Deschutes County to Test Emergency Alert System for 72,000 Subscribers

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Deschutes County 911 will send a test message to approximately 72,000 subscribers of Deschutes Alerts on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. This test aims to ensure that subscriber profiles are up to date for emergency and evacuation alerts.

Deschutes Alerts is the official emergency notification system used to warn residents and visitors about emergencies and evacuation orders in Deschutes County.

The system allows subscribers to receive critical messages via the app, text, email or phone. The purpose of the test is to verify that all subscriber information is current and accurate.

If recipients receive the test message on May 13, they are asked to confirm receipt by following the provided instructions. No further action is necessary if no updates are needed for their profile.

A call center will be available on May 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist anyone who did not receive the message or needs help with their Deschutes Alerts profile. The call center can be reached at (541) 550-4888.

For questions or assistance before or after the countywide test, individuals can call (541) 388-6501. Staff members are available to help update or confirm Deschutes Alerts profiles over the phone.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office recently released an informational video detailing the Hi-Lo evacuation siren. This siren may be used by law enforcement and emergency personnel to notify residents of a Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuation during fast-moving incidents, such as wildfires.

If the Hi-Lo siren is heard, individuals should leave the area immediately, without waiting for additional notifications and follow evacuation directions from emergency personnel. Community members are encouraged to watch the informational video to familiarize themselves with the siren's sound and meaning before wildfire season begins.

The Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages everyone who lives or works in Deschutes County to sign up for Deschutes Alerts or review your existing information anytime at deschutesalerts.org. You can also find Frequently Asked Questions about Deschutes Alerts and other emergency information on the Sheriff’s Office website.  

Website Resources: 

• Deschutes Alerts 

• DCSO Emergency Management