Emergencies can be scary and chaotic - having an emergency plan can prevent confusion and stress for you and your family. When creating your emergency plan, keep these tips in mind:

Sign up to Receive Emergency Alerts.

Marion-Polk Alerts cover both Marion and Polk counties. When you sign up for alerts, you can choose how you receive them, including by call, text, email, or through an app. 

Have a plan for when you're at home and when you're away. 

Plan for what to do when you're at school or work. Establish a meeting place for if your family is separated during an emergency. Create a communication plan to keep in contact during an emergency. 

Every family is different, so make your plan specific to your family.

Check out this resource from FEMA to plan for concerns specific to your family.

Your pets are part of the family, so make sure your emergency plan includes them. 

Have an evacuation plan for your pets. Some shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so research a safe place for pets prior to an emergency. 

Develop a buddy system. Coordinate with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure someone is available to evacuate pets if you cannot make it home. 

Microchip your pets. Keep the contact information up-to-date so your pets can be returned if you are separated. 

For more tips on preparing your pets for an emergency, visit the Humane Society website. 

Remember ready, set go! for Oregon's Evacuation Levels. 

Level 1 - Be Ready

Residents should be aware of a danger in the area, monitor emergency services' websites for information, and begin preparing for a potential evacuation. 

Level 2 - Be Set

Prepare to leave at a moment's notice. This level indicates a significant danger in your area, and it is time to voluntarily relocate, or be ready to evacuate immediately.

Level 3 - Go

Evacuate now and leave immediately. Danger in your area is current or imminent.

Learn more about Oregon wildfires and evacuation levels here.