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Director's Message
Welcome to 2022! This new year will bring a lot of changes to emergency management in Oregon. Notably, we at the Oregon Office of Emergency Management will become the Oregon Department of Emergency Management on July 1. We are also adding dozens of new positions to our organization to help us work toward our vision of an established, equitable culture of preparedness empowering Oregonians to thrive in times of crisis. It’s my hope that in 2022, our partners and communities will join us as we “Resolve to Be Ready” and work together to reduce risk throughout our state.
For OEM, resolving to be ready means modernizing emergency management by advocating for investments in risk reduction and ensuring emergency management at every level is built on foundational programs, capabilities and competency. It means providing accessible tools and resources for all Oregonians, regardless of language or ability. It involves building on what we’ve done together while keeping an eye on what’s next and actively deciding – not only in January but every day – to maintain intention as we continue to serve Oregonians.
Knowing the needs of our partners and Oregonians is crucial to building better prepared communities. As demonstrated by recent severe winter weather impacts, we know these needs are unique. Geography, population density, resources, disparities, demographics and access all play a role in how we prepare for emergencies. Smaller communities like Wheeler or Sherman are different than larger jurisdictions like Washington or Lane. Let’s make sure we’re working together to meet everyone where they are, reduce barriers and bridge existing gaps.
As 2022 unfolds and we transition and establish this new department, we’re asking you, how can we be more effective? What resources would be most useful for your program or organization? How can we work together to connect with diverse and vulnerable populations? Please, reach out to us through your regional coordinator or agency contact – or pick up the phone and give me a call – and tell us what you need (or what you don’t!).
Risk reduction and consequence management is a shared and important responsibility. Our agency is committed to building on our experiences and learnable lessons from yesterday to ensure we’re ready for the disasters of today and tomorrow. We are stronger, and safer, together.
Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.
Andrew Phelps, Director, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
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#ResolvetobeReady
Oregonians have faced numerous challenges over the last few years – including recent impacts from severe weather – underscoring the importance of being prepared. OEM is urging Oregonians to continue building resilience by amplifying FEMA's “Resolve to Be Ready” campaign on social media and adding a few Oregon-specific tools as well. Throughout the month, OEM will be sharing intentional readiness resources like developing emergency plans, creating and restocking emergency kits, signing up for OR-Alert, and checking TripCheck before traveling. Follow OEM on Facebook and Twitter. If partners have a specific message they’d like messaged in conjunction with the campaign, please reach out to public.info@state.or.us.
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OEM Launches Hazard Mitigation GIS Map
OEM has launched a Hazard Mitigation Assistance GIS Map indicating the status for FEMA HMA grants and plans within the state, including the total federal costs shared with local communities and the status of hazard mitigation plans for cities, tribes, special districts and counties. This product is also designed to help OEM be more proactive in mitigation planning efforts with partners and their local jurisdictions. When a future disaster does strike, the team will gather data to determine if mitigation projects have occurred in the declared disaster area and showcase mitigation success stories. The map will continue to be updated and edited as additional data and input from stakeholders is received. For further information, reach out to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at shmo@mil.state.or.us.
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OSSA Awards Recognize Emergency Management
The annual Oregon State Sheriff’s Association recognized emergency management in four categories at its winter conference in December:
Emergency Manager of the Year: Virginia “Jenny” Demaris, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Jenny was recognized by her peers for outstanding performance and dedication to her local community as well as the Emergency Management profession in Oregon.
Emergency Management Program of the Year: Marion County. Facing numerous challenges in 2020 and 2021, Marion County worked tirelessly with partner agencies, resulting in innovative and collaborative relationships that increased the safety and resilience of the county.
Special Recognition: Chris Fitzsimmons, Gilliam County Sheriff's Office. One of the state’s longest-serving emergency managers, Chris was recognized for her strength of leadership within her rural county; for her assistance with the management of numerous other components within the sheriff's office; and for serving as a mentor and source of guidance for new emergency managers in central and eastern Oregon.
Special Recognition: Joe Larsen, Linn County Sheriff's Office. Joe recently retired as the Emergency Manager for Linn County but has stayed on supporting Search and Rescue. He was recognized for providing a stable and level-headed approach to emergency management program elements.
Congratulations to all the winners for their well-deserved recognition; OEM thanks them for their dedication to risk reduction throughout the state!
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2021 Violent Extremists Mobilization Indicators Booklet Now Available
The 2021 edition of the Violent Extremists Mobilization Indicators Booklet is now available. The booklet, originally published in 2015 and updated in 2017 and again 2019, serves as a valuable tool for many by presenting the indicators of homegrown violent extremist mobilization to violence. The most recent edition includes indicators that apply to multiple ideologically motivated U.S.-based violent extremists. This unclassified resource is provided to inform law enforcement, terrorism prevention practitioners, other first responders, community leaders, and the general public about threats of violence and behaviors that suggest an individual is mobilizing to violence. The booklet is a joint project of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, Dept. of Homeland Security and the FBI. To receive a PDF copy, please email public.info@state.or.us.
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FEMA Grants Direct Housing Program Extension
The state requested and received a six-month extension for the FEMA Direct Housing Program for Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion Counties. This extends direct housing for FEMA eligible survivors to September 15, 2022. OEM, in conjunction with OHCS, is requesting any rent charges to occupants in the Direct Housing Program be waived by FEMA for the entirety of the program. For more information, please email Individual Assistance program manager Shawna Jepson.
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ODOT Sets Up Emergency Contact Registry
The 2021 Oregon Legislature, under House Bill 3125, created an emergency contact service for Oregon residents. Starting today, Oregonians can register up to two people, age 18 and older, as emergency contacts. Only Oregon law enforcement personnel will be able to access the emergency contact information; they can do so securely through their patrol cars allowing them to contact family more quickly when a person is involved in a crash or other situation involving emergency responders. To register, visit DMV2U.Oregon.gov and sign in to "Access My DMV Profile." An Oregon driver license, permit or identification card is required to register with the service.
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OEM Releases Updated HMGP Handbook
OEM has published a new version of its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Handbook to include the most updated pre-application/letter of intent and contact information. To suggest additional resources to help simplify Hazard Mitigation Assistance, please reach out to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer. As with all OEM documents, the handbook can be requested in other languages, large print, braille or an alternate format. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.state.or.us. OEM accepts all relay calls or dial 711.
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Career Opportunities
OEM Budget Analyst (Fiscal Analyst 3)
Responsible for budget preparation and monitoring, policy analysis, grant monitoring, development of Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s indirect cost rate and developing and preparing annual performance progress reports. Full-time, permanent position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Jan. 27.
OEM Mitigation Program Representative (Program Analyst 2)
Coordinates with and supports the State Hazard Mitigation Officer in the administration and management of the State’s Hazard Mitigation Program objectives. Full-time, permanent position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Feb. 4. Applicant information discussion: 1 p.m. on Jan. 11 (Meeting ID 852 2632 3131, Passcode 878839).
OEM 9-1-1 Project Portfolio Manager (Information Systems Specialist 8)
Responsible for providing project portfolio management leadership and the coordination of a statewide approach to implement modern cost-effective Next Generation 9-1-1 Core Services for Oregon’s 43 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Full-time, limited-duration position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Feb. 18.
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Federal Share of Disaster Funds Obligated to be Spent in Oregon
DR4519—2020 Flooding: $2,430,018
DR4562—2020 Wildfire: $321,256,003
DR4499—COVID-19: $365,789,410
DR4599—2021 Ice Storm: $1,993,755
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