Family Emergency Preparedness

Cascadia Earthquake Preparedness

A major earthquake off the Pacific Northwest coast could happen at any time. OSU Extension is playing a critical role in helping Oregon's people and communities prepare for this predicted natural disaster.

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Photo by Cal OES is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 (Cropped from original)

Featured Resources

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 disaster. This ...

Glenda Hyde, Lynette Black, Lauren Kraemer | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 University Extension ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Lauren Kraemer | Apr 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 conveniences. This ...

Lynette Black | Feb 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Latest Resources

Emergency response fulfills Extension's mission to serve all Oregonians

The OSU Extension Service has a defined role in federal, state and local emergency plans.

Chris Branam | Sep 18, 2020 | News story

Extension employees among tens of thousands of Oregon fire evacuees

OSU Extension employees are among the tens of thousands of Oregonians who have been evacuated due to the wildfires. Here are a few of their stories.

Chris Branam | Sep 16, 2020 | News story

Improve indoor air quality from wildfire smoke during COVID-19

Officials warn us to stay indoors when air quality is poor due to heavy smoke from wildfires. Reduced exposure to smoke helps protect our lungs, heart, eyes, nose, throat and immune systems. Staying indoors, if possible, can ...

Glenda Hyde | Sep 2020 | Article

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Oregonians: stay informed and stay safe.

Visit the State of Oregon's hub for government resources on air quality index, fire hotspots maps and wildfire damage relief.

Access it now

Pixabay (Cropped from original)

State Fire Specialist Daniel Leavell teaching wildfire science and fuels reduction.

Learn what is happening in your community

Extension is working across Oregon and producing information that answers questions we hear from those concerned about wildfires.

Browse the Fire resources

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Community Disaster Preparedness

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Home Food Preservation

Meet Our Experts

Lynette Black is an Extension associate professor and Oregon 4-H Youth Development faculty.

Lynette Black

Associate Professor, Oregon 4-H Youth Development Statewide and Wasco County; OSU Extension Service Extension Disaster Education Network Representative

Glenda Hyde

Associate Professor of Practice, Family and Community Health; OSU Extension Service Extension Disaster Education Network Delegate

Lauren Kraemer

Assistant Professor of Practice, Family and Community Health

Contact me with all your health and wellness questions in the Columbia River Gorge.

Dusti Linnell

Family & Community Health

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask Us a Question

What should I do about the wildfire ash covering my yard and garden?

Q: My shrubs are covered in ash. When this is over should I take a hose and spray them off?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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