Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) staff are monitoring active wildfires and working to help keep people safe. But even if you’re not currently impacted by a wildfire, it’s important to prepare and make sure you stay informed in case conditions in your area change. Make a plan and prepare a go-bag so you can leave quickly if needed. You can find preparedness and planning tips by visiting https://ready.gov/wildfires
Stay up to date on local weather reports. Hot, dry, or windy weather present a greater risk for fires, and red flag warnings should be taken seriously. In addition, some communities may also see air quality impacts due to wildfire smoke. Visit https://www.airnow.gov/ to check air quality in your area. Learn about evacuation levels. Visit https://wildfire.oregon.gov/evacuations to learn about Oregon’s 3 Level evacuation notification system and see what levels are in place near you. Sign up for local emergency alerts at https://oralert.gov
If you receive services or supports from ODHS through Aging and People with Disabilities, Child Welfare, or Office of Developmental Disabilities Services, you will be contacted by your local office if you are in an evacuation zone. But if you get an emergency alert before we are able to reach you, please don’t wait to evacuate! Follow your county’s sheriff’s office or emergency management office on social media, as well as State of Oregon agencies like the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Oregon Department of Human Services.
