2015 Pacific Storm
Governor Kate Brown's request for federal disaster aid was approved by President Obama for the State of Oregon, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Pacific storm event in December, 2015. Preliminary Damage Assessments for the storm were conducted jointly by FEMA, the Small Business Administration, OEM and local jurisdictions. They evaluated approximately $40 million in damages. Federal funding was made available to eligible state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repair or replacement of facilities. The following counties applied for federal disaster assistance: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill counties. A Joint Field Office was established in Salem to coordinate recovery efforts.
ECC Status
The State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) is currently on standby. OEM’s Executive Duty Officer (EDO) is available 24/7. All requests for assistance or to talk with the EDO should be made by contacting OERS at 1-800-452-0311. Please report incidents by contacting OERS to ensure the state is able to notify the proper entities.
Initial Damage Reporting and Assessment RequirementsDuring an emergency or disaster, local governments conduct a quick initial assessment of damages and impacts, sometimes as part of a request for state or federal resources to augment local ones. The Local Emergency Program Manager coordinates this assessment and usually assigns some IDA responsibilities to other departments of local government. Click here for more information.
Texting to 9-1-1
On August 23, several
Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) rolled out a Text to 9-1-1 pilot
program that will provide an additional way for people to contact 9-1-1 when
calling is not an option. Six Oregon counties and Clark County in Washington
now have Text to 9-1-1: Clatsop, Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington and
most of Marion County.
Call if you can, text if you can’t.
As Text to 9-1-1 evolves, the service will expand across the state in a
cohesive manner and incorporate lessons learned. However, it’s important to
remember that the best way to reach 911 is calling. Text (where available) is a
method for those who cannot call. For more information about text to 9-1-1 in
Oregon, visit http://www.nwtext911.info/map-view/
Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) - Non-Disaster Grant Potential Mitigation Planning and/or Project Sub-Applicants in Oregon
2016 applications
have been submitted to FEMA for further review and possible award.
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM)
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (FMA)
Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program Most homeowners and
commercial insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance from
the National Flood Insurance Program covers damages caused by flood, mudflows,
and collapse or subsidence of land caused by floodwaters. Flood insurance is
available anywhere even outside the flood zones.
Severe Weather, Stay Safe!
The Office of Emergency Management encourages you to be safe and avoid any unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, please be prepared and drive cautiously. Less traffic on the roads will allow first responders and maintenance crews to provide critical services more effectively.
Earthquake & Tsunami Awareness in Oregon
Oregon suffered considerable damage from two moderate earthquake events in 1993 and distant tsunamis in 1964 and 2011. Scientific evidence indicates that Oregon is at risk for a much larger and potentially more damaging earthquake associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone that is expected to generate strong ground shaking and a destructive tsunami. The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan brings the hazard home and offers a teachable moment.