Oregon Marks August as Emergency Management Awareness Month

SALEM, Ore. - Gov. Tina Kotek has proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, highlighting the work of emergency managers who help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The statewide recognition is part of a national campaign led by the International Association of Emergency Managers. In Oregon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is coordinating the effort alongside local, Tribal, regional and state emergency management agencies.

Emergency management work often takes place well before an emergency reaches the public, with agencies planning for disasters, coordinating resources, training personnel and helping communities prepare for situations ranging from wildfires and severe weather to earthquakes and other large-scale emergencies.

“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal, and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”

Supporting Communities Across Oregon

OEM provides statewide coordination and assistance through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, which includes field staff assigned to support Oregon's 36 counties and nine federally recognized Tribes.

Those coordinators provide technical assistance and guidance throughout the different stages of emergency management, including preparedness, response and long-term recovery.

OEM also works directly with Oregon's Tribal Nations through its Tribal Liaison and coordinates with businesses and industry representatives through its Public Private Partnership Program.

During major emergencies involving multiple agencies or jurisdictions, OEM operates the State Emergency Coordination Center. The center acts as a central coordination point where state agencies and emergency support partners can share information, organize resources and respond to requests from affected communities.

OEM is also responsible for coordinating Oregon's 18 Emergency Support Functions and works with more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices across the state.

Residents Encouraged to Prepare

Emergency Management Awareness Month is also being used as an opportunity to encourage Oregonians to learn more about emergency preparedness in their own communities.

OEM suggests several ways residents can participate, including learning who their local emergency manager is, thanking emergency management staff and volunteers, and reviewing their household emergency plans.

Residents can also:

• Make or update an emergency supply kit.
• Sign up for local emergency notifications through ORAlert.gov.
• Review evacuation and family communication plans.
• Work toward being prepared to remain self-sufficient for at least two weeks following a major disaster.
• Recognize local emergency management personnel, volunteers and Community Emergency Response Team members.
• Share preparedness efforts on social media using #EMAwarenessMonth.

Oregon's "Be 2 Weeks Ready" initiative encourages households to gradually build the supplies, plans and skills needed to take care of themselves for at least two weeks following a major emergency when normal services may be disrupted.

OEM plans to continue sharing preparedness information and highlighting the work of emergency management professionals throughout August.