September is National Preparedness Month and the City is encouraging residents to plan ahead to prepare their homes and families against potential emergencies. The state's theme for this month is "Plan Today. Ready Tomorrow."
Each week in September, we will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
Week 1 (September 4-10): 2 Weeks Ready
This National Preparedness Month, the City and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management are encouraging residents to be 2 Weeks Ready. Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, and once they occur, it may take days or even weeks for responders to reach everyone who needs help.
Being 2 Weeks Ready means staying informed and aware of risks. Make sure you and your family have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any large-scale disaster. Being 2 Weeks Ready also encourages neighbors to care for one another, along with other vulnerable populations. For every person that is prepared, that's one less person first responders need to assist, allowing them to better prioritize and attend to life-threatening situations.
A large part of OEM's mission is to empower people to be as prepared as possible in an emergency because once a disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.
Week 2 (September 11-17): Be Informed
During National Preparedness Month, the City is encouraging residents to be informed ahead of an emergency. This includes knowing where you can sign up to receive Citizen Alert, which is the City's primary emergency notification system.
Citizen Alert will only be sent to individual contact information provided in registered accounts. When you verify your account, please keep the following in mind:
- Each family member should have their own account.
- You can select up to five addresses per account (home, work, school, etc.).
- Add Citizen Alert to your contacts! Add the following phone numbers to your phone’s contacts so you know when you’re receiving an alert from the City of Medford or Jackson County. 541-897-8556 and 88911 (text message).
Click here to sign up or review a Citizen Alert account.
Medford residents can call 541-774-2320 or email citizenalert@cityofmedford.org for assistance with your Citizen Alert account.
Citizen Alert
The City uses Citizen Alert as our primary emergency notification system. Make sure you are signed up for Citizen Alert and your personal information is up to date.
Citizen Alert
Week 3 (September 18-24): Have An Emergency Plan
The City has created a community evacuation map to help Medford residents and businesses prepare for an emergency evacuation.
Knowing your zone is critical to the evacuation process. Click here to enter your address into the interactive map.
Make sure you review your zone details and download/print a copy of your zone neighborhood routes.
Neighborhood evacuation routes for each zone and an evacuation checklist are available in English and Spanish.
Week 4 (September 25-30): Make An Emergency Kit
Being prepared for an emergency means being equipped with at least two weeks' worth of food, water and critical supplies. Make sure you have the items you need in case of an emergency. Download and print the following emergency go bag checklist:
Emergency Go Bag Checklist
Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry backpack, bucket or bag that you can use at home or take with you in an emergency. Please keep in mind that everyone's kit will look different. There is no one correct way to put together two weeks' worth of supplies since everyone has individual needs.