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Director's Message
I felt it important to take a moment to acknowledge the situation in Ukraine and the understandable fear and hopelessness many of us may be feeling as a result. When so much of what is happening feels unknown and out of our control, it can be difficult to know what we can do to help — ourselves and our communities.
It is important Oregonians are empowered — now more than ever — to take actions to help keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. These actions are as simple as signing up with OR.Alert.gov for emergency alerts; enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones; making an emergency plan with family and household members; and assembling an emergency kit with at least two weeks of food, water and other necessary supplies.
A key component of empowerment is knowing the facts. Though highly unlikely, people should understand the possible health effects and how best to protect themselves during a radiological event as part of an individual and family preparedness plan. Our partners at FEMA and the CDC offer detailed fact sheets online.
Helping others can enhance our own emotional well-being. Many relief agencies that have supported disasters here in Oregon are also supporting the people of Ukraine. Donating to international relief organizations like World Central Kitchen, an organization that helped Oregon’s wildfire survivors, is a good way to help those in times of crisis. Additionally, the U.S. is facing its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. People should consider donating blood and platelets to the American Red Cross and Bloodworks NW to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.
Taking care of ourselves is also key. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides communities and responders with behavioral health resources that help them prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. OHA also offers several resources for behavioral health services.
From the operational standpoint, Oregon’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) encompasses all hazards. As such, any event – including radiological, cyberattacks, weather-related disasters, etc. — will be managed according to the EOP and in collaboration with emergency management system partners. OEM is coordinating with key state and federal agencies to evaluate and monitor potential impacts of the crisis with a preparedness lens and ensure aligned messaging.
We are also monitoring and preparing for cybersecurity concerns. Immediately after the conflict broke out, suspected Russian-sourced cyber-attacks were observed over a 48-hour period at an increase of over 800%. U.S. cybersecurity agencies, the FBI and the Dept. of Homeland Security have all shared high alerts covering threat levels, preparedness and response. While we will continue to share any resources we receive, we strongly encourage our partners to review cybersecurity guidance, recommendations and advisories at cisa.gov.
Finally, remember, we’re all in this together. As the weather gets nicer and many of the restrictions that have been in place are lifted, let’s take some time to get reacquainted with our neighbors: A well-connected community is a prepared community. Together we can prepare, endure and recover from whatever challenges lie ahead.
Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.
Andrew Phelps, Director, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
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OSFM offers virtual listening and understanding session
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is hosting a virtual listening and understanding session to help inform the strategic investment of a new funding opportunity for Oregon communities with wildfire preparedness and response. The discussions and resulting outcomes will ensure OSFM focuses efforts where communities best need investments from the specific funding. Response Ready Oregon Funding: Listening and Understanding Session (explaining the funding provided through Senate Bill 762, which is specifically for wildfire response facilitated through OSFM) will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on March 8. Register via eventbrite.com.
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Adapting messaging and approach to reach whole communities
Knowing how to prepare for and safely survive an earthquake is vital for everyone, but it can be challenging to reach the whole community due to language, location, social and economic barriers. The goal of this webinar is to learn how to design accessible approaches for reaching and connecting with everyone by identifying who is not being reached, learning how to connect with them, and making sure to speak a language that will be understood. Presented by Earthquake Country Alliance, the webinar will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 8. Register at earthquakecountry.org.
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DHS CISA National Emergency Communications Plan
The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is hosting a Money Talks: Funding Your Emergency Communications Capabilities webinar at 10 a.m. on March 9. This opportunity is part of a series of National Emergency Communications Plan webinars intended to provide information on funding sources for sustaining and upgrading emergency communications systems based on capability gaps. Watch at https://share.dhs.gov/necpewebinars or dial in to 800-897-5813.
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Operationalizing the principles of inclusive emergency management
This presentation will outline how key principles for inclusive emergency management are being used to address whole community needs regarding mass vaccination, evacuation and transportation planning, and Public Safety Power Shutoff events. Participants will learn about California's inclusive emergency management programs, including understanding the principles for creating and operationalizing inclusive emergency management programs. Participants will have the blueprint for California's inclusive planning model, which can be replicated and adjusted to meet the scope and scale of other states, localities, and community-based organizations. Presented by ADA National Network and Pacific ADA Center, the webinar will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 10. Register at adapresentations.org.
