How To Stay Safe During Oregon’s Wildfire Season

Oregon’s wildfire season is off to an early and dangerous start. 

Already, dozens of wildfires have burned nearly 2 million acres – more than four times last year’s total. At least 24,000 Oregonians are currently under some level of evacuation notice. Families across the state are facing the health risks of steadily worsening air quality as smoke rolls in. 

Sadly, with August and September still ahead of us, the worst is likely yet to come. We’re deeply grateful for the frontline firefighters (both in- and out-of-state), volunteers, and state leaders working to safeguard our communities.

Tips To Stay Safe

Our hearts are with each and every Oregonian impacted by the wildfires raging in our state. Wherever you live, it’s important to be safe and prepared when it comes to wildfires and smoke. Here are some tips to help get you through the season:

• Prepare in advance. Have a “go bag” with all the essentials ready to go for every member of your household. Include important documents, medications, backup food and water, pet supplies, and any other personal items you may need. Save the evacuation routes for your area so you know where to go. Central Oregon information can be found here.
• Don’t let your home become fuel. Clear dry vegetation near your house, clean your gutters, and keep plenty of defensible space around the perimeter of your home.
• Look out for your neighbors. Wildfires are community-wide emergencies. Check in with the elderly, those living with disabilities, and families with small children in your neighborhood when the fire risk is rising.
• Heed local fire restrictions. Use extreme caution with anything that can cause a spark when conditions are dry. This includes grills and chains on vehicles.
• Sign up for emergency alerts ahead of time. Head to oralert.gov to register for lifesaving instructions and alerts during wildfires.
• Stay safe in smoke. Wildfire smoke travels hundreds of miles and can pose an even greater risk than the fire itself, especially for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and folks with medical conditions. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area at airnow.gov. When the air reaches unhealthy levels, try to stay inside if you can, keep doors and windows closed, and run an air purifier if you have one. Keep some N95’s on hand in case you need to go outside in the smoke.

Mutual Aid

During moments of disaster like this in our state, it’s critical that we show up for each other however we can. 

Thousands of Warm Springs residents have been evacuated in recent days. You can help by donating to their Emergency Supply Drive. Items they’re accepting include:

• Water and no-cook foods
• Medical supplies
• Pet supplies
• Gift cards and hotel donations
• Blankets
• Personal hygiene kits
• Childcare supplies
• Small fans and filters

Find a drop-off location near you here. You can also donate directly to the recovery fund.

There are all sorts of other ways you can lend a hand to fellow Oregonians right now. Look for opportunities to volunteer with organizations helping victims on the ground; check in on friends and loved ones living in heavily affected areas; help displaced families directly with grocery runs, childcare assistance, or even a bed to sleep in; and amplify information about the rapidly evolving wildfire situation wherever you can.

For many more resources to help you prepare for wildfire season, head to wildfire.oregon.gov. Sign up for OEC’s Grassroots Action mailing list for future updates, and for opportunities to take action to protect Oregon’s communities from climate extremes.

Stay safe!

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