Multnomah County Emergency Management Monthly Newsletter
November 2023
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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.
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MCEM Presents at Oregon Emergency Managers Association Conference |
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On October 4th, MCEM Director, Chris Voss, spoke as part of a panel at the Oregon Emergency Management Association's annual members' conference on the Department of Environmental Quality rulemaking for the new seismic mitigation program for the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub in Multnomah County. Voss briefed the audience of emergency managers and partners on the County's perspective.
While acknowledging the importance of starting with the rule, he highlighted the need moving forward for smaller facilities and further research into the potential disaster impacts of non-liquid hazardous materials. He also noted the effectiveness of requiring risk bonding for companies handling hazardous materials and the application of meaningful penalties for violations.
At the same time, work is still needed on community engagement and developing effective community notifications, warnings, and alerts to residents in affected areas when a hazardous material disaster occurs. New and emerging technologies will also need to be evaluated to help all stakeholders.
The Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub Seismic Analysis Report can be found on the Office of Emergency Management's reports page.
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Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)
at Multnomah County
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As you probably know by now, threats of an emergency-type nature exist all year-round. As many of us have experienced, emergencies can develop quickly from hazard events such as severe winter weather, extreme heat, wildfires, pandemics and many more. In 2023 alone, Multnomah County Emergency Management was activated seven times and responded to emergencies for a total of 27 days.
When County departments and partners respond to emergencies, normal operations are disrupted and looming deadlines and routine obligations are reevaluated. Furthermore, individuals shift to emergency activation operations to take the immediate and necessary actions to support the response (contingency plans, volunteer shelter shifts, Emergency Operations Center staffing, etc.). Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) is highlighted throughout these efforts as a guiding framework for continuing essential operations throughout unforeseen, emergency events.
COOP was originally adapted and modified from the business sector. It constitutes the development of plans, comprehensive procedures and provisions for things such as alternative facilities to support minimum essential functions during a wide range of potential emergencies. We look forward to re-energizing the COOP program by working with county partners in educating, developing and building upon our existing COOP plans!
Our goal is to have several informal conversations and workshops that will allow us to hear perspectives on previous planning initiatives, learn more about mission essential functions, and build a strong, influential COOP Program team.
If you are a COOP liaison/contact for your department or division, please reach out to COOP Program Manager Yvette Osborne at yvette.osborne@multco.us if you haven’t already!
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Multnomah County Participates in
"The Great Oregon Shakeout"
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On Oct. 19, at 10:19 am, Multnomah County participated in "The Great Oregon Shake Out", the state’s annual earthquake drill. County employees across departments practiced "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" to prepare themselves in the event of an earthquake.
In the event of a real earthquake, keep the following in mind after dropping, covering and holding on:
- Be prepared for aftershocks, and plan where you will take cover when they occur.
- Avoid broken glass.
- If a radio or television is available nearby, tune to the emergency broadcast station and listen for emergency bulletins.
- Evacuate if you smell gas, the fire alarm sounds, strobe lights flash, believe the building has been badly damaged or you are otherwise told to do so.
- When evacuating, walk to the nearest safe exit and evacuate the building. Do not use the elevators. If you are in an unfamiliar area, follow the exit signs to the nearest safe exit.
- Keep in mind that falling debris outside also presents a hazard, so evacuating is only recommended if the building you are in has been seriously impacted by the earthquake.
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Left: Kirsten Kuppenbender, Alice Busch and Allie Callow-Spencer practicing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" at the Multnomah Building. Right: Lydia Ledgerwood-Eberlein practicing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" at the Multnomah Building. |
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Upcoming Events
Training Offerings
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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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