected! - 10/16/24

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites everyone to participate in the Great Oregon Camp-In, October 18-20. This hands-on event is designed to empower individuals, families and communities to prepare for living after disasters. You can participate at whatever level you want. Spend a few hours, or a few of days, developing your emergency plan and practicing daily activities in your home.

Participants are encouraged to share photos and videos of their activities on social media with the hashtag #GreatOregonCampIn2024. We have compiled a list of Great Camp-in Activities on the OEM blog. As well as information on how to Make Preparedness Fun for kids and less scary for everyone.

For families with young children, the Great Oregon Camp-In is an excellent opportunity to make preparedness a fun learning experience.

Here are some tips:

For More Information:
To learn more about the Great Oregon Camp-In access the Be 2 Weeks Ready webpage. Together, let’s make Oregon a more prepared and resilient community!

 

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711. 

Secretary of State, Oregon Department of Emergency Management remind Oregonians to register to vote - 10/15/24

As we approach critical deadlines for voter registration and ballot returns, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Secretary of State, reminds Oregonians of important voting information. With increased misinformation, you must rely on credible sources for all election-related updates and instructions. 

Key Registration Deadlines – Today, October 15 

  • In-Person Registration: You can register at your local election office until the close of business today. 
  • Online Registration: Register online at OregonVotes.gov/register by 11:59 p.m. PDT. 

Remember, you must be an actively registered voter to receive a ballot. If you have questions about your registration status, or if you need to update your information, visit the Secretary of State’s official website at OregonVotes.gov/MyVote. 

Voting Timeline and Deadlines 

  1. Ballot Mailing: Ballots will be sent to all actively registered voters starting October 16. 
  2. Ballot Return Deadlines
    • Mail Return: Ensure your ballot is postmarked by USPS by November 5. 
    • In-Person Return: Drop off your ballot by November 5 at 8:00 p.m. PST at an official ballot drop box

Tips for Ensuring You Have Accurate Voting Information 

To help you spot false information and find accurate information during this election season, follow these simple tips: 

  • Use trusted sources. For voting information, rely on the official Oregon Secretary of State’s website, county clerks and elections officials, and other reputable government sites. 
  • Verify and cross-check. Check multiple credible sources to ensure consistent and accurate information. 
  • Beware of misleading headlines. Sensational headlines often accompany false information. If it seems geared at making you angry or evoking a strong emotional reaction, be wary. Always read the full article and fact-check claims using reputable sources. 
  • Look at other reports. If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it's more likely to be true. 
  • Is the story a joke? Sometimes false news stories can be hard to distinguish from humor or satire. Check whether the source is known for parody and whether the story's details and tone suggest it may be just for fun. 
  • Some stories are intentionally false. Think critically about the stories you read, and only share the news you know to be credible. 

Making a plan to vote ahead of these deadlines ensures your vote will count. Visit OregonVotes.gov for more information on locating your nearest drop box and accessing other voting resources. 

For additional assistance, contact the Secretary of State’s Office or the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Voting is a fundamental right, and we encourage all eligible Oregonians to make their voices heard in this election. 

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times of crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 

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Oregon Department of Emergency Management Hosts Statewide Exercise IronOR 24 (Photo) - 10/11/24

Simulating Response to a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is preparing to host IronOR 24, a statewide emergency exercise taking place October 28-31, 2024. This four-day exercise is designed to test Oregon’s capabilities and readiness in responding to a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.

Building upon the Cascadia Rising 2016 exercise, which simulated the immediate response to a Cascadia up to day 3. IronOR 24 will focus on continued operations Day 4 through Day 7 of the disaster response. The exercise will evaluate the state’s ability to maintain operational coordination, ensure critical communication systems remain functional, and develop a strategy for human impacts during these critical days of response.

IronOR 24 Exercise Schedule:

  • Monday, October 28: Event Preparation and Scene Setting
  • Tuesday, October 29: Exercise Play
  • Wednesday, October 30: Exercise Play
  • Thursday, October 31: Exercise Play and Review

The 12-month planning process for IronOR 24 involved a review of lessons learned from Cascadia Rising, and further development of critical statewide response. Key goals of the exercise include:

  1. Operational coordination: ensuring the Oregon Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) can prioritize and coordinate response actions, sharing critical incident information throughout the simulated response.
  2. Redundant communications: testing the establishment and maintenance of communications systems to mitigate the impacts of disrupted communications following the earthquake.
  3. Human impacts strategy: addressing the human needs of those affected by the earthquake, including sheltering, healthcare, and mass care, through Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6.

“IO24 is a collaborative opportunity to practice a unified Cascadia Earthquake response that will include participation from 18 state agencies, 17 county governments, 9 Oregon recognized Tribal governments, and 10+ federal agencies participating at varying levels over three days." said Robert Quinn, Exercise Officer at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. " This exercise enables our statewide partners to assess their current capabilities and readiness for this significant hazard.” 

