‘It’s impressive’: Emergency managers from across state share info at Oregon Prepared Conference in Sunriver

(Update: Adding video, comments from attendees, Oregon Emergency Management director)

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A conference in Sunriver this week has hundreds of emergency management workers from across the state exchanging ideas and discussing trends for the best, most effective tools and methods of responding to a wide variety of emergencies.

Wednesday was the Day 2 of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management's three-day Oregon Prepared Conference.

"We're having really honest and open dialog about what are some of the things that our community organizations need from us, so that we can do a better job at the department level," Oregon OEM Director Erin McMahon.

The department in various ways assists in preparing for and responding to disasters. 

Attendee Leslie Shaw said, "It's impressive, the amount of resources and people that you get to meet here from so many diverse backgrounds and education."

Shaw is on the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center's emergency radio team, one of nearly 500 people who have attended this year's conference.

Another attendee, Allison Pyrch, said, "Yesterday (Tuesday), there was quite a bit of interesting things that went on. We've heard from the Department of Homeland Security about cyber-threats."

Pyrch, a consultant from Stan Tech Engineering, joined others representing organizations such as the American Red Cross, Oregon Health Authority, the state Department of Human Services and the State Fire Marshal's Office. 

Oregon OEM leads statewide collaborative efforts, providing additional information and resources. Panel discussions included topics such as Oregon 911 and how best to navigate tribal relations.

McMahon said, "It's just a great opportunity for the team to to focus on the lessons learned, but also to do that future planning in a very strategic, organized and coordinated way."

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management offers resources year-round on its website.