Clatsop County, OR

09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 15:27

Emergency Preparedness Month Kicks Off 6 Weeks Ready Campaign

Clatsop County Emergency Management is bringing back its 6 Weeks Ready campaign to help residents and businesses prepare for a disaster.

"We are launching this campaign again this year because we want to help residents and businesses be prepared for a natural or human-caused disaster," said Jen Munson, Emergency Management Community Engagement Coordinator.

Coastal communities may be isolated for a longer period of time, and it may take longer for out of area emergency responders to help. "When folks are 6 Weeks Ready, the chances they'll need emergency services decreases. The reason that's important is because our fire and police assets may already be at capacity during emergencies," she said. That's why the 6 Weeks Ready campaign is focusing on personal preparedness, family preparedness and community preparedness.

"When we are prepared, it can be easier to take care of yourself, loved ones and pets during intense storms, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis. A great place to come learn about that is the free Get Ready Event on Saturday, September 28," Munson said.

Each week of the campaign, preparedness themes and resources to guide residents toward becoming more prepared will be posted on the ClatsopCounty.govwebsite.

Week 1: Sept. 5 Building a Kit
Week 2: Sept. 11 Disaster Planning with Everyone in Mind
Week 3: Sept. 18 Protecting your Family & Property in a Disaster
Week 4: Sept. 25 Food & Water in an Emergency
Week 5: Oct. 2 Tsunami Evacuation
Week 6: Oct. 9 Earthquake Safety

The campaign ends with an earthquake drill called 'the Great Shakeout'on Thursday, October 19. "We encourage everyone to register online to participate. The more you practice, the more likely you will know what to do if an earthquake strikes our area," she said.

Week 1: Go-Kit and Personal Preparedness

The focus of Week 1 is on putting together preparedness kits.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days or weeks. Being prepared means having your own food, waterand other suppliesto tide you over until help arrives. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Personal preparedness and other emergency preparedness information is on the Clatsop County website.

Save the Date: Free Preparedness Event Returns!

Clatsop County Emergency Management is partnering with NW Natural and the City of Seaside for a free Get Ready Event scheduled for 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28 at Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea in Warrenton.

The event will help you and your family prepare for a natural disaster. Talk with local experts to learn about preparedness and get free survival tools (while supplies last) for all kinds of emergencies. The first 300 attendees will receive a free lunch.

For more information, clatsopemd[at] clatsopcounty.gov(email Clatsop County Emergency Management)or call 503-325-8645.