Direct outreach campaign targets emergency alert subscribers in Deschutes County

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management are launching a direct outreach campaign to contact 1,216 emergency alert subscribers this month. The effort focuses on individuals with additional needs who did not respond to a recent system test of the Deschutes Alerts platform.

The Office of Resilience and Emergency Management is a division within the Oregon Department of Human Services that supports enhanced outreach for residents requiring extra assistance during evacuations. Through a partnership with Deschutes County, agency representatives will verify or update contact information to ensure these subscribers receive critical notifications during wildfires and other emergencies.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, a reminder message was sent to 2,727 subscribers who had indicated in their Deschutes Alerts profiles that they have additional needs. These needs include mobility challenges, dialysis requirements or a reliance on electrically powered medical equipment. Officials used the message to prompt users to verify their current contact details.

The Sheriff's Office established a dedicated call center on the day the reminders were sent. Staff members received 63 calls from residents who used the opportunity to confirm their information or provide updates to their accounts. The current outreach targets the 1,216 individuals who did not respond to that initial system test or the reminder message.

Deschutes Alerts serves as a primary communication tool for emergencies affecting neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. While the system is used for various daily life impacts, one of its most frequent applications is providing evacuation details during wildfire events. The county encourages anyone who lives or works in the area to maintain an active account.

Residents can create or update their profiles online at DeschutesAlerts.org. For those who require assistance with their accounts, the Sheriff's Office provides support through a help line at 541-388-6501 during standard business hours.

Subscribers with medical, mobility or other additional needs may receive up to three phone calls from the Oregon Department of Human Services throughout the remainder of this month to assist with information updates.