Deschutes County prepares for fire season with alert system test May 13th

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County residents are preparing for fire season this May as the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management rolls out a community-wide awareness campaign. A key part of this effort includes a countywide test of the Deschutes Alerts system, scheduled for May 13 at 1:00 p.m.

The test aims to strengthen residents' readiness for fire season and ensure the emergency notification system functions properly. It also provides an opportunity for more than 70,000 registered residents to confirm or update their contact information.

The annual test is critical for system reliability. Residents can verify their phone numbers, addresses and any special assistance needed during an evacuation are up to date. These details are vital for receiving timely and urgent information, including evacuation notices, as wildfire season approaches.

Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert emphasized the shared responsibility in wildfire preparedness. "Wildfire preparedness is a responsibility we all share," Rupert said. "Taking a few minutes this month to check your alerts, understand evacuation levels and talk through a plan with your family can make all the difference when a real emergency hits."

During May, residents are encouraged to focus on four core actions. These include signing up for Deschutes Alerts, the county's primary emergency notification system for urgent information and evacuation notices. Residents can customize these alerts for their home, work or school at deschutesalerts.org.

Another key action is understanding the three evacuation levels: Level 1 for "Be Ready," Level two for "Be Set" and Level 3 for "Go Now!" Authorities advise that leaving early is the safest option when conditions change quickly.

Residents should also build or refresh a 72-hour kit. This essential kit should contain food, water, medications, important documents, pet supplies, chargers and cold-weather clothing. Preparing such a kit helps ensure self-sufficiency during an emergency.

The final recommended action involves preparing homes and neighborhoods. This includes creating defensible space around structures, securing heavy items, safely storing flammable materials and checking in with neighbors who may require extra help in an emergency. The Sheriff's Office website offers additional wildfire-readiness tools, evacuation guidance, shelter information, animal-evacuation resources and home-safety checklists.

The Wildfire Preparedness Month campaign, with its focus on encouraging residents to sign up for alerts, understand evacuation levels, build 72-hour kits and prepare their homes, will continue throughout May. The countywide test of Deschutes Alerts will proceed as scheduled on May 13 at 1:00 p.m.