Who is going to help?

Whenever there is a storm or other type of disaster in Oregon, questions come to us about financial and other types of assistance. We hear “Who is going to help us?” and “How can we get state or federal assistance?”

I would love to be able to tell you that the government has enough money to fix everything for everyone but you know that’s not true. We do what we can under the laws that we have and that includes a process that must be followed. Having enough home and flood insurance is the best way to protect your property.

Response to a disaster begins at the local level. Each town, city and county is prepared to assist their citizens immediately during an event. If the disaster uses up all of their resources, county officials can ask the Governor for an emergency declaration. If the Governor agrees, state resources are provided, coordinated by Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), to assist the counties. If the disaster becomes a burden on the state, the Governor may ask the President for a federal declaration.

This is a simplified explanation of the process. There is always a lot of paperwork involved, information must be gathered and rules followed. Unfortunately when the storm hits you, it seems like everything takes forever.

Remember - Your first responders are working diligently to make things safe and secure and your local officials are following procedures to get you the assistance you need. Follow instructions from your local emergency managers and be prepared for the next one – it is still winter.

Have a kit ready for support in aftermath of a disaster

May 6, 2009
What would you do for first 72 hours after an emergency?
We received an interesting phone call a few weeks ago following the column on what to do if you are at the beach and you feel an earthquake.
In the column I asked you to think through your initial reaction: what you would or would not do, where you would go, etc.
My goal in these scenarios is to get you to think and perhaps discuss with your families some basic behaviors that may keep you alive immediately following an event. Studies have shown that when we are scared our brains may shut down, especially if it is something we have never experienced or thought about before.
During the initial phase of an emergency, you will be responsible for yourself and your family. It could take hours or even weeks for emergency responders to get to you.
Local government emergency management agencies, fire fighters, police, hospitals, utilities, road crews and many more local folks will begin doing their jobs as quickly as possible but will also have families that experienced the disaster.
Instructions will be given over radio, TV and alarm systems when available. Shelters may be established, food and water provided and people directed to evacuation routes.
However, we must all be prepared to care for ourselves for at least 72 hours in case these first responders cannot get to us. It is our responsibility to have a 72-hour emergency kit that includes the basics of water, food, medicine, sanitary needs, radio, flashlight, and clothes, among other items.
A complete list of recommended items is posted on the Oregon Emergency Management Blog http://oem-oregon.blogspot.com/2009/04/72-i-do-do-you.html. I have a 72-hour kit in my trunk, do you? Look over the list of items and if you have any questions or suggestions to add to your emergency kit, let us talk about it in the comments below.

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the Public Affairs Coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Additional Facts - good kits can be found at several businesses - one good web site is www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
Please send questions about emergency preparedness to be answered in this column to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Other information may be found at www.oregon. gov/omd/oem or www.fema.gov.