Eugene/Springfield CERT

03/31/2026

02/03/2026

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Get life-saving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

01/25/2026

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If the severe winter storm has already knocked out the power, there are still ways to stay warm safely!

- DO close blinds, curtains & doors to help contain heat.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
- Wear layers of warm clothing.

➡️ ready.gov/power-outages

01/21/2026

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With forecasters predicting the potential for severe winter weather across Tennessee starting this weekend, we're urging Tennesseans to create a "go bag" for their vehicles in the event that they must evacuate their homes during a weather-related emergency. What should you include? Here's a list.

-Mobile phone, charger, batteries.
-Blankets/sleeping bags.
-Flashlight with extra batteries.
-First-aid kit.
-Petty cash.
-Copies of important papers.
-High-calorie, non-perishable food.
-Extra clothing to keep dry.
-Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels.
-Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water.
-Sack of sand or cat litter for traction.
-Shovel.
-Windshield scraper and brush.
-Tool kit.
-Tow rope.
-Battery booster cables.
-Water container.
-Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
-Compass and road maps. Don’t depend on mobile devices with limited battery life.

Questions about your coverage on an insurance policy? Call us at 1-800-342-4029 or 615-741-2218.

01/21/2026

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Winter storms can knock out power and restrict travel. As soon as a storm is forecast for your area, make sure your household's emergency kit has food, water and other supplies to last everyone for several days. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information!

12/24/2025

Training opportunity!!!

11/08/2025

Whiteaker Community Fair

10/29/2025

Fall weather has set in! With changing road conditions, make sure your vehicle emergency kit is up to speed. 🚗🛠️

Pack essentials like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Always check the weather for your route and use Tripcheck.com or call 511 for road conditions. 🌧️❄️

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, here is your suggested checklist:

✔️ Phone charger, warm clothes, blankets
✔️ First aid kit, bottled water and nonperishable snacks
✔️ Jumper cables, flashlight with batteries, road flares
✔️ Ice scraper, shovel, tire chains if needed
✔️ Winterize your vehicle, keep a full tank of gas and a spare tire.

10/21/2025

Week 5: Earthquake & Tsunami Readiness

What actions do we take before, during and after an earthquake/tsunami? How can you protect yourself, your family and your home?

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
Protect your Home
Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider financial planning for disasters and obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

THE IMPORTANT OF DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON
It is important to know how to drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake. By memorizing these steps, you will be better prepared and can help reduce the likelihood of injury to yourself and your others in your vicinity.
So, what is drop, cover and hold on? Here are the steps to help you learn how to protect yourself during an earthquake:dropcoverhold

1. DROP
As soon as you notice the first signs of an earthquake, drop onto your hands and knees. Earthquakes are very powerful and might knock you down if you remain standing, which could cause injury.
By dropping to the floor and staying low, you will be in a more stable, safe position. From a dropped position, you can also crawl to cover. If you are seated and cannot drop to the floor, you should still follow steps 2 and 3: Cover and Hold On.

2. COVER
Even small items in your home, such as a vase on a bookshelf or a framed photo on the wall, could cause severe injury if they fall onto you during an earthquake.
First, cover your head and neck with one arm while you seek out a more protective shelter. If there is a sturdy desk or table nearby, you can crawl underneath for cover. If no such furniture is accessible, crawl next to an interior wall and get as far away from windows as possible. Regardless of your location, remain dropped on your knees and bend over to protect your head and vital organs.

3. HOLD ON
After the initial jolt, there is still a chance of aftershocks, building damage, and other dangers. Because of this, it is important to hold on until you are no longer in immediate danger. Until the shaking stops, stay in your covered, dropped position.
Furniture might shift around during the earthquake, so if the table or desk you are under moves, you need to be prepared to move with it. So, you should hold on to your shelter with one hand in order to stay close to it. If you aren’t sheltered under furniture, use both arms and hands to hold on to your head and neck.

WHAT TO DO IN OTHER SITUATIONS
The random nature of earthquakes means that one very well could strike while you are away from home. Here’s what to do in a variety of specific situations:
IN BED: Stay in bed and lie down. Hold on to your head and neck with both hands. You can cover your head and neck with a pillow for additional protection.
OUTDOORS: If you can safely do so, head to an open, clear area free of hazards like trees, street signs, buildings, and vehicles. Be mindful that objects might still fall from the side, so follow the drop, cover, and hold on rules to protect yourself.
DRIVING: Stay inside your vehicle. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road, come to a complete stop, and activate the parking brake. Try to avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, and other potential dangers. When you resume driving, be sure to avoid damaged areas of the highway or road, and stay clear of emergency service vehicles.
IN A STORE: You can follow the same general drop, cover, and hold on principles as you would in your home. Use what is around you for cover, such as a shopping cart or clothing racks.
NEAR THE SHORE: If you are near a body of water or the coast, you’ll still want to follow the drop, cover, and hold on procedure. Then, when shaking reduces, move inward or to higher ground in case of a tsunami. If possible, walk to avoid traffic slowdowns.