OEM has developed a dedicated online storyboard for IronOR 24, which serves as a central hub for exercise planning, updates and resources. This tool supports participating agencies and provides non-participating organizations with critical context about the exercise.

Media Tour Invitation:

OEM invites members of the media to a special tour of the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) on Wednesday, October 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. This tour will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ECC in action during the IronOR 24 exercise and will offer insights into how Oregon is preparing to respond to a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to RSVP to ecc.jointinfo@oem.oregon.gov at your earliest convivence. We look forward to hearing from you.  

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About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management:

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads statewide efforts to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies. By fostering collaboration with partners and the community, OEM ensures that Oregon is ready to respond to any disaster.

 

 

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Great Oregon ShakeOut Earthquake Drill Encourages Oregonians to Practice Earthquake Safety (Photo) - 10/10/24

SALEM, Ore. – Oregonians have become all too familiar with the need for emergency preparedness due to various hazards, including wildfires, drought, floods, and ice storms. However, earthquakes – while less common – remain a top concern, especially given the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the Pacific Coast, which has the potential to generate a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake and a resulting tsunami. To help Oregonians better prepare, Governor Tina Kotek is encouraging residents to learn and practice safe actions to take during an earthquake.  

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff invite all Oregonians to join the statewide and national earthquake drill. This drill will simulate the response to an earthquake with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method for 60 seconds:

Drop onto your hands and knees.

Cover your head and neck, and if nearby, crawl under a sturdy desk or table.

Hold On until the shaking stops.

“Understanding what to do in the first few moments of an earthquake can mean the difference between surviving or not,” said Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. “Building a culture of preparedness in Oregon requires each of us to take proactive steps, and participating in the Great Oregon ShakeOut is a simple yet impactful way to reduce risk.”

The Great Oregon ShakeOut is part of a global earthquake drill taking place at 10:21 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, which will involve more than 500,000 Oregonians, including individuals, families, schools, and businesses. Participants pledge to drop, cover, and hold on, wherever they are and whatever they’re doing.

“Knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake can save lives,” said Althea Rizzo, OEM Geologic Hazards Coordinator. “This event also serves as a timely reminder to review and update your emergency preparedness plans and supplies.”

OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program encourages all Oregonians to:

  • Be informed about hazards in their area.
  • Develop an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones.
  • Build an emergency kit with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water, and other essentials.

For resources on earthquake and tsunami preparedness, Living on Shaky Ground is available for download on OEM’s website. Hard copies can also be obtained at local county and Tribal emergency management offices.

Learn more about the Great Oregon ShakeOut and register to participate by visiting ShakeOut.org/Oregon.

Watch the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills PSAs, available in both English and Spanish, for additional information.  

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

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You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711.

Final Session of 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series: Emerging Cybersecurity Threats - 10/07/24

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites business, industry, and government leaders to join the final session of the global 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, titled “Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence,” on Thursday, October 10, at 9 am PT. This 90-minute session is open to participants from around the world and will provide expert insights into the ethical, secure, and effective integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations, highlighting the challenges, risks, and strategies to mitigate cybersecurity threats.

This final session will feature perspectives from key experts in both government and private sectors, offering in-depth exploration into the evolving risks associated with AI. Attendees will learn about the managerial and security considerations needed to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from the malicious use of AI.

Featured Speakers Include:

Andrew A. Bochman — Senior Grid Strategist and Infrastructure Defender at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Bochman advises U.S. and international leaders on grid security and climate resilience. He is the author of Countering Cyber Sabotage (2021) and the forthcoming Defending Civilization (2025). Bochman is also a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Michael K. Hamilton — Founder of Critical Insight, Hamilton provides cybersecurity services for local governments, healthcare, and critical sectors. A former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the City of Seattle, Hamilton was named CISO of the Year at the 2021 RSA Conference. He also chairs the PISCES project, which offers no-cost cyber monitoring for small governments while training future cybersecurity analysts.

Sean McSpaden — Principal Legislative IT Analyst at the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office, McSpaden has over 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity across various sectors. He serves on Oregon's Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and represents the state on the NCSL Taskforce on AI, Cybersecurity, and Privacy.

This seminar series is sponsored by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), in collaboration with OEM, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies. The series has featured volunteer speakers with direct experience in business security and resilience, providing valuable knowledge to help organizations prepare for emerging threats.

 

Registration Information:

To register for this session, click here. For additional details or questions, contact training@ghinternational.com.

Previous Sessions:

For recordings of Sessions 1, 2, and 3 of the 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, click here. You can also access recordings from the 2023 PSPRS Mass Casualty Impacts and Recovery Seminar Series here