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Director's Message
Our thoughts are with those in and near Tonga following last Friday's devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami. As of this morning, three people have reportedly lost their lives in the disaster; many more were injured, and dozens of homes were destroyed on smaller outlying islands.
Saturday's ensuing Tsunami Advisory for the West Coast was the latest in a series of emergencies that have tested our state's emergency management system. Our county and tribal partners in coastal regions did an incredible job of warning Oregonians to take steps to stay safe, including staying clear of beaches, off docks, and out of marinas. Here at OEM, our planning section facilitated coordination calls and ensured connectivity with our local partners. Our Geologic Hazards program provided analysis and interpretation of what the advisory meant and the impacts we may expect. Our public affairs team messaged on social media, shared our tsunami media tool kit, developed talking points and handled media inquiries.
The Tsunami Advisory got the attention of Governor Brown and her staff, who have expressed how well they thought everyone involved did handling this unexpected, early-morning event. Every effort we collectively make to help reduce risk and manage the consequences of our hazards in Oregon are what helped us be successful this past weekend, during last year’s ice storm, the 2020 wildfires, and every emergency, big and small, that Oregonians rely on us to help prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from. This weekend demonstrated once again that Oregon is in incredibly capable hands when facing our worst days and that our relationships with local and federal emergency management partners ensure we are all working to protect our communities together.
Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.
Andrew Phelps, Director, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
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Seismic Rehabilitation Grants accepting applications
The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program is a state of Oregon competitive grant program that provides funding for the seismic rehabilitation of critical public buildings, particularly public schools and emergency services facilities with an emphasis on first responder buildings. A new application round closes Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. There will be $55 million for school projects and $25 million for emergency service projects. The maximum award for the seismic program is $2.5 million per building. Eligible activities include structural improvements including non-structural, architecture and engineering, and project management. Learn more and apply through Business Oregon.
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Alert and Warning Communications Workshop
FEMA Region 10 is presenting its When Minutes Matter: Alert and Warning Communications workshop from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 16. This two-day virtual workshop focuses on developing jurisdiction-specific strategies to reduce process delays in issuing Alert and Warning messages; creating research-based messages that will move individuals to take action; maximizing message delivery to the public, including vulnerable populations; and managing social media during disasters. Participants should include those with a role in communicating protective action guidance to the public immediately preceding and during an event. Due to high demand, FEMA asks that no more than two employees per jurisdiction register for this event. Register at FEMA Alert and Warning Technical Assistance Workshop.
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Flood insurance after a wildfire webinar
Oregon experienced seven major wildfires in 2021. Those living near burn scar areas are at an increased risk of flooding for years due to charred soils that are unable to absorb water. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is promoting the importance of flood insurance to financially prepare for Flood After Fire in Oregon through a series of paid digital ads beginning this month. Digital banners will appear on popular sites like the Weather Channel and local digital newspapers, and audio ads will air over digital radio. Join the NFIP Campaign Kickoff Webinar at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20 to learn more about flood risks that follow wildfires, NFIP marketing strategies to target consumers, and how to use those strategies to educate your networks on the need for flood insurance. Email public.info@state.or.us to request a printable PDF of NFIP flooding resources.
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USDA invests in partner-driven conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering up to $225 million in available funding for conservation partners through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program, a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture. There are two types of funding opportunities: RCPP Classic projects and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements. The USDA is accepting project proposals for both components through April 13. View the funding opportunity for RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA. A webinar for RCPP applicants is scheduled at 12 p.m. on Jan. 20; visit the RCPP website for information on how to participate. NRCS is also hosting an Oregon RCPP webinar at 1 p.m. on Jan. 27 focusing on best practices for proposals from Oregon's experience and offering time for questions and answers.
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ODHS requests applications for outreach services for disaster survivors
Oregon Dept. of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management has invited qualified applicants to respond to its request for applications for the coordination of wraparound support services and outreach to survivors of disasters and emergencies. Services are broken down into:
- Wraparound services to provide an assessment of needs, information, referrals and direct support related to housing support, financial stability, utilities and communication, health care, and other community resources.
- Flexible funds that can be used to purchase items and services directly to people affected by a disaster to assist in their recovery and support long term stability.
- Emergency outreach services including capacity building, raising awareness of ODHS and other resources available to people affected by a disaster, community education for disaster preparedness, and helping connect disaster survivors not currently receiving support to services.
View more details at Oregon Buys.
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School EOP and threat assessment training opportunities
The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center is offering two virtual trainings created in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools.
Developing Emergency Operations Plans covers the six-step process for developing emergency operations plans for K-12 schools. Designed for school administrators, safety officers and any person who may exercise a component of a school EOP, the training will take place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Jan. 25. View the program flyer and register at remstacenter.org.
School Behavioral Threat Assessments: An Introduction Train-The-Educator helps familiarize staff at schools and school districts with how school behavioral threat assessments can help in preventing and reducing targeted violence at K-12 schools. Designed for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school district and school administrators, educators, support staff; and community partners such as local mental/behavioral health practitioners. The training will take place from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Jan. 26. View the program flyer and register at remstacenter.org.
