Family emergency preparedness

Survival Basics series

Survival basics: Emergency kits

In a natural disaster or other emergency, the key to survival is being prepared. Be ready with an emergency kit for your family. Emergency kits contain the basic needs for life: food, water, warmth, first-aid ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Lauren Kraemer, Patrick Corcoran | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Photo: Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization (Cropped from original)

Survival Basics: Sanitation and Waste Management

The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake will cause heavy damage to our water and sewer systems, rendering them unusable for weeks, months or years. What will we do when our toilets, sinks and plumbing systems ...

Lauren Kraemer, Glenda Hyde, Lynette Black | Oct 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Survival Basics: Food — How to Stock Up and Prepare for Natural Disasters

Scientists say that a major earthquake could hit the Pacific Northwest in the next 50 years. When disaster strikes, you will need a variety of healthy foods at hand. Being able to feed yourself and your ...

Glenda Hyde, Brenda Marty-Jimenez, Lynette Black, Patrick Corcoran, Lauren Kraemer | Aug 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Cropped from original)

Survival Basics: Water

Explore a variety of methods for purifying and storing water for an extended emergency. Learn how to find or make safe water from additional sources. This publication is a companion piece for Oregon State ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Lauren Kraemer, Catalina Sánchez-Frank | May 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Survival Basics: Stress Less

In an emergency, fear and anxiety are a natural reaction. However, there are ways to prepare for those tense, anxious moments with an emotional toolkit that helps you cope and respond effectively during a ...

Glenda Hyde, Lynette Black, Lauren Kraemer, Catalina Sanchez-Frank | Sep 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Credit: Benjamin Balazd/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 / CC BY-NC-SA (Cropped from original)

Survival basics: Cascadia action steps: It’s time to get ready

Cascadia Actions Steps explains how Oregon residents and guests can prepare to survive and rebuild after the expected Cascadia earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Glenda Hyde, Lynette Black, Patrick Corcoran, Lauren Kraemer, Catalina Sánchez-Frank | Jul 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Survival Basics: No Power? No Problem: Tips to Help You Thrive in the Face of Disaster

The Cascadia Earthquake, when it occurs, will cripple western Oregon's communications and infrastructure. These tips will help residents manage through what could be months of no electricity and other modern ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Catalina Sánchez-Frank | Mar 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

More emergency preparedness resources

• Preparing for the Cascadia Subduction Zone Event: Oregon State University Extension Service’s free online training is open to everyone. It includes videos, narrated presentations, virtual reality simulations, interactive maps, articles and other resources exploring what the earthquake and tsunami will be like and how those affected can manage the subsequent recovery. (Spanish: Preparación para el Evento de la Zona de Subducción de Cascadia)
• Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM): The office coordinates and maintains a statewide emergency services system for emergency and disaster communications. OEM is made up of four Sections: Director’s Office, Technology and Response, Operations and Preparedness, and Mitigation and Recovery Services.
• Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery: The State of Oregon's hub for government resources on air quality index, fire hotspots maps and wildfire damage relief.
• American Red Cross Training Services: Sign up for CPR, AED and First Aid training and certification through the American Red Cross.