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Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery

Before Wildfires

Before Wildfires

Are you wildfire ready? Knowing what to do before, during and after a wildfire can empower you to take action. Taking simple steps to prepare today can make a big difference in keeping yourself, your loved ones and your community safe.

With more than 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are human-caused. We all have a role to play in mitigating wildfire. Think before you strike a match, flick your cigarette or use equipment that can cast sparks, and always have tools on hand to put a fire out. End the trend and help Keep Oregon Green.

 
A radio and an smartphone recieving an alert messge with text that reads: Be informed, sign up for alerts  

Be Informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts. Visit your county emergency management website. Follow local emergency services on social media. Have a battery-powered AM/FM emergency radio. Create community by talking to your neighbors about emergency plans. Exchange contact information and ask for help if you need it or offer help if you can provide it during an emergency.

An emergency checklist and a map with text that reads: Have a plan 

Have a Plan

Develop an Emergency Plan using the Evacuation Checklist as a guide. Identify evacuation routes from home, work or school. Establish a Family Communication Plan that designates an out-of-area contact, a family meeting place outside of the hazard area, and how you’ll contact each other if you are separated during an emergency. Discuss the plan with your household, loved ones, friends and neighbors. 

A backpack with emergency supplies and text that reads: Make an emergency go-kit  

Make a Go-Kit

Assemble a go-kit of essential supplies for your health, safety and identification. Visit Ready.gov or American Red Cross for recommended emergency kit items. Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each member of the family.

 
A person recieving a wildfire evacuation alert and people packing a car with supplies nearby  

Pack the Six P's for evacuation 

    1. People and pets (food, water, hygiene, sanitation, clothing and comfort items).
    2. Prescriptions (medications, eyeglasses and medical devices).
    3. Phones, personal computers, hard drives or disks, and chargers.
    4. “Plastic” (ATM debit and credit cards) and cash.
    5. Papers and important documents (photo identification, birth certificates, social security cards, passports, visas, insurance policy, mortgage deed or rental agreement, medical records, banking or financial records).
    6. Pictures and other irreplaceable memorabilia.

Seniors and People with Disabilities

People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for emergencies and disasters. Create a support network of people who can help you during an emergency. Make plans for how you will communicate, any equipment needed, transportation and service animal considerations.

Pets and Animals

Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals such as horses and other livestock. Prepare a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate. Pack food, water, leashes, bedding, identification, medication, vaccination or medical records. Plan for transportation of large animals and identify safe shelter options. Visit Oregon Department of Agriculture for shelter options and other resources.

Know Before You Go

Campfires may be prohibited outside of maintained campgrounds with established fire pits. Always contact the forest district, agency or landowner first to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions where you plan to recreate.

Call Before You Burn

Burning regulations are not the same in all areas and can vary with the weather and fuel conditions. Check to see if there are any current burning restrictions or if a permit is required.

Create defensible space

Create a 30-foot perimeter of defensible space around your home to reduce the risk of wildfires. Fire follows the fuel. Make sure your landscape is LEAN (plants are spaced apart), CLEAN (free of flammable debris), and GREEN (healthy and watered often).