Gov. Kotek proclaims August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Tina Kotek has proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon. The campaign, led statewide by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, aims to recognize emergency managers and highlight community disaster preparedness.

The state campaign aligns with a national effort organized by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness of the profession. OEM is partnering with local, Tribal, regional and state emergency management agencies to promote preparedness resources throughout the month.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon highlighted the statewide collaboration required to prepare for disasters.

“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes,” McMahon said. “We're proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience and coordinate help when it's needed most.”

OEM provides operational support and technical guidance through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program. Specialized field staff assist all 36 counties and Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes across all stages of emergency management. Additionally, an OEM Tribal Liaison coordinates initiatives directly with Tribal Nations to represent their needs in state planning and disaster response efforts.

The agency also works with business and industry stakeholders through its Public Private Partnership Program. A recurring series of educational sessions, known as the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series, informs private sector participants on navigating crises and recovering from disruptions. During large-scale or multi-jurisdictional events, OEM manages the State Emergency Coordination Center, which serves as the central hub for state agency communication and resource coordination.

In total, OEM oversees Oregon's 18 Emergency Support Functions and supports more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.