Stay informed during communications outages:
- Have a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
- Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies – even when cell towers are down.
- Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do.
Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies). - Turn on WEA alerts on phone
- Make sure WEAs are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
- WEA messages are sent through cell towers – if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered.
- Charge everything in advance and have backup power
- Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
A generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful. - Know your evacuation routes in advance
- Save evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
- Most mapping services offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
- When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early. - If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings
- If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone, your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.
Greenhill Humane: Keep your pet safe, comfortable during in hotter temperatures
- Leave pets at home when running errands to prevent heat stroke.
- Keep pets indoors during peak heat and provide access to fresh water.
- Ensure shaded areas are available for outdoor time, and consider a misting hose or kiddie pool for cooling.
- Check surfaces like pavement or sand for heat before walks.
Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day to protect pets. - If paws appear burned, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs should not ride in uncovered pickup truck beds to prevent injuries.
Did you know?
Oregon’s “Good Samaritan” law allows anyone to enter a locked vehicle to rescue an unattended child or domestic animal without fear of liability, provided they:
- Confirm the vehicle is locked or that the child/animal cannot exit alone.
- Believe the child or animal is in imminent danger.
- Notify law enforcement or emergency services before or shortly after entering the vehicle.
- Use only necessary force to gain entry.
- Stay with the child or animal until help arrives.
It’s advisable to contact law enforcement first. Note that many electric vehicles have “dog modes” that keep the interior climate-controlled.
Heatstroke symptoms in animals include excessive thirst, heavy panting, and lethargy. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur. Full details are in ORS 30.813.
Wildlife & Heat
Oregon’s wildlife has evolved to coexist with fire, but climate change is increasing wildfire intensity and frequency.
Wildfires result in immediate habitat loss and alterations to ecosystem structures. Species dependent on mature forests, such as the Northern Spotted Owl, might decline due to habitat destruction.
Wildlife might seek refuge in urban areas as natural resources dwindle, increasing human-wildlife interactions.
Wildfires can adversely affect aquatic habitats through runoff, increasing water murkiness and altering water chemistry. This can lead to fish die-offs and disrupt the ecological balance of aquatic systems.
Some species, like certain birds and mammals, benefit from the new growth found in young forests post-fire.
Species such as the pyrophilous beetle are adapted to thrive in burned areas and utilize post-fire resources.
Take note:
- Avoid feeding displaced wildlife: Feeding can lead to dependency and conflicts.
- Provide fresh water: Place it away from homes to prevent attracting various animals.
Temporarily drop gates and fences: This allows wildlife to move more freely. - Report sick or dead wildlife: Call local ODFW offices or the Wildlife Health Lab.
- For injured or orphaned wildlife, refer to the Oregon Wildlife Foundation and local ODFW resources.
- For rehabilitation centers, visit ODFW Wildlife Rehabilitation for a list.
- Contribute to organizations like Oregon Wildlife Foundation, which coordinates restoration efforts in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW).
