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Winter Weather, Ready Together!
Happy New Year and Winter greetings from the Clackamas County Disaster Management Team. This newsletter will include:
- Recent Incident Summaries in Clackamas County
- Lessons Learned and Preparedness Resources
- Preparing now for Wildfire season
In Review: Recent County Responses
SNAP Benefit Disruption — October 2025
In October 2025, suspension of federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during a federal government shutdown created an urgent food access challenge for many Clackamas County residents who rely on the program. The County declared a local emergency and coordinated with partner agencies to support food distribution, social services, and community partners to help individuals bridge the gap during the interruption. Community resource guides and expanded access to food support were shared to aid affected households.
Flooding Event — December 2025
In mid-December 2025, heavy rain and saturated soils combined with an atmospheric river to produce widespread flooding, downed trees, power outages, and landslides across Clackamas County. Multiple rivers — including the Clackamas, Molalla, Johnson Creek, Sandy, and Pudding — reached flood stage, leading to evacuation notices, shelter operations, and coordinated emergency response. County teams worked with partners to support affected residents, clear roads, and assess damaged structures. The Clackamas County Emergency Operations Center remained activated through December 29 as recovery efforts continued.
Canby Tank Explosion — February 3, 2026
On February 3, 2026, a pressurized industrial tank exploded at the Kittyhawk Products facility in Canby, prompting a Level 3 — Go Now! Evacuation order for nearby properties due to risk of additional explosions. One worker was treated for minor injuries, and debris damaged nearby structures. Evacuation orders were lifted the following day after safety assessments and coordination with fire and law enforcement agencies ensured the area was secure. This event highlighted the importance of rapid hazard communication and emergency response in industrial settings.
Stronger Together: Tips & Resources
Stay Informed Through Official Alerts
Receiving timely information from trusted sources can save lives.
- Sign up for emergency notifications with PublicAlerts — Clackamas County’s opt-in alert system, which sends critical messages by text, email, or phone when hazards affect your area.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone for urgent life-safety messages.
- Visit the Clackamas County alerts page for up-to-date emergency notifications.
Evacuation Planning and Preparedness
Disasters may require swift evacuation; having a plan ahead of time is crucial.
Our Be ClackGo Prepared! campaign helps families get ready before emergencies occur — whether floods, fires, hazardous materials incidents, or other events.
The campaign focuses on three key areas:
- Sign Up for PublicAlerts — Stay connected with timely warnings.
- Know Your Routes — Evacuation maps, routes, and zone information help you plan where to go and how to get there.
- Build Your GO Kit — Prepare a set of essential items (documents, water, medications, pet supplies) ready to take with you in case of evacuation.
Visit the campaign website to access checklists, evacuation guides, planning tips, and resources to make your household more resilient.
Support for Basic Needs and Social Services
The SNAP benefit disruption showed how quickly access to food and essential support can be challenged.
- If benefit interruptions occur, reach out to local food banks and community partners for support
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit their website to find food assistance, housing support, and other community resources.
Industrial and Hazard Awareness
The Canby tank explosion reinforced the need for:
- Regular safety inspections and hazard planning at industrial sites
- Clear communication with nearby residents and responders during hazardous incidents
Signing up for Public Alerts!
Know how hazardous materials incidents are handled and where to find safety information from local fire and emergency management partner.
Fire Season Prep: Plan Ahead
Even though Clackamas County has experienced a flood event in December, the landscape is abnormally dry for this time of year. Wildfire risk remains a serious concern. Warmer, drier conditions can arrive quickly, and preparing now gives you more time — and more control — before fire season begins.
Wildfires can move fast. Smoke can impact air quality miles away from active fires. Taking simple steps today can protect your family, home, and community.
What You Can Do Now
- Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
- Stay informed with life-saving notifications about wildfire threats and evacuation orders.
- PublicAlerts (Clackamas County’s official alert system)
You can register multiple addresses and receive alerts by text, phone, or email.
Understand Evacuation Levels
Know what each level means and what action to take:
- Level 1 – Be Ready
Be aware, prepare and stay informed. This is the time to prepare and be ready to evacuate. Older adults, people with special needs, or mobile property owners should take action early. Consider moving pets and livestock early. - Level 2 – Be Set
Be ready to leave with little notice and relocate to a safe place outside of the affected area. You will have limited time to gather necessary items, and it may become unsafe to do so. - Level 3 – Go Now
Evacuate now! Leave immediately! It is unsafe for you to stay in the area. This will be the last notice you receive until officials declare it is safe to return to the area.
Build or Refresh Your GO Kit
Prepare a kit with:
- Water and shelf-stable food
- Medications and medical supplies
- Important documents
- Flashlights and batteries
- Pet supplies
Create Defensible Space Around Your Home
Reduce flammable materials near your house, clean gutters, and maintain vegetation. Small actions can significantly improve your home’s survivability during wildfire.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Prepare for Smoke Impacts
Wildfire smoke can affect health even if flames are not nearby. Monitor air quality and consider ways to improve indoor air during smoky conditions.
Prepared Today, Safer Tomorrow
Emergencies remind us that preparedness is year-round. By signing up for alerts, knowing evacuation routes, building a GO kit, and reducing risks around your home, you protect yourself and your community. Strong coordination among government, nonprofits, businesses, and community members make us all safer.
Learn more: Clackamas County Disaster Management
Questions? Suggestions?
Please contact Carolyn Bonoff at cbonoff@clackamas.us