Preparedness month is a time when federal, state, and local partners work together to help people and communities get ready for emergencies. OHA invites you to become familiar with the resources available to support you, your loved ones and neighbors in your planning.
As you do, remember preparedness takes time. Taking small steps toward preparedness can make a big difference. Sometimes the hardest part is starting your individual, family and community conversations.
As you start or continue your planning, be sure to plan for any special health needs or conditions that may require additional support in the following areas:
- Communication
- Maintaining health
- Independence
- Support and safety
- Transportation
Communities are most resilient when the whole community is included in preparedness activities. So be sure to include family, friends, neighbors and colleagues!Resources to help you 'start the conversation'
- FEMA's Ready.gov has information to help individuals, families and businesses plan. Some information is available in multiple languages or to address specific groups' needs.
- If you'd like to share information about Preparedness month FEMA's Preparedness Month communication materials are available online for on-demand access.
Preparedness tools for Oregonians
Be a good neighbor, build community
Communities serve as important networks of support. It doesn't matter whether you define it by geography, shared interests, or a shared sense of culture. Social connections within communities build networks for support and resource-sharing. This can be especially helpful for people with chronic health conditions, disabilities, older adults, children and people who are pregnant. Connection is also good for our mental health before, during and after a disaster. Investing time in community can be a great, low cost way to build preparedness both for yourself and your community. It can be as simple as talking to a neighbor or volunteering a few hours in your community. Learn more about ways to
create community and how to help each other cope after a disaster.
Prepare for health needs
When agencies try to help communities prepare the first question is often 'what do I need in my go-kit?'. To answer that question Oregon Health Authority encourages individuals and households to work through Oregon Office of Emergency Management's
2 Weeks Ready Workbook. Everyone's needs vary and the workbook will help you develop a plan and a checklist that's right for you. As you work through the book, be sure to consider you and your household's people and pets, ages and stages of life, and medical conditions. Ask what specific needs do you and your family have to support communication, maintain health, independence, safety and security or transportation (CMIST)?
Two Weeks Ready
What to take during an evacuation
Prep your Health
Preparedness and people with disabilities
The disability community is strong and resilient in many ways. Yet, people with disabilities can be disproportionately affected by disasters. They may need additional assistance to
communicate, maintain health, independence, safety, support and self-determination, and with transportation (CMIST).
Preparedness for children and their caregivers
Children rely heavily on their caregivers and other adults for their safety, security and general care. Their needs vary based on their stage of development and whether they have disabilities or chronic health conditions. This makes it important to plan for their needs and, when possible, include them in preparedness.
Preparedness for older adults
Age changes us. Many of these changes can be rewarding. Yet, with change older adults face new risks. This is especially true when it comes to disasters. It is important for older adults, their families and caregivers, to consider how the changes that come with aging may affect their emergency plans before, during and after a disaster.
Build your health skills
Basic skills can make a big difference in your health and the health of your community.
Get involved in your community’s preparedness