Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference for you and your family. Whether it’s an earthquake, wildfire, flood, or severe storm, having a plan and the right resources can help keep you safe. Here’s how to prepare for disasters in West Linn and surrounding areas, with personal safety tips and community resources.

Personal Disaster Preparedness

1. Understand Potential Disasters

Living in Oregon, we may face a variety of natural disasters, including:

• Earthquakes – Due to our proximity to fault lines.
• Wildfires – Especially in dry seasons.
• Flooding – Particularly in low-lying areas or near rivers.
• Severe Storms – Heavy rain, snow, or ice events.

2. Create an Emergency Plan

A well-thought-out emergency plan ensures that your family knows what to do in case of disaster. Here’s how to start:

• Develop a Family Communication Plan – Choose emergency contacts and meeting places.
• Identify Evacuation Routes – Plan multiple ways to leave your home and neighborhood.
• Assign Responsibilities – Decide who will grab emergency kits, secure pets, or turn off utilities.

3. Build an Emergency Kit

A “Go Bag” with essential supplies can be life-saving. Consider including:

• Food & Water: A two-week supply per person.
• Medical Supplies: First-aid kit, prescriptions, hygiene items.
• Tools: Flashlight, extra batteries, multi-tool, and a battery-powered radio.
• Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records.

For a detailed supply list, refer to the City of West Linn’s Be 2 Weeks Ready Program.

Community & Local Resources

Many organizations in the West Linn and Portland metro area provide disaster preparedness resources and training.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

• West Linn Ready – Emergency Management – The City of West Linn provides emergency preparedness resources, alerts, and planning guides to help residents stay safe in disasters.
• City of Tualatin Emergency Preparedness – Tualatin offers preparedness tips, evacuation plans, and emergency contact information for local residents.
• Wilsonville Ready – A city-wide program providing emergency plans, response training, and local hazard information for Wilsonville residents.
• Oregon City Emergency Management – Oregon City’s emergency management team offers resources on disaster readiness, evacuation routes, and emergency alerts.
• Lake Oswego Emergency Management – Lake Oswego provides emergency planning guides, community response programs, and wildfire preparedness resources.
  
• Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization (RDPO) – A metro-wide coalition focused on improving disaster readiness.