2 Weeks Ready

Oregon has experienced a recent cycle of emergencies and disasters, including floods, drought, wildfires, ice storms, excessive heat and a pandemic. These disasters illustrate why being prepared can make a big difference.

A large part of OEM's mission is to empower people to be as prepared as possible in an emergency because once a disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed. The 2 Weeks Ready program recommends people have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive on their own for at least two weeks following any large-scale disaster.

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, and once they occur, it may take days or even weeks for responders to reach everyone who needs help. This will especially be true in the event of a Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. Being 2 Weeks Ready:

Takes pressure off first responders so they can prioritize life-threatening situations and those most vulnerable.
Ensures you and your family can survive if roads are impassable, and no one can reach you with help or supplies.
Encourages neighbors to care for one another, along with other vulnerable populations.

How to be 2 Weeks Ready

Stay Informed

Learn about the hazards in your area.
Sign up for local emergency alerts at OR-Alert.
Make sure your cell phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled.
Know evacuation routes in your area.

Make an Emergency Plan

Learn how to develop an Emergency Plan.
Discuss the plan with your household, loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Practice the elements of the plan so you’ll be ready when a disaster occurs.

Build an Emergency Kit

Being prepared means being equipped with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water and critical supplies. Learn how to assemble an emergency supply kit at Ready.gov or American Red Cross.
Prepare a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate.
Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry backpack, bucket or bag that you can use at home or take with you in an emergency.
Everyone’s kit will look different. There is no one correct way to put together two weeks’ worth of supplies since everyone has individual needs.

2 Weeks Ready for Individuals with Disabilities

People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for emergencies and disasters. Plan what to do and who to contact, especially if you need help from others to evacuate. Create a support network of people who can help you during an emergency. Make plans for how you will communicate, any equipment needed, transportation and service animal considerations. Learn more at Ready.gov.

Learn more: Visit our individual, community, and business preparedness pages. See all of the publications on our Preparedness Publications page.

For information in other languages or alternate formats, visit our Equity, Inclusion and Language Access page.