What to Do When a Disaster Is Coming: Disaster Readiness Checklists

Wildfires can spread quickly. You may have only a few minutes to evacuate. 

Before a wildfire: 

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov.
• Pack a “go bag” with clothes, food, water, ID, medications, chargers, pet supplies, and important documents.
• Collect valuables that don’t fit in your go bag and move them somewhere safe.
• Fill your gas tank or fully charge your electric vehicle.
• Make an evacuation plan. Know where you’ll go—friends, family, a hotel, or campground.
• Charge your phone and backup batteries.
• Clear dry leaves, brush, and flammable items away from your home.
• Take photos or a video of your home and belongings.
• Plan ahead for pets and livestock. Know who can help move them.
• Check on neighbors who may need help evacuating (for example, people with disabilities or limited mobility).
• Talk to your employer about staying safe from wildfire smoke. Oregon law protects outdoor workers. 

During a wildfire: 

• Follow evacuation orders immediately. Don’t wait.
• Wear an N95 mask or a cloth mask to reduce smoke exposure.
• Keep windows and doors closed. Use filtered indoor air if possible.
• Stay informed through emergency alerts and local news. 

After a wildfire: 

• Wait for official updates before returning home.
• Watch out for hot spots, fallen power lines, or damaged structures.
• Take photos of the damage for insurance or disaster aid.
• Call 2-1-1 to find shelter, cleanup help, or other local support. 

Winter storms can cause power outages and make roads dangerous. Be ready to stay home for a few days. 

Before an ice storm: 

• Stock up on 3–5 days of food, water, and medicine.
• Gather blankets, warm clothes, and a safe heat source. Avoid using a propane heater or barbeque grill indoors.
• Charge your phone and backup batteries.
• Have flashlights, batteries, and safe light sources readily available. Avoid candles if possible.
• Fill your gas tank or fully charge your electric vehicle. 

During an ice storm: 

• Stay off icy or snowy roads.
• Watch for falling tree limbs and downed power lines.
• Report power outages and hazards to your utility company.
• Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra help.
• Call 2-1-1 to find a warming shelter if you lose heat or power. 

After an ice storm: 

• Continue to avoid downed power lines and damaged trees.
• Use caution when clearing debris or walking outside.
• Report ongoing power outages or hazards to your utility company.
• Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra help.
• Stay informed through local news and emergency alerts. 

High heat can be dangerous, especially for children, older adults, and people with health conditions. 

Before extreme heat: 

• Talk to your employer about working safely during hot weather and extreme heat events. Oregon law protects outdoor workers. Learn more on this government website.
• Identify nearby air-conditioned places like libraries, malls, or cooling centers. You can call 2-1-1 to find nearby cooling centers.
• If possible, purchase a fan or an air conditioner to help stay cool at home. 

During extreme heat: 

• Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings if possible. Call 2-1-1 if you need help finding nearby cooling centers.
• Use fans, take cool showers, or apply cool, damp cloths to your head and neck if you don’t have air conditioning.
• Avoid being outside during the hottest hours (usually 2–7 p.m.).
• Never leave people or pets in a hot car.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with health conditions.
• Watch for symptoms of heat illness like dizziness, nausea, or confusion. 

Windstorms can knock down trees and power lines, break windows, and damage property. 

Before the storm: 

• Bring outdoor items like furniture, trash cans, and decorations inside or tie them down.
• Charge your phone and backup batteries.
• Fill your gas tank or fully charge your electric vehicle.
• Have flashlights, batteries, and safe light sources (such as battery-powered lanterns) readily available. Avoid candles if possible. 

During the storm: 

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Don’t drive during high winds.
• Wait for official announcements before going outside. 

After the storm: 

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Report hazards and power outages to your utility company.
• Check on neighbors who may need help.
• Take photos of the damage for insurance or disaster aid.
• Call 2-1-1 or visit RedCross.org to find emergency shelters or cleanup help. 

Floods can happen quickly during heavy rain or when rivers rise. Prepare early. 

Before a flood: 

• Listen to weather alerts and flood warnings.
• Pack a “go bag” with food, water, ID, medications, chargers, pet supplies, and important documents.
• Move electronics and valuables to a higher floor or shelf.
• Turn off the electricity at the main breaker—but only if it’s dry and safe to do so.
• Check evacuation routes and road closures at TripCheck.com.
• Fill your gas tank or fully charge your electric vehicle.
• Make a plan for pets. Not all shelters accept animals.
• Check on neighbors, especially people who may need help evacuating (for example, people with disabilities or limited mobility). 

During a flood: 

• Be ready to evacuate if officials say to leave.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater. It may be deeper than it looks.
• Keep listening to emergency alerts and local news. 

After a flood: 

• Stay away from flood water and damaged areas until officials say it’s safe.
• Don’t turn the power back on until a professional has inspected your home for damage.
• Throw away food or water that came into contact with floodwater.
• Take photos of the damage for insurance or disaster aid.
• Call 2-1-1 or visit RedCross.org to find emergency shelters or cleanup help

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov. 
• Follow local news or weather apps.
• If you need help during a disaster, call 2-1-1 or contact your local or tribal emergency manager. 

Visit the Oregon Law Help Disaster Hub to learn more about: 

• Getting help after a disaster.
• What to do if your home is damaged or destroyed.
• Navigating insurance.
• Replacing lost ID and documents.