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Director's Message
This Wednesday, May 18, marks the 42nd anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington, a disaster that took 15 lives and cost $860 million. The anniversary serves as a reminder that volcanoes are one of many hazards that can impact Oregonians.
The familiar snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range, including well-known landmarks such as Mount Hood, Three Sisters and Crater Lake, are part of an 800-mile chain of volcanoes that extends from northern California to southern British Columbia. More than 2,800 volcanoes sit in the range leading up to the Canadian border. Each of these has erupted at least once within the past 2.6 million years; 231 remain active and have erupted within the last 10,000 years.
In the Cascade Range vicinity, the number of people at immediate risk during eruptions is greater than at any other volcanic area within the U.S. While these volcanoes are monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington—and tracked on the volcano monitoring tab on OEM's Hazard Situation Overview—volcanoes don’t always follow predictable paths. Intensifying activity could mean an eruption—or not. Uncertainty makes it difficult for scientists to forecast activity too far in advance and offers a very small window for emergency officials to act.
The Mount St. Helens anniversary, the upcoming wildfire season, and the recent cycle of disasters that has impacted our state all underscore the importance of messaging proactive preparedness to our communities. Individuals and families need to know how to stay informed during a disaster: By signing up for local emergency alerts at OR-Alert, making sure their cell phones have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled, and following local websites, social media, TV and radio for updates. They need to know how to develop an emergency plan and plan possible evacuation routes in their area. And they need to have a go-kit ready with essential supplies for health, safety and identification.
Oregonians need to understand that no matter where they live in the state, they're susceptible to hazards. To think a disaster is going to wait for them to become prepared before it impacts their life does nothing to help them and their families. As emergency managers, it’s our job to help our communities take these simple actions today so they’ll be prepared before the next emergency strikes.
Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Andrew Phelps, Director, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
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ODA launches Oregon Disaster Assistance Program
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has launched the Oregon Disaster Assistance Program (ODAP) for farmers and ranchers that suffered financial losses during one or more of the disasters that impacted Oregon in 2021, including historical drought, record setting heat, wildfires and smoke, and ice and winter storms. Designed to complement USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster assistance, the $40 million program includes forgivable loans for eligible farmers. ODAP calculates assistance on lost gross farm income based on a three-year baseline of what a producer could have reasonably expected in farm income without disaster impacts. ODAP applications are available through June 3; learn more at ODA’s ODAP webpage.
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Oregon OSHA adopts rules protecting workers against high heat and wildfire smoke
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has adopted permanent rules to protect workers laboring in excessive heat or wildfire smoke. The new heat rule addresses access to shade and cool water, preventive cool-down breaks, and prevention plans, information and training. The wildfire smoke rule includes an array of exposure assessments and controls, and training and communication. Both rules encompass initial protective measures for workers who rely on employer-provided housing, including as part of farm operations. OSHA considers these rules to be the most protective in the nation. The heat rules take effect on June 15 and the wildfire smoke rules take effect on July 1. Read the news release on OSHA’s website.
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Natural Hazards Workshop
The Natural Hazards Center has opened registration for the 47th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. The workshop, which will take place July 10-13, will focus on Changing Climates: Equity and Adaptation in a Warming World. The opening keynote address will focus on how to design just strategies for adaptation and mitigation and will offer a framework for dismantling systemic racism that creates, exacerbates, and perpetuates inequality and vulnerability. All sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform with audience interaction. There are fees associated; learn more and register on the Natural Hazards Center website.
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CREW launches Insure Against Earthquakes outreach hub and public site
The Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) has launched the Insure Against Earthquakes outreach hub and companion public site. These tools support public outreach and education about earthquake insurance and other financial preparedness actions that can help speed and strengthen the recovery of individuals and households after an earthquake. CREW also launched an earthquake insurance collaboration site and Slack platform to facilitate sharing of information, ideas and outreach products among professional groups who are working on earthquake insurance projects and issues.
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OSFM Wildfire Awareness Month webinars
In recognition of May being Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is hosting a webinar series on preparing Oregonians for wildfire. From noon-1 p.m. on May 19, a panel of experts from OSFM and OEM will discuss Oregon's evacuation levels, what they mean and how to be ready; register for the May 19 webinar via Eventbrite. From noon-1 p.m. on May 24, learn about fire-resistant plants from Amy Jo Detweiler, community horticulturist for OSU Extension in Central Oregon; register for the May 24 webinar via Eventbrite.
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SBA loans available due to drought
Small nonfarm businesses in Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wallowa and Wasco counties can apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration because of reduced revenues caused by drought that began March 15. Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. Applicants may apply online on the SBA website; the deadline to apply is Dec. 22.
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2022 Wildfire Season Kickoff Briefing
Join OEM for a 2022 Wildfire Season Kickoff Briefing from 8:30 a.m. to noon on June 1, available via Zoom (Meeting ID: 845 5739 3459 | Passcode: 708848). This overview will include wildfire risk, response and recovery information with briefings from ESFs on commonly requested or new resources and capabilities to better serve Oregonians.