MORE TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND
As soon as the ground stops shaking, assess your situation. If possible, move to higher ground or a safer location, especially if you are in a landslide or tsunami inundation zone. Take a moment to check around you for any new hazards that may have formed, such as leaking gas lines, building damage or collapse, or broken water or electric lines. If there are any injuries to yourself or those around you, use your first aid training to provide assistance.
tsunami evacuation sign

FEMA has a number of good resources to help you determine how to prepare before and stay safe during a tsunami, but our focus this week will be on getting citizens acquainted with tsunami risk specific to Lane County.

What is the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ)?
If you're unfamiliar with the potential source for tsunami in Lane County, start this week by reading up on the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The CSZ is underwater fault line about 80 miles off our coast that produces a major earthquake every 300-500 years (the last CSZ earthquake/tsunami occurred in 1700).
When a CSZ earthquake occurs, it sends a tsunami to the local shore in as little as 15 minutes, so it is critical once the shaking stops for anyone in the tsunami inundation zone to move to high ground.

Where is Tsunami Inundation Zone?
The first step in preparing for tsunami evacuation is to consider the locations where you live, work and play. Once you've identified your common places, figure out which of them are in the tsunami inundation zone by using a couple different resources: Access inundation maps online to find locations by community or visit the interactive NANOOS site where you can type in an address to determine a variety of hazards that impact your area. At a glance, green is the high ground you're aiming for, and yellow represents the largest tsunami anticipated on the Oregon Coast...the worst-case scenario.

Plan Your Route
Okay, now that you've had time to look, did you find that one of your frequented places is in the inundation zone? If so, use the online maps again, this time to identify the route you would take to safe ground following an earthquake/tsunami.

Pack a Kit
Don't wait until an emergency to practice evacuation. First, pack a kit of the necessary items you would need if you had to leave your home quickly-- also, make sure to have a pair of boots and flashlight next to the bed ready to grab.

Practice, Practice, Practice
Next, practice grabbing your bag and walking along evacuation route(s). Practice with friends, practice at a moment's notice, and practice in the dark. Consider the following:
✅ How long does it take?
✅ What potential obstacles you might encounter along the way?
✅ What might change about the route(s) after an earthquake?
✅ How fast will you need to travel to make it safely to high ground?
✅ How would you plan differently for winter/summer and day/night?

10/20/2025

Week 4: Kids, Seniors, Pets & Peace of Mind
Congratulations, you made it to Week 4-- we're over halfway there!

Now that we've covered the essentials of creating a kit and plan, this week’s focus is on helping families create tailored emergency plans that thoughtfully include everyone — children, pets, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and anyone else who may be especially vulnerable during a disaster.

It’s a time to encourage proactive, age- and ability-appropriate conversations about emergencies, while also learning how to build go bags that meet the unique needs of each family member. By preparing together, families can experience greater peace of mind and build routines that support everyone’s well-being in a crisis. This week also highlights how involving children and other family members in preparedness activities can boost confidence, encourage responsibility, and strengthen a household’s overall readiness.

What goes in go-bag for kids, pets, seniors, and people with access/functional needs?

Everyone needs the same basic essentials in a go-bag, like food, water, important documents, and first aid supplies, but seniors, pets, children, and disabled persons require extra consideration because of their specific, individual needs. Tailoring the go-bag with these special items ensures everyone has what they need to stay safe and comfortable when time is critical. Here are some ideas to get you started—click the headings for each one to visit the FEMA website for more information:

Children:
Age-appropriate snacks and bottled water
Favorite toys, books, or comfort items (e.g., a blanket or stuffed animal)
Diapers, wipes, and changing supplies (if applicable)
Child-safe medications or prescriptions
Extra clothing, including weather-appropriate layers
Small first aid kit tailored for kids (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
Comfort items and activities

Pets:
Pet food and treats (enough for several days)
Water and a portable water bowl
Leash, collar, and harness
Pet carrier or crate for transport
Copies of vaccination and medical records
Any medications or supplements your pet needs
Waste bags and cleaning supplies
Comfort items and activities

Older Adults:Prep List for Seniors
Prescription medications with extra doses
Mobility aids (canes, walkers, wheelchairs)
Hearing aids and extra batteries
Eyeglasses and contact lenses with solution
Medical alert information or devices
Comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes
Copies of medical records and emergency contacts
Comfort items and activities.

