Evacuation Planning

Clackamas County is working to improve evacuation planning. 

This multi-year effort looks at how different hazards affect roads and transportation systems, so evacuations can be carried out quickly and safely. Outreach to all residents in Clackamas County, with a special focus on rural residents, non-English-speaking communities, and other underserved groups, was a priority to ensure evacuation information is:

• Clear and consistent across jurisdictions
• Available in multiple languages
• Accessible and culturally relevant
• Focused on equity, safety, and resilience

Project phases

Phase 1 – Baseline assessment (2023)

• Created a GIS-based risk inventory
• Reviewed roads, land use, hazards, demographics, natural features, and key community locations
• Identified preliminary evacuation zones and routes

Phase 2 – Mapping zones and routes (2024)

• Worked with local cities and special districts to review and refine maps
• Coordinated across city, county, regional, and state jurisdictions
• Final evacuation maps and routes completed in February 2024

Phase 3 – Public engagement and education (2025)

• Gathered community input about evacuation experiences, preparedness, and concerns, through:
  • Online surveys
  • Focus groups in rural areas
  • One-on-one interviews with community leaders
• Identified communication preferences and gaps in evacuation preparedness and during incidents that require evactuation
• Launched the public education campaign Be ClackGO Prepared in May 2025

Why this matters

Recent disasters showed the need for predefined evacuation zones and routes so officials can issue clear evacuation levels quickly.

For the full report, contact ccdm@clackamas.us.