October 27, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Oregon is entering its rainy season while recovering from the recent devastation caused by wildfires.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management is warning people living and traveling in and around areas impacted the wildfires about the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows and urge Oregonians to sign up for emergency alerts, exercise caution and plan ahead.

A release said wildfires dramatically change the landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to a higher risk of flooding. Natural, unburned vegetation and soil normally act as a sponge during a rainfall event. However, after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, block water absorption. As a result, properties located below or downstream of the burned areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Even areas not traditionally flood-prone are at risk of flooding for up to several years after a wildfire.

OED also recommends developing an emergency plan – for floods or other hazards – that includes building or maintaining emergency kits for home, work and vehicles. The release said when a disaster occurs, it’s unrealistic to expect first responders will be able to reach everyone within hours or even days. Oregonians should plan on being self-sufficient for at two weeks following any type of disaster. OEM’s 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx

OED said floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Just an inch of water in an average-size home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. For more information about flood risk and mitigation, go to: https://www.ready.gov/floods

To get emergency alerts from OED: https://oralert.gov/