The goals of the Emergency Preparedness Council are as follows:
Advise the Disaster Management Department and Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners in the development of activities, strategies and priorities to achieve disaster preparedness within the boundaries of Clackamas County.
Promote disaster management initiatives and activities. Participate in community education and engagement.
Advocate for policy and system changes that improve the disaster preparedness in Clackamas County. Optional activities could include providing oral or written testimony, helping to identify partners of support for preparedness, and participating in legislative activities.
Strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and enhance collaboration between governments and partners on an ongoing basis.
Develop strategies to enhance collaboration among governmental bodies and the general public.
These documents are provided for emergency responders to use in case of a large disaster. These agreements were developed by Clackamas County Disaster Management and the Clackamas County Fire Defense Board. These agreements allow agencies to borrow and lend fire agency personnel in the case of a disaster where transportation routes are impacted. Stranded workers from various fire districts may report to alternate fire districts or the Clackamas County Emergency Operations Center if they can’t get to the agency they work for.
5-Year Update - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024
Clackamas County's Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) was approved in September 2024. The NHMP helps the County plan for actions that can lessen the impact of disasters on communities and reduce their post-disaster recovery timeframe. It identifies risks and community vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and outlines long- and short-term strategies for protecting people and property. With approval of this NHMP, Clackamas County and participating partners are eligible to apply for certain project grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through September 2029. The funding can support a variety of projects to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities, including retrofitting roads, bridges, culverts, and other structures to prevent damage from earthquakes, winter storms, or flooding.
Clackamas County updated the Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with public agencies, private sector organizations, and residents within the community. The County portion of the plan is included in Volumes I and III, while the addenda for Cities and Special Districts are in Volume II.
The Clackamas County NHMP is the result of a collaborative effort between the County, cities, special districts, community members, public agencies, non-profit organizations, the private sector and regional organizations. The Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee (HMAC) guided the NHMP development process. The HMAC participants included representatives from the following jurisdictions and agencies:
Clackamas County Departments & Agencies:
Clackamas County Disaster Management
Clackamas County Planning Commission
Clackamas County Public Health
Clackamas County Transportation and Development
Clackamas County Water Environment Services
Participating Cities and Special Districts
Partner Organizations:
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
Clackamas River Water Providers
Greater Oregon City Watershed Council
Metro
North Clackamas Watersheds Council
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Portland General Electric
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Forest Service
Significant Changes in the 2024 Update
Update hazard-related information and data for improved characterizations of evolving hazards, such as drought, extreme heat and other climate change-related impacts.
Improve the risk assessment section through an enhanced vulnerability assessment of community assets and infrastructure.
Better integrate NHMP information in related county plans and planning documents.
Provide mitigation and NHMP-related information in more accessible methods to the public, including improved educational resources and outreach activities
Hazard Mitigation Projects
Since 2006, Clackamas County has been awarded over $4 million in funding from FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance and the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program.
Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program Mitigation Successes
2019: North Campus Sabin-Schellenberg, North Clackamas School District ($2,500,000)
2017: Molalla Fire District Station 82, ($1,189,967)
2017: Sunnyside Elementary (Community of Clackamas), North Clackamas School District, ($1,500,000)
2017: Whitcomb Elementary, North Clackamas School District ($1,500,000).
2014: Clackamas Fire District Fire Station #12 (Logan) ($94,552) • 2014: Clackamas Fire District Fire Station #13 (Clarkes), ($71,582)
Other mitigation success regardless of funding
South End Road, installed slope inclinometers and vibrating wire piezometers See city addenda for mitigation successes within each city and special district.
1The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) is a state of Oregon competitive grant program that provides funding for the seismic rehabilitation of critical public buildings, particularly public schools, and emergency services facilities.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance – Funding
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was formally approved by FEMA and the County in September 2024. The County, participating cities and special districts are eligible for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs while the plan is current, through September 2029. See a full list of grants.
Examples of Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants and programs include:
The Clackamas County Office of Disaster Management is preparing for a major earthquake and we want you to be prepared, too. Please find a list of resources and steps you can take to better safeguard your home and family against disaster.
Preparing for an earthquake
There are lots of steps you can take to be as prepared as possible! Here are just some of the ways you can take care of yourself and loved ones ahead of time:
In a disaster, Clackamas County sends out vital information through a telephone emergency notification system. The system is already programmed with our county's landline phone numbers but you must sign up manually to receive alerts via your cell phone or email. This also works with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
Go Kits allow you, your family and pets to have what's needed in case you must evacuate.
Stay Kits provide you and your family with the means to stay in your home for an extended period of time, as supplies might not be able to be delivered to your area for weeks.
Camping Kits give you and your family direction if you need the option of camping in your backyard or elsewhere.
There are many online tools hat can give you a quick analysis of how an earthquake will affect your immediate area. By plugging your address into the PDX Ready tool, you can see the predicted intensity in your area, the estimated recovery time for the community, and tips on how to prepare.
Do you have a big-screen television? Is it strapped down?
What about large pictures or paintings that could fall on someone’s head?
Are your bookcases and shelving attached to the wall? What about your water heater?
Step 5
Know Your Gas/Water Shutoff Points
In a disaster, gas leaks and water breaks are possible. Know where you can shut these off in your house or apartment if you sense a rupture. Learn more at NW Natural.
What to do during an earthquake
Indoors
Drop, Cover and Hold On. First, DROP to the ground. Then take COVER by getting under a desk or table — or if you aren't by either of those, cover yourself with your hands. HOLD ON to something sturdy.
Outdoors
When the ground begins to shake, move quickly and safely into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings. Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.
In Bed
If you awaken during an earthquake, stay in bed until the shaking stops and protect your head with a pillow. You place yourself in a much better position to avoid injury by doing so.
Stores
If possible, move immediately away from shelves and displays that may fall over or hold objects that could fall. Then drop, cover and hold on.
Theater/Stadium
If you're in a place with long rows, if possible get on the floor between the rows and cover your head with your arms. If not, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking stops.
Wheelchair
If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Move to cover if possible. Lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.
Driving
Carefully bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road away from traffic. Do not stop on or under bridges or power lines, or near roadway signs that might fall. Once the shaking has stopped, you can continue driving, but watch for possible damage to the roadway.
What not to do during an earthquake
An earthquake is a disconcerting thing. Many individuals react without thinking and take the wrong actions. Here's a quick list of actions to avoid:
Do not run outside
The exterior walls of a building are the most dangerous place to be, due to falling windows, facades or other structural debris. Stay inside if inside, or outside away from buildings if outside.
Do not go to other rooms
The shaking can be very violent, causing you to fall down and injure yourself if you try to walk or run. Drop immediately.
Do not stand in a doorway
It is a common misconception that standing in a doorway is the safest place to be in a house. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than other parts of the house. It's difficult to brace yourself under a doorway, so your best option is still under a table instead.
Do not get into the "Triangle of Life"
In recent years, a popular circulated email provided an alternative to the Drop, Cover & Hold On system. This email is based on several incorrect assumptions and we strongly advise you to ignore it.
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