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Emergency shelter grants and supports available
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Resilience and Emergency Management has grants and other supports available to help local governments, public education providers and tribes provide cleaner air spaces for emergency purposes, such as when wildfire smoke makes breathing difficult; and cooling and warming spaces for when extreme weather creates unhealthy conditions for people. Grant funds may be used for initial program startup costs; the purchase and installation of air filtration system improvements; and set up and improvement of warming, cooling and cleaner air spaces. A formal application is not required; eligible entities will enter into an intergovernmental agreement or interagency agreement with ODHS to receive the grant funding or other supports. Those interested should complete this survey for each considered location. Learn more about this opportunity on the ODHS website.
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FEMA Seismic Code Development Process Report
FEMA recently released P-2191 — A Step Forward: Recommendations for Improving Seismic Code Development, Content and Education. This report was developed in response to a recommendation made by the 2020 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Provisions Update Committee to study ways to improve the seismic code development process to better serve the engineering community. The report summarizes recommendations to improve seismic code and standard development, content and education. FEMA P-2191 is available for download at FEMA's website.
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FEMA Planning Practitioner Program
The FEMA Emergency Management Institute is accepting applications for the Planning Practitioner Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Cohort 23-1 will take place Oct. 17–22 and May 15–19, 2023; Cohort 23-2 will take place Jan. 9–13 and July 10–14, 2023. View full details on FEMA's website.
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Oregon Surplus MREs available
Oregon Surplus has been allocated 180 pallets of MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat). Those interested in obtaining MREs for their agency, nonprofit organization or Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) must be eligible to purchase through the State of Oregon Department of Administrative Services Enterprise Asset Management State and Federal Surplus Property Program. MREs are $10 per case and can be purchased by the case, pallet (96 cases) or truckload (1,728 cases). MRE's are not available for personal use. For questions about eligibility, contact Carla Jeannette at 503-378-2753 or carla.jeannette@das.oregon.gov. To procure MREs, contact Tim Dunayevich at tim.dunayevich@das.oregon.gov.
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OEM email address change
Effective May 9, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management transitioned to a new email extension: @oem.oregon.gov. The contact format to the left of the extension remains the same (John.Doe@state.or.us is now John.Doe@oem.oregon.gov). Emails sent to prior addresses will continue to be delivered for a short time, but please update address book to ensure future emails are successfully delivered.
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Emergency Management Job Postings |
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Do you have an emergency management-related job posting you’d like included in Weekly Watch? Submit listings by Friday noon to be considered for the following Monday's report; send to OEM Public Affairs at public.info@oem.oregon.gov.
Clackamas County Director, Disaster Management. Apply at Clackamas County website.
OEM 911 Project Portfolio Manager (Information Systems Specialist 8). Apply at Workday by May 24.
Metro Head of Communications and Marketing, Visitor Venues. Apply at Government Jobs by May 25.
OEM Grants Accountant (Accountant 2) - 2 positions available. Apply at Workday by May 30.
PGE Communications Employee Communications Senior Consultant. Apply at Workday; open until filled.
PGE Communications Senior Social Media and Content Strategist. Apply at Workday; open until filled.
PGE Communications Principal Communications Consultant. Apply at Workday; open until filled.
PGE Communications Senior Principal Communications Consultant. Apply at Workday; open until filled.
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May 18: FEMA E-74, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage (Virtual). Hosted by State of Alaska. Register via Zoom.
May 23-26: L0958 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Course (Portland, OR). Hosted by Oregon Health Authority. Register via SmartSheet.
May 24: ATC-20, Post-Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings (Virtual). Hosted by State of Oregon and State of Washington. Register via Zoom.
May 25: FEMA P-2055, Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance (Virtual). Hosted by State of Alaska. Register via Zoom.
May 31: FEMA P-154, Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards (Virtual). Hosted by State of Washington. Register via Zoom.
June 6-7: National Fire Protection Association course on Assessing Structure Ignition Potential from Wildfire (Stayton). Hosted by Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal in partnership with Oregon Fire Service. Register via Adobe Acrobat.
June 6-10: L0967 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief Course (Portland, OR). Hosted by Oregon Health Authority. Register via SmartSheet.
June 9-10: Access and Functional Needs Planning Course. Hosted by OHA Security, Preparedness and Response Program and Bolante.NET. Register via Zoom.
June 21-29: The Northwest Oregon Subsection AWWA Waterworks School is offering virtual training for water system operators in four core sections: Basics, Distribution & Maintenance, Water Quality & Treatment, Supervision & Leadership. Register via Constant Contact.
June 27-30: L0962 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief Course (Portland, OR). Hosted by Oregon Health Authority. Register via SmartSheet.
October 10-11: MGT-417 Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers (La Grande, OR). Register via RuralTraining.
October 13-14: MGT-417 Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers (The Dalles, OR). Register via RuralTraining.
For additional training information and resources, click the links below.
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Total Federal Share of Public Assistance Disaster Funds Obligated to be Spent in Oregon
DR4499—COVID-19: $380,699,054 DR4519—2020 Flooding: $3,068,004 DR4562—2020 Wildfire: $358,511,779 DR4599—2021 Ice Storm: $8,217,060
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Do you have information you'd like included in Weekly Watch? We'll consider any topics pertaining to emergency management. Stories must be received by noon on Friday to be considered for the following Monday's report. Send to OEM Public Affairs at public.info@oem.oregon.gov. |
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