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Emergency Management

Emergency Response in Oregon

broken power pole
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is part of the Oregon Emergency Response System with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).


The purpose of the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) is to coordinate and manage state resources in response to natural and technological emergencies and civil unrest requiring cooperation between all levels of government and the private sector.

 

 

The PUC’s Role

The PUC shares responsibility for two Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) in the event of an emergency.
 

ESF 2 – Communications

Shared responsibility with Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

  • Tracks the overall status of the state’s communications infrastructure during a disaster. DAS focuses on state agency and facility communication infrastructure, while the PUC focuses on communication infrastructure for public use.
  • Provides status updates to OEM on customer outages and restoration timelines.
  • Assists utility restoration teams with updates about priorities, including the status of transportation infrastructure and helping provide access to state resources if needed.
  • Partners with DAS to coordinate the provision of temporary communications to state agencies and facilities.
  • Alerts Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to waive permitting requirements when mutual assistance crews are entering Oregon from other states.

ESF 12 – Energy

Shared responsibility with the Oregon Department of Energy

  • Tracks the overall status of the state’s natural gas and electricity systems during a disaster.
  • Provides status updates to OEM on customer outages and restoration times.
  • Coordinates with utilities operating in Oregon to ensure the integrity of the supply systems are maintained during emergency situations, and that any damages are repaired and services restored in an efficient and expedient manner.
  • Monitors and coordinates the availability of electric generating capacity and reserves, the availability and supply of natural gas, and the supply of fuels for electricity generation.
  • Monitors and coordinates the restoration of utilities for the community.
  • Coordinates with Oregon Department of Energy to obtain fuels for crews engaged in restoration efforts when needed.
  • Notifies ODOT to waive permitting requirements when mutual assistance crews are entering Oregon from other states.
 

Emergency Preparedness

Oregon residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for two weeks in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, such as a major winter storm, wildfire, earthquake, tsunami, or other event. Learn more about what you need to do to be 2 Weeks Ready today!