May 28, 2025 3:50 a.m.

As Wildfire Awareness Month comes to a close, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is urging residents to take action now to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by being ready to evacuate.

An OEM release said last year’s wildfire season was the most destructive in Oregon’s recorded history. The 2025 season is shaping up to be just as formattable. Wildfires can spread rapidly, threatening lives, homes and communities, so it’s vital that Oregonians be prepared ahead of time to receive timely notices and to evacuate if asked.

Sign up for emergency alerts to receive evacuation notifications. Visit: https://oralert.gov/ to find the local alert system. Check phone settings to ensure that wireless emergency alerts are enabled.

Create a wildfire evacuation plan. It should include a list of emergency contacts, a safe meeting place in case family members get separated, multiple evacuation routes from home, work and school, and transportation arrangements including for pets and livestock. Make sure that family, friends and neighbors understand the plan.

Assemble a wildfire go-kit. It should include:

*Food and water

*Medications and medical supplies

*Flashlights and phone chargers

*Extra clothing and personal items.

*Copies of vital documents and prescriptions

Be familiar with evacuation levels and understand what they mean.

Additional wildfire preparedness resources are available at: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/