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Nature-based solutions for mitigating hazards
The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center is developing a new course, Nature-Based Solutions for Mitigating Hazards, to highlight nature-based solutions as important and effective tools for mitigating hazards and climate impacts. They are looking for emergency managers, public works, transportation professionals, engineers and urban planning and hazard mitigation professionals to participate in a virtual demo of the course from 8 a.m. to noon on March 11. The course provides planners, government officials and hazard mitigation professionals information on the types, applications and benefits of nature-based solutions as well as the common barriers for their use. The course also focuses on the planning and implementation mechanisms that can be leveraged to employ these solutions in practice. This includes planning mechanisms related to land use, hazard mitigation, stormwater management, transportation, open space, and disaster recovery. Learn more and register at ndptc.hawaii.edu.
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White House announcement on 100% cost share for COVID declarations
President Biden has extended the federal government’s 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 emergency response costs to states, tribes and territories through July 1 to help continue FEMA-backed efforts like vaccination clinics, mass testing sites and surging hospital resources to deal with local case spikes. FEMA will provide a 100% federal cost share for all work eligible for assistance under Public Assistance Category B, pursuant to sections 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b), 502 (42 U.S.C. 5192), and 503 (42 U.S.C. 5193) of the Stafford Act, including work described in section 3(a) of the Presidential Memorandum of January 21, 2021 (Memorandum to Extend Federal Support to Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Increase Reimbursement and Other Assistance Provided to States), and in section 2 of that memorandum on the Governors’ use of the National Guard, performed from January 20, 2020, through July 1, 2022. Read the full memorandum at whitehouse.gov. Counties or tribes with questions should contact their PA lead or FEMA-R10-PA-Policy-COVID19@fema.dhs.gov.
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National forum on earthquake Insurance
Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) and Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), are hosting a free hybrid forum from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 28 to delve into the issues surrounding earthquake insurance and its use and potential as a tool for preparedness and recovery after an earthquake. This one-day event allows state emergency managers and insurance professionals to take a closer look at earthquake insurance, exploring its potential as a resilience tool and examining equity concerns and other challenges that have so far limited its role in financial preparedness. The forum will also present research and messaging tools that participants can use in their earthquake education and outreach programs. Check out the Mind the Gap event information page to see the agenda and list of speakers, and click here to register.
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Reducing wildfire smoke in communities
Rick Graw, Air Quality Program Manager for the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, will deliver a presentation about meteorological and land management influences on wildfire smoke. Graw will present an analysis of the frequent air pathways which bring wildfire smoke into individual communities in Southern Oregon and Northern California. He will also share a case study that demonstrates how much wildfire smoke could be reduced into a community through fuel treatments within a frequent air pathway. The presentation will take place from 2-3 p.m. on March 14. Join via video at https://meet.google.com/nme-tvug-rhh or dial in to 301-845-5160 (PIN: 666 529 884#).
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Spring forward into preparedness
In conjunction with Daylight Saving Time and “springing forward,” FEMA Region 10's Individual and Community Preparedness Team is presenting a quick overview and reminder of simple steps households can take to get better prepared. Join the webinar from 12-12:15 p.m. on March 17. Register in advance at fema.zoomgov.com.
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Promise Tree Project provides fire-resistant trees to rebuilding homeowners
As spring nears, local communities continue leading the charge to replant the footprint of the 2020 wildfires. The Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, in collaboration with Oregon Nurseries, Keep Oregon Green, the Oregon Office of the Fire Marshall and county building departments, is offering free vouchers for 2020 wildfire survivors to buy a new tree for their homes. Learn more about the Promise Tree Project and their online resources for how to select, purchase and plant fire-resistant trees.
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Career opportunities in emergency management
Douglas County Emergency Services Manager: Apply at governmentjobs.com. Manage the planning, organizing and directing of the county's emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs related to natural disasters, catastrophic events, public health emergencies and other community and county wide crisis. Full time, permanent position located in Roseburg.
Metro Senior Policy and Engagement Strategist for its Waste Prevention and Environmental Service (WPES) department: Apply at governmentjobs.com by March 15. Raise awareness and build trust with multiple audiences around greater Portland. We are a diverse team looking for a passionate and emotionally intelligent teammate to join us as we promote Metro council initiatives that highlight Metro's role in managing and delivering equitable and efficient services within the garbage and recycling system.
OEM 9-1-1 Program Support & Compliance Coordinator (Program Analyst 2): Apply at Workday by March 16. Serves as a customer point of contact for 9-1-1 center senior leadership associated with the statewide 9-1-1 system. Responsible for the coordination of statewide 9-1-1 compliance and policy related guidance required to ensure reliable and secure statewide 9-1-1 services. Full-time, permanent position in Salem.