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FEMA launches National Resource Hub
FEMA has launched a National Resource Hub as part of its Preparedness Toolkit to support the implementation of the resource management preparedness process defined in the National Incident Management System and the National Qualification System. This hub's suite of web-based tools supports a consistent approach for resource management and consolidates the existing Resource Typing Library Tool and OneResponder, as well as launches a new centralized and cloud-hosted Resource Inventory System.
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January FEMA webinars
Flood Preparedness: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 20, Zoom
This webinar will address flood considerations, including recent and past trends in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Subject matter experts will discuss how communities can prepare and mitigate prior to a flooding event. Learn about flood insurance vs. disaster assistance and how that may impact recovery. Registration Link.
Resolve to be Prepared: 12:15-1 p.m., Jan. 25, Microsoft Teams
Washington Emergency Management Division is hosting a webinar with tips on how to spend a little bit of time each month this year on how to get prepared. No registration necessary, join at WEBINAR: Resolve to be Prepared | Facebook.
Animals and Preparedness Winter Weather Series, Pets & Small Animals: 12-1 p.m., Jan. 26, Zoom
This webinar will focus on how to safely care for small animals and pets during the cold winter months. Subject matter experts will speak about what to look for when caring for pets and small animals and how to keep animals safe as temperatures drop. Guest speakers will include veterinarians and preparedness experts from the state of Alaska. Registration Link.
Low to No Cost Preparedness Tips & Tricks: 12:15-1 p.m., Jan. 27, Zoom
This webinar will discuss simple and effective practices that will help you learn about the types of disasters that can impact you and how to prepare your household and community. Presenters will include preparedness experts from the state emergency management offices of Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and FEMA Region 10. Registration Link.
Quarterly Region 10 CERT Best Practices Series Q1: 7-8 p.m., Jan. 27, Zoom
This quarterly webinar series will focus on best practices of Community Emergency Response Teams across Region 10, highlighting ongoing efforts, changes due to COVID-19, and best practices for engaging within the community. Guest speakers will be active CERT members from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, as well as state and local partners that collaborate with CERT teams. (Future quarters: Idaho, April 28; Oregon, July 28; Wash., Oct. 27). Registration Link for series.
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Oregon drought outlook summary
Over 89% of Oregon is classified as experiencing moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Several one-category improvements were seen across the state over recent weeks, including the removal of the D4 designation in northeast Oregon. Drought conditions are expected to slowly improve as rain and snow continue across the region through the rest of winter, though total removal of drought conditions may not occur as this is a multi-year drought. The three-month climate outlook for February through April indicates probabilities favoring below average temperatures statewide, while precipitation is more variable. Above average precipitation is favored for the northern portion of Oregon, while near normal precipitation is likely for the rest of the state. Report any drought conditions and or impacts in your area to WFO Pendleton through the National Drought Mitigation Center.
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Career opportunities
OEM Grants Assistant (Administrative Specialist 1)
Coordinate administrative tasks supporting the various Dept. of Homeland Security grant programs administered by OEM. This position provides administrative support to grants coordinators and accountants. Full-time, permanent position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Jan. 21.
OEM Legislative Coordinator/Strategic Communications & Partnerships Section Manager (Principal Executive/Manager E)
Conference call for interested applicants at 12 p.m. on Jan. 20 via Zoom.
Functions as the legislative coordinator and section manager for the strategic communication and partnership programs in all hazards mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Directly supervises 12 subordinate staff members to develop and manage programs focused on public information and the Emergency Joint Information Center, tribal coordination, office digital platform management, DEI and language access, and public/private partnership programs of OEM. Full-time, limited-duration position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Jan. 28.
OEM Executive Assistants (Executive Support Specialist 2) - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Conference call for interested applicants at 3 p.m. on Jan. 20 via Zoom.
Responsible for supporting the Preparedness and Response and Mitigation and Recovery Division Directors with administrative research, analysis, evaluation of program operations, stakeholder coordination, report development, legislative session tracking and product development, state executive level advisory committees support, meeting facilitation and records management. Full-time, permanent position located in Salem. Apply at Workday by Jan. 27.
METRO Senior Housing Communications Specialist
Strategic communications expert, experienced project manager, and skilled storyteller that’s able to see Metro’s big-picture goals and outcomes and plan the individual steps to achieve them, all while coordinating with people across different teams. Full-time position located in Portland. Apply with Metro by Jan. 31.
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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Readiness Resources
OEM is pleased to share infographics to help message readiness. Click on the image and save as a picture, then post, share or embed as needed!
 
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Federal Share of Disaster Funds Obligated to be Spent in Oregon
DR4499—COVID-19: $365,789,410
DR4519—2020 Flooding: $2,591,507
DR4562—2020 Wildfire: $327,384,102
DR4599—2021 Ice Storm: $2,009,618
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