People with Disabilities:
Prep for AFN
Specialized medical equipment (e.g., CPAP machines, oxygen tanks)
Extra batteries or chargers for electronic devices
Communication aids (e.g., speech devices, writing tools)
Personal care items tailored to individual needs
Assistance devices (e.g., prosthetics, braces)
Backup supplies for mobility devices (e.g., wheelchair repair kit)
Copies of medical records, care instructions, and emergency contacts
Comfort items and activities

Talking to Kids About Emergencies is important—here are some tips for doing it effectively:
When preparing for emergencies with children, it's important to keep conversations age-appropriate by using simple, clear language and focusing on the idea of staying safe rather than the dangers involved.
Reassure them that adults are there to protect them, and frame preparedness as something empowering rather than scary.
To ease anxiety and promote confidence, involve kids in small tasks like helping pack their go-bag or choosing a comfort item to include.
Teaching them important information—such as how to dial 911, their full name and address, who their emergency contacts are, and where safe meeting places are—helps them feel more in control and prepared if they ever need to act on their own.
Turn emergency preparedness into a fun and engaging activity for kids! Try emergency-themed games and scavenger hunts that help them learn what goes in a go-bag or where to find supplies around the house.
Use role-playing to act out safe scenarios like how to evacuate, what to do if they get separated, or how to call 911.
You can also include pet care checklists they can help manage—like packing food, toys, or checking ID tags—so they feel responsible and included in keeping the whole family safe.

Pets in Emergencies: What You Need to Know Preparing for emergencies with pets means making sure their basic and medical needs are covered, just like any other family member.

A pet emergency kit should include food and water for several days, a leash or harness, a secure carrier or crate, any necessary medications, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket.

It’s also important to keep updated ID tags on your pet’s collar, have current microchip information, and store copies of vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag.
Since not all shelters accept animals, plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly shelters, boarding facilities, or trusted friends or family members who can care for your pet if you can’t bring them with you.

Comfort Items
Comfort items are essential because they provide emotional support and help reduce stress during emergencies, especially for children and seniors. Here are comfort item examples tailored for each group that can make a big difference in helping everyone feel more at ease during stressful situations:

Seniors: Soft blankets, favorite photos, a cherished book or magazine, a familiar scent like a scented handkerchief
Pets: Favorite toys, a well-loved blanket or bed, chew treats, or a familiar-smelling item from home
Children: Stuffed animals, favorite toys or dolls, blankets, picture books, or a small comfort pillow
Disabled Persons: Personal sensory items (like stress balls or fidget tools), favorite music playlists or headphones, comforting textiles, or familiar personal objects that help ease anxiety
Videos

This week’s collection of preparedness videos and public service announcements:

FEMA: Ready Campaign’s “Prepare to Protect” PSA | The Best Planner Big Game

National Preparedness Month: Prepared Not Scared, Preparing Kids PSA

Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Access/Functional Needs

Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans (FEMA)

Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners (FEMA)

How to Make an Emergency Plan

Prepping with Kids



Take Action This Week

Preparedness is a family effort — kids, seniors, and pets included — and by planning now, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing everyone’s needs are covered; empower your children to be part of the process, remember that pets are family too, and don’t wait for an emergency—take simple steps today to start preparing everyone in your household.

✅ Create or Update a Family Emergency Plan to include children and pets Make sure your emergency plan accounts for the specific needs, routines, and responsibilities related to young children and pets, including transportation, care, and communication.

✅ Start conversations with kids and seniors about preparation for emergencies in age-appropriate ways Use simple, reassuring language and relatable examples to help children and seniors understand what to expect and how they can stay safe during an emergency.

✅ Build or Review Go Bags for Kids, Pets, Elderly, or Disabled Family Members Check that each family member’s go-bag includes essential supplies tailored to their unique medical, mobility, or emotional needs, and update items regularly.

✅ Highlight the role children can play in preparedness to boost confidence and responsibility Empowering kids with small tasks—like helping pack their go-bag or practicing the family drill—can make them feel more secure and involved.

✅ Practice with a Family Drill Running through a home evacuation or communication drill helps everyone know what to do in an emergency and reveals any gaps in your plan.