In the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, City of Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams encourages citizens to prepare and be ready in case of an emergency here. Read Mayor Adams’s entire press release issued today to the citizens of Portland below:

As the horrific and tragic events of last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan remind us, disaster can strike anywhere with little to no warning. We are also reminded that an event on the other side of the ocean can impact lives—and livelihoods—here in Oregon.

It is important to continue to find ways to help the communities who have been affected by this tragedy—from the Oregon coast to the islands of Japan. I have reached out to the Consul General of Japan, offering my thoughts and prayers to the people impacted by this tragedy. International aid groups, like Portland-based Mercy Corps, are responding and aiding in recovery efforts. You can contribute to Mercy Corps’ Japan Earthquake Response fund here.

It is equally important to ensure that you and your family and friends are taking steps to make yourselves more aware and more prepared, in case of an emergency here in Portland.

There are many things you can do. And they all start with three simple steps:

1. Make a plan: Determine where your family would meet in case of emergency. Assume that your mobile phone network will be overloaded. Identify an out-of-state contact who could serve as your family’s coordinator.
2. Make a kit: Assume you will need food and water for at least 72 hours for every member of your family, including any pets. Be sure to pack first-aid supplies, a flashlight and emergency radio and other key items (follow this link to see a more complete list.)
3. Get trained: Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) are a valuable resource for our community, and training is free and open to the public.

In addition, residents of the Portland metro area are encouraged to visit PublicAlerts.org to sign up to receive emergency alerts and view information on major service disruptions, road closures, transit schedules and other emergency information.

Resiliency begins with the readiness of every household and every neighborhood, and preparedness is an ongoing effort. Every step helps.

Sincerely,

Sam Adams
Mayor

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   March 15, 2011

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