OEM Procurement & Contract Specialist 2: Apply at Workday by March 17. Performs public purchasing and contracting duties to procure goods and services and prepare and track contracts and agreements using the full range of purchasing and contracting methods and supporting central agency activities. This position develops, negotiates, and administers contracts, agreements, and leases with government agencies and the public to obtain and provide goods and trades/ professional services. Full-time, permanent position in Salem.
Multnomah County Drainage District (MCDD) Emergency Planner & Project Manager (Project Manager II): Apply at MCDD by March 18. Manage projects and coordinate efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from flood emergencies and other regional disasters affecting the districts’ flood infrastructure and services. The selected candidate will be required to serve as a member of the Command and General staff within MCDD’s Incident Command System (ICS) during emergency activations. Full-time position in Portland.
OEM Grant Accountant (Accountant 2) - 2 POSITIONS: apply at Workday by March 23. Collaborate with the Mitigation Accountant and Public Assistance Accountant to administer and coordinate financial services relating to FEMA Grants to ensure accurate and proper use of federal, general and other funds OEM receives. Additionally, the Grants Accountant answers inquiries during audits and prepares corrective actions to any audit findings. Full-time, limited duration position in Salem.
OEM Exercise Officer (Program Analyst 2): Apply at Workday by March 24. Conference call to discuss scope from 1-2 p.m. on March 14 via Zoom (meeting ID 873 4716 2126, passcode 470402). The Exercise Officer works under the supervision of the Operations and Preparedness Section Manager to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the State exercise program. Full-time, permanent position in Salem.
OEM 9-1-1 Program Analyst (Information Systems Specialist 5): Apply at Workday by March 30. Serves as a point of contact for the State 9-1-1 Program Section for technical and 9-1-1 related issues and assists with the coordination of the daily technical operations of the 9-1-1 program and the program’s statewide role in emergency communications. Full-time, permanent position in Salem.
OEM 9-1-1 GIS Database Analyst (Information Systems Specialist 3): Apply at Workday by March 31. Works directly with the 9-1-1 GIS staff to coordinate statewide 9-1-1 spatial data acquisition and maintain the statewide 9-1-1 digital map library; coordinate the documentation of information; and provide customer service in the use of GIS to public safety agencies and organizations both familiar and unfamiliar with the technology. Full-time, permanent position in Salem.
Training opportunities
Click the training buttons below for more details.
FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) is offering a series of 1-hour trainings on the federal procurement rules applicable to recipients and subrecipients when purchasing in support of a FEMA grant award or declaration. These virtual trainings are offered on most Wednesdays now through June and cover a variety of procurement under grant concepts and frequent compliance issues.
MGT-448 All Hazards Planning for Animal, Agricultural, and Food Related Disaster (Lincoln City), March 8.
FEMA CIT/CITAP: Planning Your After-Action Webinar, 10-11 a.m. on March 9. Virtual Disaster Workshop for CERT, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 22, 24, 29 and 31. This free workshop will provide training on using CERT volunteers to support a disaster response. Each day has a separate registration link.
MGT-312 Senior Officials Workshop for All-Hazards Preparedness (Camp Rilea, Warrenton). March 24.
L0105 Public Information Basics (In-person in Salem & virtual), March 28-30.
L0103 Planning – Emergency Operations (In-person in Salem & virtual), March 31-April 1.
FY2023 Cohorts for the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, National Emergency Management Executive Academy, and Master Public Information Officer Program, application period for all three programs is April 1–June 1.
AWR-213 Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Awareness (Salem), April 5.
MGT-310 Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment/Stakeholder Preparedness Review (Salem), April 6-7.
FEMA’s Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program: Rapid Improvement Webinar, April 13.
L0102 Science of Disaster (In-person in Eugene & virtual), April 25-27.
MGT-315 Critical Asset Risk Management (Salem), April 26-27.
ICS-400: Advanced ICS Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Apr. 26-27 and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 17-18.
MGT-414 Critical Infrastructure Resilience and Community Lifelines (Salem), April 28.
L0146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (In-person in Eugene & virtual), April 28-29.
ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May. 3-5 and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jun. 7-9.
PER 404: Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience in Disasters, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 23-26.
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Total Federal Share of Public Assistance
Disaster Funds Obligated to be Spent in Oregon
DR4499—COVID-19: $367,500,331
DR4519—2020 Flooding: $2,751,834
DR4562—2020 Wildfire: $356,479,449
DR4599—2021 Ice Storm: $5,499,692
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