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Stay Safe Outdoors—
Governor Kotek Declares June
Search & Rescue Awareness Month
 SAR and National Guard personnel airlift an individual from Cooper Spur Ski Area on Mount Hood - February 6, 2024 - taken by a member of the Hood River County Sheriff Search and Rescue Crag Rats.
As Oregon's breathtaking landscapes draw outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, state agencies are underscoring the vital role of preparedness and safety in reducing search and rescue (SAR) incidents. With peak tourist season approaching, adventurers are urged to take precautions that can prevent emergencies and lessen the burden on volunteer rescue teams.
Recognizing the dedication and lifesaving efforts of SAR personnel and volunteers across the state, Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed June Search and Rescue Awareness Month. This proclamation highlights the invaluable contributions of SAR teams and reinforces the need for public awareness and support of their work.
“These volunteers are essential to emergency response in the wilderness, ensuring that anyone who explores Oregon’s natural wonders returns home safely,” Governor Kotek said. “I encourage everyone to get outside and discover all our state has to offer. Remember to prepare, stay safe, and be mindful of their impact on the communities you visit.”
How You Can Support SAR Efforts:
 Amateur Radio Field Day is June 28 - 29
Field Day is HAM radio's open house. Every June, more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio.
The public is welcome to come learn more about ham radio! Use the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Locator to search for a Field Day site near you.
Celebrate World Blood Donor Day – Sat. June 14, 2025!
Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can help save up to three lives—offering hope to those in urgent need of transfusions. Blood donation is a powerful act of solidarity; together, we ensure a steady and safe supply for patients everywhere, especially in emergencies where demand often outpaces availability.
This year's campaign aligns with World Health Day's focus on maternal and newborn health: Give blood, give hope. Every year, 14 million women experience hemorrhaging during childbirth, a leading cause of maternal deaths, particularly in developing countries. Babies and young children are also at risk, with severe anemia claiming many young lives. A single donation can save a mother, a baby, a future.
Everyone who can donate should consider making regular, voluntary donations to build strong, reliable national blood programs and universal access to safe transfusions. Blood products are essential for effective health systems and global health coverage.
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week!
Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful forces, and National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to learn how to stay safe. The National Weather Service emphasizes the importance of the phrase "When thunder roars, go indoors!"—seeking shelter immediately is the best way to protect yourself from lightning strikes.
Each year, lightning causes injuries, fatalities, and property damage, but many incidents can be prevented with proper precautions. Avoid open fields, tall trees, and bodies of water during storms, and remember that even if the sky looks clear, lightning can strike miles away from a storm’s center.
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Reminder: Cold Water on a Hot Day Can Be Dangerous
As temperatures rise and people flock to Oregon’s waterways for much needed relief, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urge boaters and swimmers to be aware of the hidden dangers of cold water. Despite warm air temperatures, rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold shock, swimming failure, and drowning.
"We've seen a rise in water rescue incidents in the past few weeks, because people underestimate the deadly combination of warm air and dangerously cold water," said Scott Lucas, OEM Statewide Search and Rescue Coordinator. "Cold shock and hypothermia set in quickly, even for strong swimmers, and fast-moving currents make self-rescue nearly impossible. We urge everyone to plan ahead, wear a life jacket, and respect the power of cold water—it can be unforgiving." READ MORE . . .
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Juneteenth: An Opportunity for Reflection & Celebration |
OEM Unveils Comprehensive Homeland Security Strategy |
Plan Ahead for
Evacuations |
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OEM Public Safety Communications Specialist Jeff Perkins recently submitted this photo of the command center for the Portland Rose Festival. Perkins recently concluded his leadership role in the festival, and throughout the activation, he served as the lead for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under Unified Command, navigating complex operational challenges while maintaining a steady focus on strategic outcomes. Perkins helped the festival build sustainable systems that will support the City of Portland’s future ICT efforts. His work ensured that public safety communications remained reliable and resilient during one of the region’s largest annual events.
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Prepare Financially
Emergencies can disrupt banking services, payroll, and insurance processing. Being financially ready ensures you can weather the initial impact.
Cash on hand: Keep small bills in a safe place. During power outages, ATMs and card readers may not work.
Emergency savings: If possible, set aside funds for unexpected expenses like evacuation costs or home repairs.
Get an insurance check-up: Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety – Wildfire Ready and Oregon Division of Financial Regulation : Prepare now
Important documents:
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Store copies of passports, IDs, birth certificates, and insurance policies in a waterproof, fireproof container.
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Keep a digital backup on a secure cloud or external drive. Include cell phone videos of your entire property and belongings for documentation.
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Include lists of account numbers, emergency contacts, and important passwords.
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Training Opportunities and Resources |
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Looking for more training opportunities?
For information on attending or hosting a training course, please send an email to oem.training@oem.oregon.gov. Make sure to include the course code you are seeking in the subject line, for example “Requesting to attend G0191.”
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Job Opportunities at OEM
The Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is always looking for passionate people to join our team. If you are interested in working for OEM, take a look at our Current Job Openings.
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The Readiness Report is a roundup of topics of interest to emergency managers, partners and those interested in building a culture of preparedness within the state. Email OEM Public Affairs with story ideas and feedback.
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