Stay Informed and Stay Safe: Your 2023 Guide to Local Emergency Alerts in Oregon or Washington
By Robin Denning, with help from Sarah Franklin Vulnerable Populations Response Coordinator Wasco, Hood River, Sherman & Gilliam Counties
As a friendly local journalist, I want to ensure that you have all the necessary information to stay informed and prepared during emergencies in your area. That's why I'm here to guide you on how to sign up for the right emergency alert system based on where you live: OR-Alert for all my Oregon neighbors and Smart911 for my Washington friends.
Fire Event at Amerities, 2023
Let's start with our wonderful Oregon residents. For you, OR-Alert is the one-stop shop to receive real-time emergency alerts, warnings, and notifications. This incredible system ensures that hazard information is seamlessly shared across all 36 counties and tribal governments in Oregon. With the power of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at their fingertips, county emergency managers can send alerts to all cell phones within a specific geographic area.
To sign up for OR-Alert and get emergency notifications tailored to your Oregon county, simply visit the official OR-Alert website and select your county's sign-up page. It's a quick and easy process that puts valuable information right in your hands when you need it most.
Firefighters respond to Fire on I-84 - 8.4.22
Now, let's move on to my fantastic Washington residents.
For you, Smart911 is the perfect system to enhance your emergency preparedness. This remarkable platform offers a unique feature called the "Safety Profile," which allows you to provide additional information to 9-1-1 operators. Think of it as your way of sharing important details that can make a difference in critical situations.
You can include vital information such as medical conditions, special needs, and even contact information for your loved ones. By having this information readily available, our amazing emergency responders can provide faster and more accurate assistance when every second counts. Creating your Safety Profile and receiving alerts and notifications specific to your Washington community is a breeze—just head over to the official Smart911 website to get started.
Both OR-Alert and Smart911 have your best interests at heart, my dear friends, By signing up for the appropriate system, you'll gain access to real-time information regarding potential hazards in your region. The best part? These systems use multiple communication channels, such as SMS text messages, email alerts, and mobile applications, to ensure you receive critical information no matter where you are or what device you have at hand. It's all about keeping you informed, connected, and empowered during emergencies.
Inclusivity and accessibility are of utmost importance to both OR-Alert and Smart911. In Oregon, OR-Alert's integration with FEMA's IPAWS system guarantees that emergency notifications reach all cell phones within the designated geographic area. No one is left uninformed when every second counts. In Washington, Smart911's Vulnerable Needs Registry ensures that emergency managers are aware of individuals who may require special assistance during disasters. It's all about making sure that everyone in our community gets the help they need when they need it most.
So, my friends, it's time to take charge of your safety. Sign up for the appropriate emergency alert system based on where you live. If you call Oregon home, visit the OR-Alert website and find your county's sign-up page. For my Washington neighbors, head to the Smart911 website and create your Safety Profile to receive local emergency alerts tailored to your address.
Remember, being informed is being empowered. Let's stay connected and keep our communities safe and resilient together!
