Preparing for “When,” Not “If”

RAINBOW: Residents attending Saturday’s Disaster Preparedness Fair in Rainbow received hands-on information ranging from wildfire response to emergency communications and youth preparedness to emerging technologies designed to improve survival and recovery during disasters.

One popular booth featured drone technology now being used by the Upper McKenzie Fire District for wildfire response and search-and-rescue missions. Jason Wickizer, the only state-qualified pilot authorized to fly on wildfires, explained how the department’s drone program has already proven its value.

Received last November, it was deployed on its first mission just weeks later during a search operation and came within 30 yards of the target during the search, demonstrating the precision possible of modern aerial technology.

A major capability is the drone’s infrared laser system, which can identify fires from as far as a mile away and instantly provide exact GPS coordinates. Karla Hogan, president of the Oregon Horse Council, focused on emergency communication tools designed to assist with animal evacuations during disasters. She demonstrated a smartphone-based system that allows emergency responders to send alerts to residents in evacuation zones and receive two-way responses about whether people need assistance evacuating livestock or pets.

She highlighted challenges faced by elderly residents who may struggle with newer technology and noted that traditional phone communication would still remain available during emergencies.

Over at the Oregon State University Extension 4-H booth coordinator Melinda Garcia spoke about the importance of teaching youth to become self-reliant during emergencies rather than depending entirely on adults for direction.

She emphasized the wide range of natural hazards facing Oregon residents, particularly those living near the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Garcia said earthquakes, wildfires, volcanoes, tsunamis and winter storms are all realities Oregonians must prepare for.

“It’s not if, it’s when it’s going to happen,” Garcia told people while stressing the importance of community preparedness.

Her outreach programs provide preparedness training at schools, camps, after-school programs and community centers. Participants receive starter emergency backpacks containing 24 items including medical supplies, emergency flashlights, whistles, hygiene products, communication materials and survival tools.

Garcia said the backpacks are intended to serve as a starting point for families building larger emergency kits. She emphasized that equipment alone is not enough without knowing how to use it properly.

She also encouraged residents to maintain updated emergency documentation, including medical information, emergency contacts, copies of identification documents and photographs of homes and property. Garcia recommended storing important files on flash drives in addition to fireproof boxes so critical information remains accessible during evacuations and recovery efforts.

With wildfire season approaching and drought conditions already developing across Oregon, organizers said the fair was designed to help residents better prepare themselves, their families and their animals for future emergencies.