Oregon emergency preparedness workshop set for Bend

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management in coordination with the Oregon Health Authority is scheduled to welcome emergency managers, volunteers and responders throughout Oregon to the 6th annual Oregon Emergency Preparedness Workshop, March 18-22, at the Riverhouse in Bend.

The workshop is an opportunity to network and share knowledge that supports Oregon’s emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery capabilities.

“This year’s workshop focuses on re-defining emergency management asking participants to explore innovative approaches for preparing communities with limited resources as evolving hazards cause emergencies to become more frequent and severe.” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps.

“This is an excellent opportunity for emergency management professionals from all levels of government as well as private organizations to come together, share ideas, and strengthen our efforts to build a statewide culture of preparedness.”

Phelps says Oregon emergency managers are uniquely positioned to redefine their evolving discipline as many are looking to see how the Pacific Northwest is preparing for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami.

“We have already established ourselves as leaders in the emergency management community by becoming the first state in the nation to shift from a 72-hour preparedness message and adopt a “2-Weeks Ready” recommendation supported by our Governor,” Phelps added.

The 2-Weeks Ready resources help, recommend, and encourage individuals and families to have two-weeks of emergency supplies. To learn more about emergency management in Oregon and the 2-Weeks Ready campaign visit https://www.oregon.gov/oem or email public.info@state.or.us.