Community Preparedness

Preparing for Disaster
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Division uses an all-hazard, county-wide approach to minimize the impact of natural and human-caused emergency incidents or disasters.

Emergency Management identifies hazards, develops emergency response, recovery and mitigation plans and coordinates emergency and disaster response activities. Emergency Management coordinates with cities, special districts, community organizations and regional partners to promote emergency preparedness and improve incident response.

Prepare for disasters before they strike. Build and maintain a disaster supply kit. To learn more, click here: American Red Cross Website

Helpful Publications:
Community Wildfire Protection Plan (PDF)
Mt. Hood Coordination Plan (PDF)
Wasco County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Impacts of Volcanic Ash

Planning for Wildfires
For wildfire season, we should prepare now in order to protect our families and our property when faced with an emergency. There are actions you can take now to protect against future wildfire emergencies. Oregon Ready, Set, Go!, www.oregonrsg.org, is a great resource for wildfire planning information.

Ready - Fireproof your home and create defensible space to protect against wildfires. Make a wildfire action plan addressing evacuation, communications and plans for pets/livestock. Know how to respond safely and leave early if threatened by wildfire. Register now for Wasco County Citizen Alert. All emergency alerts, including evacuations, are issued through the Citizen Alert system.

Set - Create a 72 hour kit for your home including food and emergency supplies, as well as kits for your car and workplace in case a wildfire prevents you from going home. Create a special go-kit and be sure to include important documents, medications, etc. When a wildfire occurs, make sure to stay tuned in for information about evacuation areas and be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is is-sued. Know the three levels of evacuation: Level 1- Get Ready, Level 2- Get Set. Level 3- Go!

Go - Leave early! Knowing when to leave, what to take, where to go, and how to get there will help keep you and your family from being caught in smoke, fire, or road congestion while evacuating during a wildfire.