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Multnomah County Emergency Management Monthly Newsletter
July 2022
Multnomah County Office of Emergency Management (MCEM) compiles this monthly email to provide information related to emergency management activities. If you have content for this newsletter, please submit to em.dutyofficer@multco.us.

For COVID-19 information and updates, visit Multnomah County's COVID-19 website.
Catastrophic (CAT) Earthquake Annex

Multnomah County in consultation with CONSTANT Associates, an emergency management-focused firm, has recently completed a Catastrophic (CAT) Earthquake Annex to the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). This Annex provides a framework for the coordination of city, county and state resources to help ensure the safety of life and property following a catastrophic earthquake.

In addition to the Annex, Pre-drafted Mission Assignments (PDMAs) were developed to address identified gaps in capabilities and resources. PDMAs are prepared in blue skies to determine the types of assistance and capabilities that will be needed to respond and recover from a disaster, which allows for resource allocation planning by the Oregon Military Department Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

The Catastrophic Earthquake planning project was funded by the Oregon State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM). Oregon currently receives funding under two (2) Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) programs: the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Together, these grants fund a range of activities designed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or catastrophic events.

Plan Maintenance and Activities

The Catastrophic (CAT) Earthquake Annex is a component of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) which is revised at least once every two (2) years and re-promulgated by the governing body every four (4) years. The components of the CEMP are assessed in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Comprehensive Preparedness Guidebook (CPG) 101 and the planning process involves engaging the entire community.
MCEM Logistics Division

The MCEM Logistics Team had a busy June, active in all sorts of projects. They continue to revise delivery/pick-up procedures and forms to streamline the process ensuring all the necessary details are captured. A primary focus has been on both the delivery/pick up forms and received goods documentation.

Speaking of received goods, the Logistics Team received approximately 10k items this month related to MCEM year-end Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) planning orders and Summer outreach/cooling center operations from the JOHS and MCEM Supply Unit.

Speaking of Severe Weather, the Logistics Team helped with the recent June Enhanced Operations by setting up and hosting Cooling Kit assembly in the warehouse. They also assisted DCHS deliver and install heat pumps to those in most need as determined by the County Youth and Family Services (YFS) and Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division (ADVSD).

The Logistics Team have been finishing up their basic Incident Command System (ICS), including some advance training.
Justin Gibbs farewell

MCEM’s Interim Division Chief of Planning Justin Gibbs has accepted the position of Director of Clatsop County Emergency Management! His last day with MCEM will be July 29. 

Justin joined MCEM as an Emergency Management Planner in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, jumping directly into the county’s EOC response even as he was setting foot in Oregon for the first time. Justin brought extensive experience from being the Emergency Management Director of a North Carolina County, and his invaluable support and expertise gave an instant boost to the EOC Planning Section and other aspects of the activation.

Justin stepped in to become the Interim Division Chief of Planning in January 2022 while completing the Continuity of Government (COG) annex to the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and a Catastrophic Earthquake Annex to the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). As a manager, Justin guided a recruitment process, organized response needs and taught and attended trainings and exercises. Justin’s knowledge, ability, thoughtfulness and sense of humor will be missed.

Please join us in wishing Justin well as he embarks on this exciting new opportunity!
New Staff Welcome!

The MCEM recently welcomed two staff into the Logistics Division, we are excited to have Boston and Andrew join our team as drivers!

Thad “Boston” Elmore
Boston joined Emergency Management as a Driver/Material Handler in July 2022. Prior to that he was a volunteer with the American Red Cross for seven years as a disaster responder and warehouse manager. In his free time he enjoys sailing, diving, and hiking.  

Andrew Correa
Andrew also joined Emergency Management as a Driver/Material Handler in July 2022. He was born and raised in Portland with a twin sister, who is the oldest of six. She also works for Multnomah County. He has four other younger sisters, and is the only boy in his large family. Andrew enjoys working on cars and loves being outdoors and camping. 
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Upcoming Training & Exercises Events

Please review upcoming training opportunities through the following events calendars: Multnomah County, the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization, the State of Oregon, and the State of Washington.

Trainings


Exercises

  • Fuel Management Workshop & Tabletop (July 19th): The County-wide Fuel Day Exercise will be hosted on Tuesday, July 19th at the Multnomah Building. This exercise will test/validate the recently developed County Fuel Management Plan. Registration is still open to those interested in attending!
  • Damage Assessment Exercise - Workshop Event (August 9th): The Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) Exercise Series will kick-off on Tuesday, August 9th from 1300-1500. This workshop event is open to any organizations interested in developing their RDA capabilities, operations, and program. Please reach out to Matt Burke (matthew.burke@multco.us) with any questions!
  • Regional Fuel Management Tabletop (Fall 2022): This regional exercise hosted by the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization (RDPO) will test fuel management operations during a west hill fault earthquake event. Additional information will be shared when it becomes available. Reach out to Robert Quinn (robert.quinn@multco.us) for additional information.
  • 1Q23 Quarterly Radio Drill (September 13th): The next MCEM Quarterly Radio Drill will be on Tuesday, September 13 at 1000. Interested in participating? Reach out to Robert (robert.quinn@multco.us)!
Have something you'd like to include in one of our future newsletters? We'd love to hear from you! To have your upcoming trainings, exercises, events, or other announcements added, please email em.dutyofficer@multco.us.

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