Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies don't wait for a convenient time. The best time to prepare is now — before disaster strikes. Use these guides to protect your family, your home, and your community.
Know the Risks in Our Region
Douglas County faces a range of natural hazards — from Umpqua River flooding and summer wildfires to winter ice storms and extended power outages. Being prepared means understanding which hazards are most likely in your area and having a plan before they occur.
Emergency management experts recommend being prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours — and ideally up to two weeks — following a major disaster.
Flooding
The Umpqua River basin is prone to seasonal flooding. Know your flood zone.
Wildfire
Douglas County faces significant wildfire risk each summer and fall.
Severe Storms
Ice storms and high winds can knock out power for days at a time.
Power Outages
Extended outages affect communications, heating, and medical equipment.
Build Your Go-Bag
A go-bag (also called a 72-hour kit or bug-out bag) is a portable collection of supplies you can grab quickly if you need to evacuate. Keep it in an easy-to-reach location.
Water
One gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. Include water purification tablets.
Food
Three-day supply of non-perishable food. Manual can opener. Don't forget pet food.
Light & Power
Flashlight, extra batteries, hand-crank or solar-powered radio, portable phone charger.
Documents
Copies of IDs, insurance cards, bank info, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag.
Communications
Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio. Know local amateur radio frequencies.
First Aid
First aid kit, prescription medications (7-day supply), glasses, hearing aids, and supplies.
Make a Communication Plan
A plan your whole family knows is worth more than any piece of equipment. Practice it before you need it.
Choose an Out-of-Area Contact
Pick a friend or family member outside Douglas County who everyone can call or text to check in. It's often easier to reach someone out of the area than a neighbor during a local disaster.
Designate Meeting Places
Agree on two meeting spots: one near your home (in case of fire) and one outside your neighborhood (in case you can't return home). Make sure everyone in your household knows both locations.
Know Your Evacuation Routes
Identify at least two routes out of your neighborhood and out of Douglas County. Keep a paper map in your vehicle — GPS may not work during a widespread emergency.
Learn About Amateur Radio
When cell networks and internet fail, amateur radio often still works. Consider getting your Technician license — it takes just a few hours of study and opens up local VHF/UHF communications.
Know Your Local Resources
Bookmark these resources now — before you need them. Many are available offline or via radio when internet access is unavailable.
Douglas County Office of Emergency Management
CountyOfficial county emergency plans, evacuation zones, shelter locations, and alerts.
Visit ResourceOregon Office of Emergency Management
StateStatewide hazard information, preparedness guides, and disaster declarations.
Visit ResourceAmerican Red Cross — Oregon Cascades Chapter
ReliefDisaster relief, shelter locations, and preparedness training classes.
Visit ResourceNOAA Weather — Medford Forecast Office
WeatherLocal weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, and NOAA Weather Radio frequencies.
Visit ResourceReady.gov
FederalFederal emergency preparedness guides, checklists, and planning tools for every hazard type.
Visit ResourceDouglas County ARES — Join Us
ARESGet your amateur radio license and join our volunteer emergency communications team.
Learn MoreWhere ARES Fits Into Your Preparedness Plan
During a major disaster, Douglas County ARES volunteers deploy to support the county's emergency operations center, Red Cross shelters, hospitals, and other served agencies — providing voice and digital communications when commercial systems fail.
What You Can Do
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for alerts (162.400–162.550 MHz)
- Know your evacuation zone and routes before an emergency
- Sign up for Douglas County emergency alerts at co.douglas.or.us
- Consider getting your amateur radio Technician license
- Volunteer with Douglas County ARES to serve your community