07/30/2026
Our hearts are with each and every Oregonian impacted by the wildfires raging in our state. Wherever you live, it’s important to be safe and prepared when it comes to wildfires and smoke. Here are some tips to help get you through the season:
🧡 Prepare in advance. Have a “go bag” with all the essentials ready to go for every member of your household. Include important documents, medications, backup food and water, pet supplies, and any other personal items you may need. Save the evacuation routes for your area so you know where to go.
🧡 Don’t let your home become fuel. Clear dry vegetation near your house, clean your gutters, and keep plenty of defensible space around the perimeter of your home.
🧡 Look out for your neighbors. Wildfires are community-wide emergencies. Check in with the elderly, those living with disabilities, and families with small children in your neighborhood when the fire risk is rising.
🧡 Heed local fire restrictions. Use extreme caution with anything that can cause a spark when conditions are dry. This includes grills and chains on vehicles.
🧡 Sign up for emergency alerts ahead of time. Head to oralert.gov to register for lifesaving instructions and alerts during wildfires.
🧡 Stay safe in smoke. Wildfire smoke travels hundreds of miles and can pose an even greater risk than the fire itself, especially for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and folks with medical conditions. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area at airnow.gov. When the air reaches unhealthy levels, try to stay inside if you can, keep doors and windows closed, and run an air purifier if you have one. Keep some N95’s on hand in case you need to go outside in the smoke.
For more safety tips, visit https://oeconline.org/2026-wildfire-season-tips/
